According to insights from Akira Toriyama’s editors, there was a notable period during which he distanced himself from the Dragon Ball franchise, experiencing a significant drop in his creative energy. Recent translations from a podcast featuring editors Kazuhiko Torishima, Yu Kondo, and Fuyuto Takeda detail Toriyama’s creative slump and how he ultimately revitalized his passion for manga.
Decline in Creativity After Dragon Ball’s Conclusion
Fuyuto Takeda’s Insights into Toriyama’s Journey
Fuyuto Takeda, who served as the third editor for Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, observed significant changes in the creator’s outlook. After taking over from Yu Kondo during the Perfect Cell Saga, he noted that Toriyama seemed to resign himself to the belief that he could never surpass his earlier work. This perspective led to a lack of initiative, with Toriyama responding to new project proposals for series like Dragon Ball GT and the poorly received Dragon Ball Evolution with indifference, essentially allowing others to lead without his direct input.
Despite his close ties to Toriyama, neither Takeda nor the other editors had seen the upcoming release of Dragon Ball DAIMA by the time of this podcast recording.
Kazuhiko Torishima, the first editor to work with Toriyama, found this creative withdrawal bittersweet. Acknowledging his role in nurturing Toriyama’s talents and turning Dragon Ball into a major franchise, he nonetheless hoped for new creative ventures from the artist. Unfortunately, when Torishima would suggest new manga ideas, Toriyama would often cite physical limitations or the loss of his favorite creative tools as reasons for his reluctance, dimming Torishima’s hopes for future masterpieces.
Reigniting the Creative Flame
How Technology Sparked Toriyama’s Interest Once Again
Interestingly, Toriyama rediscovered his enthusiasm through technological advancements, particularly with Apple computers. This new technology opened doors for him to experiment with digital screen tones in manga, allowing him to immerse himself in art purely for the joy of creation. Following the conclusion of Dragon Ball, he ventured into various one-shots and short series, producing works like Cowa! (1997–1998), Kajika (1998), and Sand Land (2000).
His last major project, Jaco the Galactic Patrolman (2013), was a culmination of his self-driven creativity before he collaborated with other artists like Masakazu Katsura and Eiichiro Oda on one-off specials. In 2015, Toriyama re-entered the Dragon Ball universe with Dragon Ball Super, working closely with illustrator Toyotarou until his passing in 2024. His immense impact on both manga and broader pop culture continues to resonate, with his stories influencing countless creators and fans. Furthermore, the legacy of Toriyama’s work lives on through Dragon Ball DAIMA, a clear testament to his enduring creativity and influence.