Akira Toriyama did not achieve legendary status overnight. He had to work hard to become an iconic figure in the anime and manga industry. The Dragon Ball series has become a household name worldwide, but it was not an easy journey.
Akira Toriyama faced numerous rejections before discovering his breakthrough in creating manga. At one point in history, publishers often rejected his ideas, as they were unsure if they would resonate with readers.
However, those rejections were crucial for him, enabling him to refine his work. Moreover, the rejections he faced later served as inspiration for the Dragon Ball series. They shaped how he developed characters and storylines, ultimately allowing him to create a lasting impact in the industry.
Furthermore, the collaboration between Goku and Vegeta has made a significant mark in the anime and manga industries over the past decades. The storyline has captivated millions of fans around the globe.
In a conversation with Rumiko Takahashi, Akira Toriyama shared: “About 500 pages of my work were rejected before I could publish. I took a lot of ideas from the rejected drafts. And I think I still have some of those ideas in my current work. When these drafts were rejected, I felt truly frustrated.”
Five hundred pages of drafts is quite a substantial amount, reflecting the dedication of the author to his craft. Fortunately, Akira Toriyama did not lose hope and remained persistent, not letting the rejections deter his creative ideas. He broke through and created a masterpiece.
Although Toriyama sensei has incorporated several rejected ideas into his significant works, he has never disclosed which ideas made it into Dragon Ball. He remains discreet about this, as revealing such details could diminish the reputation of the publishing house.
Some speculate and are curious about the ideas behind Goku being an extraterrestrial (a Saiyan), which was also rejected. Ultimately, everything turned out beautifully. Based on those rejections, the Dragon Ball series has thrived and continues to succeed remarkably. Its legendary status has also contributed to the expansion of the anime and manga industries.
