Akira Toriyama is one such storyteller, a legendary figure in the world of anime (animated TV shows) and manga (comic books). Best known for creating the global sensation Dragon Ball, Toriyama’s work has left an indelible mark on fans around the world.
While Dragon Ball is his most famous creation, Toriyama’s portfolio is rich with a variety of other works that are equally impressive. This article aims to shine a spotlight on 10 notable creations by Akira Toriyama beyond the realm of Dragon Ball. Each of these works showcases his incredible talent and versatility as a creator.
Akira Toriyama’s creativity knows no bounds. Whether it’s in the form of a comic book series, a video game, or even a short story, his imaginative worlds and compelling characters have captivated audiences for decades. In this article, we’ll explore a selection of his creations, illustrating how his unique style and storytelling prowess extend far beyond the familiar Dragon Ball universe.
1. Dr. Slump
Background
Before Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama created Dr. Slump, a comic book series that became his first big hit. This series marked his debut as a major figure in the world of Japanese comics.
Plot Summary
Dr. Slump tells the story of a quirky inventor named Senbei Norimaki who lives in a small, whimsical village. Senbei creates a robot named Arale, who looks like a little girl but has superhuman strength. The series follows their funny and often absurd adventures as they interact with various oddball characters in their village.
Also Read: How Akira Toriyama Shaped Modern Shonen Manga
Impact and Reception
It was a huge success in Japan and gained a strong international following. Its humor, charming characters, and imaginative stories made it beloved by readers of all ages. The series not only boosted Toriyama’s career but also became a cultural touchstone, influencing many other creators and spawning a popular animated TV show.
2. Chrono Trigger
Background
Akira Toriyama contributed to Chrono Trigger, a well-known role-playing video game, by designing the characters. His unique artistic style brought the game’s characters to life, making them memorable and distinct.
Game Summary
It follows a group of adventurers who travel through time to prevent a global catastrophe. Key characters designed by Toriyama include Crono, a brave young swordsman; Marle, a princess with a rebellious spirit; and Lucca, a brilliant inventor. Their journey spans various eras, from prehistoric times to a post-apocalyptic future, as they work together to save their world.
Legacy
Chrono Trigger is celebrated as one of the greatest role-playing games of all time. Its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and Toriyama’s beloved character designs have ensured its continued popularity and influence in the gaming world. It remains a benchmark for quality in the RPG genre, enjoyed by both new and longtime fans.
3. Blue Dragon
Background
Blue Dragon is both a video game and an anime series created by Akira Toriyama. It’s set in a fantastical world where a mysterious land shark threatens the village of protagonist Shu. To protect his home, Shu embarks on a journey with friends to defeat the land shark and uncover the secrets of powerful magical creatures called Shadows.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Shu and his friends—Jiro, Kluke, and Marumaro—as they discover their ability to summon Shadows in battles against formidable foes. They travel through diverse landscapes, encountering allies and adversaries while unraveling the mysteries of their world and the origins of the Shadows.
Toriyama’s Contribution
Akira Toriyama played a significant role in Blue Dragon by designing the characters and contributing to the overall world-building. His art style is evident in the whimsical and colorful designs of the main characters, as well as the imaginative creatures and environments they encounter throughout their adventure. Toriyama’s involvement helped establish Blue Dragon’s distinctive visual identity and contributed to its appeal to fans of both gaming and anime.
4. Dragon Quest Series
Background
Akira Toriyama has collaborated extensively with the Dragon Quest series, a renowned franchise of role-playing video games (RPGs). His partnership with game creator Yuji Horii and composer Koichi Sugiyama began with the first Dragon Quest game in 1986.
Game Summary
The Dragon Quest series follows heroes on quests to save kingdoms from evil forces. Toriyama’s signature character designs include iconic protagonists like the Hero, who wields a sword and shield, and creatures such as Slimes and Dragons. Key titles like Dragon Quest III, IV, and VIII are celebrated for their storytelling, exploration, and turn-based battle.
Impact on Gaming
Toriyama’s art style has had a profound impact on the RPG genre. His vibrant character designs and imaginative monster creations have influenced game visuals and storytelling across generations. The Dragon Quest series, with Toriyama’s artistic contributions, has set standards for visual charm and creativity in RPGs, inspiring developers and captivating players worldwide.
5. Jaco the Galactic Patrolman
Background
Jaco the Galactic Patrolman is a short manga series created by Akira Toriyama. It was originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 2013.
Plot Summary
The story follows Jaco, an alien patrolman tasked with protecting Earth from threats. He crash-lands on the planet and encounters an eccentric scientist named Omori and a young boy named Tights. Through their interactions, Jaco learns about Earth’s customs and forms an unlikely bond with its inhabitants.
Reception
Jaco the Galactic Patrolman received positive reception from both critics and fans. It was praised for its humor, Toriyama’s distinctive art style, and the connections it establishes with the Dragon Ball universe. Fans appreciated the new insights into Toriyama’s storytelling and character development, making it a welcomed addition to his body of work.
6. Sand Land
Background
Sand Land is a one-shot manga series written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. It was originally published in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2000.
Plot Summary
Set in a desert wasteland, Sand Land follows Sheriff Rao, a human lawman, and Beelzebub, a demon prince. They team up to find a new water source after a drought has devastated their world. Their journey takes them across harsh landscapes, facing challenges and encountering diverse characters in their quest for survival.
Themes and Style
Sand Land explores themes of environmentalism, cooperation, and overcoming adversity. Toriyama’s art style in Sand Land is characterized by its whimsical character designs, expressive facial expressions, and dynamic action scenes. His blend of humor and adventure creates a captivating narrative that resonates with readers, despite the story’s brief length as a one-shot manga.
7. Kintoki
Background
Kintoki is a one-shot manga created by Akira Toriyama, originally published in 2010.
Plot Summary
The story of Kintoki revolves around its main character, Toki. Toki is a young boy with extraordinary strength, known for his adventures and encounters with various challenges and adversaries.
Reception and Significance
Kintoki received positive reception for its engaging story and Toriyama’s trademark humor and art style.
While relatively lesser-known compared to Toriyama’s major works like Dragon Ball, Kintoki showcases his ability to create compelling characters and imaginative narratives. It serves as a testament to Toriyama’s versatility as a manga artist and adds to the diversity of his portfolio, contributing to his esteemed career in the world of manga.
8. Cowa!
Background
Cowa! is a manga series created by Akira Toriyama, targeted at a younger audience. It was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1997.
Plot Summary
Cowa! tells the story of Paifu, a half-vampire, half-werekoala who lives in a village of monsters. Alongside his friends—a ghost named Jose and a humanoid monster named Arpon—they embark on adventures to save their village from various threats while navigating their unique abilities and identities.
Themes and Art Style
Cowa! explores themes of friendship, courage, and acceptance through its whimsical and humorous storytelling. Toriyama’s art style in Cowa! is characterized by its colorful and expressive character designs, which appeal to younger readers. His approach blends action-packed adventures with lighthearted humor, creating an engaging and accessible narrative for a younger demographic.
9. Go! Go! Ackman
Background
Go! Go! Ackman is a comedic manga series created by Akira Toriyama and published intermittently between 1993 and 1994.
Plot Summary
The story of Go! Go! Ackman centers around its titular character, Ackman, a mischievous demon who works for the Devil. Ackman’s adventures often involve him causing trouble and evading capture by angels, all while navigating his devilish responsibilities and interactions with other supernatural beings.
Reception and Popularity
Go! Go! Ackman gained popularity for its humorous and light-hearted tone, characteristic of Toriyama’s storytelling style. While not as widely recognized as Dragon Ball or some of Toriyama’s other works, Go! Go! Ackman remains a beloved series among fans for its comedic elements and imaginative world-building within a short manga format.
10. Cashman – Saving Soldier
Background
Cashman – Saving Soldier is a lesser-known manga series created by Akira Toriyama, originally published as a one-shot in 1990.
Plot Summary
The story of Cashman follows its protagonist, Cashman, a cyborg mercenary tasked with dangerous missions. He navigates through action-packed adventures, utilizing his advanced weaponry and skills to combat enemies and protect innocents in a futuristic setting.
Impact and Style
Cashman – Saving Soldier showcases Toriyama’s trademark blend of action, humor, and inventive character designs. While not as widely recognized as some of his other works, Cashman highlights Toriyama’s versatility in creating compelling narratives and dynamic artwork. The series reflects Toriyama’s ability to captivate readers with engaging stories and imaginative worlds, contributing to his esteemed reputation as a manga artist.
