New Dragon Ball Artwork Pays Hidden Tribute to Akira Toriyama
Saikyo Jump magazine has recently showcased a new entry in its ongoing Dragon Ball Super Gallery serialization project. Takehiko Inoue, the creator of Slam Dunk, crafted a striking illustration inspired by the sporty cover art of Dragon Ball Volume 17.
40th Anniversary Super Gallery
Launched in September 2021, the Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary Super Gallery is a special commemorative project. It features contributions from over 40 prominent manga artists across Japan, each offering their unique takes on the iconic series. Inoue's submission, which was shared by the unofficial X (formerly Twitter) news hub Shonen Jump News, depicts Goku riding a motorcycle.
In this new artwork, Goku's facial features are drawn with an alternate style, reflecting Inoue's realistic approach seen in his manga. The back of Goku's biker jacket mirrors its official counterpart, showcasing Dragon Ball's title and the words "Bird Studio," a nod to the manga production company founded by Akira Toriyama in 1983.
Hidden Tribute to Toriyama
In a poignant addition, Inoue included a subtle yet meaningful tribute to Akira Toriyama, who passed away earlier this year due to an acute subdural hematoma. Goku's jacket sleeve, which originally read "Capsule Corp," now spells out "Thank You." This change, although subtle, was highlighted by an X user named @DB_Kringer2, who brought attention to this emotional homage.
Inoue's Tribute Echoes Industry Sentiment
Inoue's heartfelt message reflects the deep impact of Toriyama's death on Japan's modern manga creators. Many of these artists, including Dragon Ball Super illustrator Toyotarou, credit Toriyama as a major inspiration for their careers. Following Toriyama's passing, Toyotarou expressed his gratitude in a farewell message, stating that he started drawing manga because he "wanted to be praised by Toriyama-sensei."
The Dragon Ball manga series is available in English from VIZ Media. The anime adaptations, including Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super, can be streamed on platforms like Hulu and Crunchyroll.
Conclusion
Takehiko Inoue's contribution to the Dragon Ball Super Gallery not only showcases his artistic talent but also serves as a touching tribute to Akira Toriyama. This artwork stands as a testament to Toriyama's enduring influence on the manga industry and the heartfelt admiration of his fellow artists.