Dragon Ball Lives On: The Challenge of Drawing Without His Sensei
The manga world held its breath when Akira Toriyama left us last year. But at France's Japan Expo, Toyotaro -the current artist of Dragon Ball Super- sent a clear message: "The adventure continues". That said, with watermelons bigger than ever stuck in our throats. �
"Toriyama reviewed my ideas, but arcs like Moro and Granolah came from my mind", Toyotaro confessed. Translation for fans: he's not a substitute, but he knows where Toriyama keeps the spaceships.
From Past to Future: What Awaits Us in Dragon Ball Super?
The last chapter written by Toriyama was a special about Goten and Trunks as masked heroes (did someone say "superhero landing"?). But when the series resumes its main course, it will aim forward with:
- Black Frieza: the villain who trained in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber and now surpasses even Ultra Instincts.
- Power levels that will have fans debating even over soup.
- The pressure to maintain the essence without falling into repetitions.
What's curious is that, while Daima explores the past, Toyotaro seems determined for Goku and Vegeta to keep breaking power ceilings. Because in Dragon Ball, the only constant is that there will always be a stronger enemy. �💥
Toyotaro: Between Respect and the Need to Innovate
The artist doesn't ignore the weight of his task: "I will honor the legacy", he promises. But he also must avoid turning the series into a static homage. His challenge is to balance:
- The classic elements that fans love.
- New ideas that keep the universe fresh.
- The danger that every fight be "the strongest enemy ever... until the next chapter".
For now, fans can breathe easy: the Kamehamehas will keep flying, the Saiyans will keep transforming into increasingly extravagant blonds, and someone will keep shouting "Vegeta, help!!" in key moments. 🌪️
The True Test: When Fans Say "This DOES Look Like Toriyama"
Toyotaro's success won't be measured in sales (which there will be), but in those moments when readers smile and think "the master would have approved this". In the meantime, all we can do is wait, collect the special editions... and practice our own Super Saiyan face. �
Mental note: if Black Frieza beats Ultra Instinct, what's next? Mega Ultra Hyper Instinct Deluxe? 😂