Dragon Ball stands as a pillar in the world of anime, showcasing a rich array of characters, both heroic and villainous. While Goku has undeniably become the defining figure of the genre since his introduction, other notable characters like Vegeta and Piccolo are also gaining recognition beyond the franchise. With a legacy that spans over four decades, its impact during the ’90s and 2000s in popularizing anime in the West remains significant, allowing its characters to achieve a timeless status.
Notably, alongside its beloved heroes, the series boasts an impressive roster of villains, with the notorious Frieza at the forefront. Despite his limited appearances in Akira Toriyama’s original narrative, Frieza’s influence surged after his comeback in 2015’s Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’. This pivotal moment reshaped the direction of Dragon Ball Super, where he has since evolved into a key character. Remarkably, it was a song that sparked the idea for Frieza’s resurrection.
Frieza’s Return: Inspired by Music
Unexpected Inspiration for Frieza’s Comeback
With the revival of Dragon Ball in the 2010s, the series aimed to carve out a new narrative path, distancing itself from the often-criticized Dragon Ball GT. Fans were initially puzzled when Frieza made an early comeback following 2013’s Battle of Gods, raising eyebrows about the creative direction. However, the reasoning behind this choice was equally shocking.
In a 2015 interview, Toei Animation producer Norihiro Hayashida explained that Toriyama’s decision to resurrect Frieza was influenced by the song “F”from the band Maximum the Hormone. This sparked Toriyama’s enthusiasm, leading him to envision a storyline that brought the evil emperor back to life.
This song, steeped in metaphor, juxtaposes Frieza and his underlings, Zarbon and Dodoria, with themes of tyranny and the infamous 1995 Tokyo subway attack by the Aum Shinrikyo cult. Maximum the Hormone has made a name for themselves within the anime sphere, previously being featured in renowned titles like Death Note and Chainsaw Man. Notably, “F” was also incorporated into Resurrection ‘F’.
Frieza Emerges as a Key Figure in Dragon Ball Super
A Single Decision That Reshaped Dragon Ball Super
The unexpected creative choice to resurrect Frieza, influenced by a song, has had lasting repercussions for the Dragon Ball series. From his resurrection, Frieza has not only re-entered the narrative but has also significantly influenced Universe 7’s performance in the Tournament of Power and is now poised in the ongoing storyline following his latest transformation as Black Frieza.
This approach of impromptu storytelling is characteristic of Akira Toriyama’s writing style. Historically, he preferred to not plan too far ahead during the original run of Dragon Ball in Weekly Shōnen Jump, making week-to-week decisions based on the evolving narrative. For example, the introduction of Trunks occurred without Toriyama having predetermined the character’s backstory, showcasing his inclination towards spontaneous creativity.
The evolution of the narrative has often been guided by suggestions from his editor, responding to the audience’s expectations and reactions. Frieza’s return, prompted by a chance encounter with a song, illustrates how the creative landscape of Dragon Ball can pivot dramatically, and fans can express gratitude towards Maximum the Hormone for the unfolding adventures in Dragon Ball Super. Listen to “F” by Maximum the Hormone here on YouTube.
Source: Flying Postman Press April 2015 Issue (translation by Kanzenshuu)