Does Akira Toriyama Still Draw?

Akira Toriyama, the legendary Japanese manga artist and character designer, is known worldwide for his incredible artwork and the creation of the immensely popular manga and anime series, Dragon Ball. Since its debut in the 1980s, Dragon Ball has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating millions of fans across the globe with its epic battles, memorable characters, and engaging storyline.

Given Toriyama's immense talent and contributions to the world of manga and anime, many fans wonder if he still actively draws and creates new content. In this blog post, we will explore the current activities of Akira Toriyama and find out if he continues to showcase his artistic prowess.

Akira Toriyama's Retirement Statement

In 2013, Akira Toriyama made a surprising announcement in an interview with the Japanese magazine Saikyō Jump. He revealed that he had officially retired from creating weekly manga serialization due to his declining physical health. This news came as a shock to many fans who were accustomed to seeing Toriyama's artwork on a regular basis.

However, despite his retirement from weekly serialization, Toriyama did mention that he would still occasionally draw and work on special projects that interested him. This gave hope to fans who wanted to see more of his artwork in the future.

Akira Toriyama's Recent Works

Since his retirement, Akira Toriyama has indeed continued to contribute to the Dragon Ball franchise and other projects. One notable example is his involvement in the creation of the movie Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, released in 2013. Toriyama served as the scriptwriter and character designer for the film, showcasing his undeniable talent and influence.

The success of Battle of Gods led to the production of another movie, Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'. Once again, Toriyama played a vital role as the scriptwriter and character designer. His contributions breathed new life into the beloved Dragon Ball series, exciting fans worldwide.

In addition to his involvement in movies, Toriyama also collaborated with Toyotarou, a fellow manga artist, to create the Dragon Ball Super manga series. Toriyama provides the story and character outlines, while Toyotarou handles the artwork. This collaboration allows Toriyama's vision to be brought to life while relieving some of the pressure on him to produce artwork consistently.

It's worth noting that Toriyama's involvement in Dragon Ball Super extends beyond the manga. He also serves as a creative consultant for the anime adaptation, ensuring that his original ideas are faithfully represented on screen.

Other Projects and Personal Endeavors

While Dragon Ball remains one of Akira Toriyama's most significant works, he has also been involved in other projects and personal endeavors over the years.

Toriyama collaborated with Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the Final Fantasy series, to create the well-received video game, Chrono Trigger. His distinct character design and storytelling abilities contributed to the game's success, further solidifying his position as a highly influential figure in the gaming industry.

Furthermore, Toriyama has occasionally taken on commissioned artwork for various promotional materials and publications. His unique art style continues to captivate fans and collectors alike, making his original pieces highly sought after in the art community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Akira Toriyama may have retired from weekly manga serialization, he continues to be an active participant in the world of art and entertainment. His involvement in the Dragon Ball franchise, collaboration with other artists, and occasional commissioned artwork showcase his enduring passion for drawing and storytelling.

If you're a fan of Akira Toriyama's incredible artwork, be sure to check out our store, DBZ Store, where you can find a wide range of Dragon Ball merchandise featuring his iconic characters. From action figures to clothing and collectibles, our store has something for every Dragon Ball enthusiast.