The Future of Dragon Ball Is Unclear, But One Animator Wants to See It Go On Without Akira Toriyama

WhenAkira Toriyamapassed away in March 2024 , the world lost not only a remarkable somebody but also the windy creator behind theDragon Ballseries . WithDragon Ball Daima , the final anime project Toriyama was affect in , reason out earlier this year , fans are now left wondering whether the dealership can — or even should — go along without his guiding hired man .

In a new video consultation , Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru , a legendary character decorator and animator who has worked on variousDragon Ballanime projects since 1986 , includingDragon Ball ZandGT , deal his thought . “ I think even Akira Toriyama himself would appreciate seeing Modern stories bear from his creations , ones he may have never conceive of , ” he enounce .

The Early Days of Dragon Ball Animation

A Defining Role in the Super Saiyan’s Creation

Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru began working at Toei Animation in 1980 , right after high school . As a big fan of Akira Toriyama ’s work , he jump at the chance to be part of theDragon Ballanime when Toei annunciate it in 1986 . He made his unveiling as a key animator in the episode " Oolong the dire " ( Season 1 , Episode 4 ) that same twelvemonth . His talent quickly stood out , and he became a key player in shaping the serial publication ’ animation . '

Over fourth dimension , Nakatsuru took on a bigger role asthe primary energizer and character designer for manyDragon BallandDragon Ball Zmovies . One of his most meaning contributions wasdesigning the Super Saiyan 4 form forDragon Ball GT , a transformation that stay a fan favourite . His ability to stay true to Toriyama ’s way while add together his own trace help set the feeling ofDragon Ballfor years .

Staying True to Toriyama’s Vision

A Lifelong Journey with Dragon Ball

For Nakatsuru , the direction has never been on developing his personal panache — it has always been about bide genuine to Akira Toriyama ’s original vision . “ I never really think of Dragon Ball as having a unequaled style of my own , ” he explain . “ or else , I always aim to dependably translate the manga ’s graphics onto film . My focussing was n’t on showcasing my personal style but on catch the essence of the original work . When project and animating characters , I always tried to contain originative idea that would raise the animation . ”

Having worked onDragon Ballacross multiple genesis , Nakatsuru reflects on how his perspective has evolved . “ Since I ’ve been involved with Dragon Ball from a young age , I ’ve gone through dissimilar eras — Z , GT , and now Daima . I was very young when working on Z , still relatively young during GT , and now I ’m over 60 , ” he shares . Despite decades in the industry , his love for the franchise has only grown . “ But I think that for Dragon Ball Daima , I ’ve believably drawn more artwork than ever before . ”

The Future of Dragon Ball: A New Era?

A Legacy That Lives On

Now thatToriyama is goneandDragon Ball Daimahas make out its trial , the serial publication ’ future is changeable . Still , Nakatsuru remains committed . “ If there ’s any way I can still conduce to Dragon Ball , I ’d love to be involved , ” he says , even tantalise thathe would like to get a newDragon Ballmanga . However , he also spot the grandness of impertinent perspective . “ But I also remember it would be great for a new generation of Maker to take inspiration from the original manga and reimagine it in their own elbow room . That could open up up new possibilities for the enfranchisement . ”

Dragon Ball Daima and GT apportion a draw of law of similarity , but the way that these series ultimately played out makes them precise opposites where it count .

For Nakatsuru , the bequest ofDragon Ballextends beyond any single Godhead . “ The original work will always be there , and Modern fib will continue to emerge from it . Whether I ’m in person require or not does n’t matter much — what ’s important is that Dragon Ball remain to be enjoyed by rooter for a long clock time , ” he explains . He believes even Akira Toriyama himself would welcome this evolution . “ I believe even Akira Toriyama himself would apprize seeing new story born from his creations , ones he may have never envisage . ” '

Goku in his Daima and GT appearances.

For longtime fan and newcomers alike , only time will tell what lies ahead forDragon Ball , but with Toriyama go , and his last official part behind our back , it ’s time to accept that the most dear gum anime dealership could bear on without its creator .

Source : DB Times on YouTube