At Last, Some of Akira Toriyama’s Lost Manuscripts Have Been Found

At Last, Some of Akira Toriyama's Lost Manuscripts Have Been Found

As a lifelong fan of manga, I can confidently say that Akira Toriyama is a god among men. His work has not only brought joy to millions but also inspired countless artists around the globe. The recent unveiling of his rejected manga pitches by Haruka Takachiho feels like finding a hidden treasure.


As a gaming enthusiast, it’s not every day you come across an artist who matches the brilliance of Akira Toriyama. I never thought his creations would reach such heights, from the iconic Dragon Ball to the hilarious Dr. Slump and even the epic Dragon Quest series. Now, a unique glimpse into Toriyama’s work has emerged, all thanks to a close friend who kept some of his discarded manga ideas. These rejected pitches give us a peek into the artist at his very best.

The exclusive preview is generously provided by Haruka Takachiho, a highly recognized figure in the world of anime and manga. As the founder of Studio Nue and a close friend of Toriyama, Takachiho shared some of Toriyama’s hidden artwork and manuscripts on social media. These previously unseen documents are a valuable piece of history.

How might I rephrase this sentence in a more natural and easy-to-understand manner?

— ???? (@takachihoharuka) September 19, 2024

The Legacy of Akira Toriyama

The manuscripts from Takachiho display a series that Toriyama intended to release, although it wasn’t endorsed for publication. The artwork, reminiscent of his style, is impressive in this presentation. You can spot several characters within this proposal, including an unusual alien with a bulbous shape. This pitch abounds with advanced jets and an eye-catching motorbike, lending it a familiar Toriyama feel. Elements from both Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump can be seen in this manuscript, suggesting that Toriyama was wise to leave well enough alone.

As Takachiho states, these unseen manuscripts were personally handed over by Toriyama. He had them piled up to about his own height at home, offering me the chance to take as many as I wanted. However, I was reluctant to take just a few, so this is one of those manuscripts I took.

The creator of Studio Nue expresses his intention to gift some unique manuscripts to a museum, specifically one that he has already chosen. A proposal for an Akira Toriyama Museum has been presented by the artist’s birthplace following his passing. Takachiho shares his enthusiasm about donating this artwork to the town without charge and also mentions there are more manuscripts stored away.

What Is Next for Dragon Ball?

The origins of this Toriyama manuscript remain unclear, yet it’s our hope that a museum may one day exhibit it. Any piece by Toriyama merits such treatment, if I might be so bold. This artist was indeed a manga master, and following his passing in early 2024, the esteem for Toriyama’s legacy has only risen to greater heights. Upon his death being announced, the world shared a collective mourning. Fan-organized wakes, city murals, and various other tributes were among the many ways that the creator of Dragon Ball and Sand Land was honored by millions. Today, his legacy looms larger than ever, inspiring new generations of fans.

Regarding Dragon Ball, it’s clear that Toriyama has established an enduring franchise that will persist even beyond his lifetime. After all, Son Goku is one of the most iconic figures in entertainment today. Interestingly, you may not be aware that a fresh anime adaptation of Dragon Ball is on its way. This October, Dragon Ball Dynamic Parts (Dragon Ball Daima) will debut, and Toriyama played a significant role in its creation. He collaborated extensively with Toei Animation to develop the storyline, setting, and character designs for this ambitious series. The premiere of Dragon Ball Dynamic Parts is scheduled for October 11, and Crunchyroll has confirmed that they will broadcast it for U.S. fans prior to the English dub’s release in November.

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2024-09-26 01:40