Before becoming a legendary name in the manga industry, Akira Toriyama was merely an employee at a design company, struggling with the pressures of early morning commutes and the need to dress appropriately for work. The dissatisfaction with his job led him to make a bold decision: he quit his stable job to pursue his passion for manga creation.
Initial Steps in Comedy and Directional Change
After leaving the design company, Akira Toriyama found himself in a challenging situation. At just 23 years old, he decided to dive into the world of manga after accidentally sitting in a café and reading a magazine that had information on “how to create new manga.”
Initially, his focus was on creating short stories, influenced by the comic style of the time. However, the advice he received from his editor prompted him to change his approach to storytelling.
The editor recognized Toriyama’s unique potential and encouraged him to develop a comic series centered around action themes.
Akira Toriyama’s Unforeseen Journey into Shonen Manga
While Toriyama was working on completing his previous project, Dr. Slump, his editor suggested a new challenge. This challenge led to the creation of an entirely new comic series within three months.
Before this, the idea for Dragon Ball developed through a few failed attempts at creating a “one-shot” story that did not meet success. Ultimately, the inspiration struck, and Dragon Ball was born, a comic series that combined martial arts and adventure, captivating readers worldwide.
Contrary to what many might think, Dragon Ball did not achieve immediate success. In fact, shortly after its release, the series faced declining popularity and nearly faded away in the competitive manga landscape.
However, the turning point came when the anime adaptation began to focus more on dramatic fight scenes. This shift led to a surge in Dragon Ball‘s popularity. The pivotal arc known as the “Tenkaichi Budokai” not only captivated audiences but also propelled the series to the top of the manga rankings.
The Legacy of Dragon Ball: A Global Phenomenon
Dragon Ball is not merely a “passing trend” but has left an indelible mark, achieving legendary status. Today, it is often heralded as a cornerstone of the anime genre and is recognized as a significant cultural phenomenon worldwide.
In conclusion, Akira Toriyama’s career is a series of twists and turns marked by challenges, yet it led to remarkable transformations and a stroke of luck. Through all these ups and downs, Dragon Ball emerged, and the series has become a global phenomenon that continues to resonate with fans around the world.
