The unique, off-the-cuff approach taken by Akira Toriyama in creating the original Dragon Ball manga is widely recognized among anime fans. This renowned mangaka preferred not to meticulously plan out story developments and instead came up with new ideas as he went along. Although this method resulted in some plot inconsistencies within the manga, it remains a significant part of the series’ appeal.
Recently, Kazuhiko Torishima, Yu Kondo, and Fuyuto Takeda – the original editorial team that worked alongside Toriyama on the manga – shared additional insights into the author’s creative process during an interview on the Kosokoso J-Wave Radio podcast. The trio validated some lingering rumors about Toriyama’s intention to conclude the series, while also expressing admiration for his improvisational skills. Translations of portions from this podcast interview have been shared by Venixys X (formerly Twitter).
Concerned that Toriyama might be growing less enthusiastic as the series neared its end, the editorial team came up with strategies to make the work more engaging for him. They encouraged Toriyama to focus on his favorite designs and incorporate more humor to bring a sense of joy back to the series. This approach resulted in the introduction of Buu and the humorous elements found in the Majin Buu Arc, such as Gotenks’ attacks. The editor aimed to maintain a lighter tone throughout, which ultimately led to Mr. Satan, known as Hercule in the original dub, playing a more significant role in the series’ final saga.
| Toriyama wanted to conclude the Buu saga within a few weeks.
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— Enomis (@Venixys) February 23, 2025
Mr. Satan Was Added to Make Dragon Ball more Enjoyable for Akira Toriyama
For quite some time, Toriyama had intended to wrap up the “Dragon Ball” series, a fact familiar to most fans. Editors persistently urged him to carry on and brainstorm fresh concepts to keep Toriyama engaged. The Androids Saga proved challenging to structure, prompting editors and Toriyama to streamline the Buu Saga as much as feasible. They successfully persuaded Toriyama to incorporate more comedic elements into the manga to enhance its entertainment value. Notably, Toriyama initially made a name for himself in the world of manga with his humorous works, such as the successful “Dr. Slump” comedy series prior to “Dragon Ball.” Thus, the more amusing Buu Saga brought the story closer to Toriyama’s roots.
In a nod to incorporating humor into their narrative, the editors mention Mr. Satan as a character who brings comedic relief to the storyline. Originally appearing in the Androids Saga, Mr. Satan’s role was to lighten the mood. He was declared the martial arts tournament champion after defeating no formidable opponents, earning him the title. Despite his overconfidence, his power paled in comparison to the main characters. The humor lies in the irony that while everyone assumed he was the mightiest, he consistently fumbled during critical situations. Neither the heroes nor villains regarded him seriously, making it amusing that the public continued to idolize him so strongly.
In the four main story arcs of Dragon Ball Z, the Majin Buu Saga is typically seen as the funniest, and Mr. Satan plays a significant role in this humor. Although his part was minor during the Androids Saga, it grew when Videl, his daughter, joined the narrative. He eventually became friends with Majin Buu, which led to the division of Majin Buu’s personality between Majin Buu and Super Buu. Remarkably, Mr. Satan survived many crucial events in the Majin Buu Saga, such as Earth’s destruction. He continued to assist Goku and Vegeta in their battles against Kid Buu. Eventually, Mr. Satan proved essential in defeating Kid Buu by inspiring Earth’s inhabitants to give their strength to Goku for the Spirit Bomb.
Mr. Satan Best Exemplifies Akira Toriyama’s Strength as a Comedic Author
The interviews from J-Wave suggest that Mr. Satan’s rise to fame in the original Dragon Ball manga was unexpected by the editors. Toriyama often created the story spontaneously, with significant plot points not being conceived until a week before the chapter was due. Consequently, it’s reasonable to expect sudden developments even surprising the editors and author themselves. Trunks, for example, wasn’t determined as Vegeta and Bulma’s son until after his debut, according to the editorial team.
Initially, Mr. Satan served as comic relief in the storyline, but he unexpectedly played a crucial role in the climax. Despite being depicted as superficial and self-centered, Toriyama discovered an underlying humanity within the character, making him beloved by fans. One of Toriyama’s notable skills is his ability to blend offbeat humor with deep emotional resonance during tense situations. His editors consistently commend him for generating unconventional ideas that elevate the story and maintain a distinctive comedic tone. The Ghost Kamikaze Attack executed by Gotenks exemplifies this approach, seamlessly integrating Toriyama’s humorous style with thrilling action. The longevity of the series is attributed to the combined efforts of Toriyama and his editors, establishing a foundation that has outlived its creator.
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2025-02-28 17:40