Jujutsu Kaisen Collaborates with Dragon Ball for Stunning Cover Art Revamp

Gege Akutami, the creator of Jujutsu Kaisen, has contributed an alternative cover art for Dragon Ball's 40th Anniversary "Super Gallery" event.

In a recent post from Shonen Jump News (@WSJ_manga), it was revealed that Akutami has submitted his version of the cover art for Dragon Ball Vol. 42. His artwork showcases Majin Buu, Gotenks, and Piccolo. The event, organized by Shueisha's Saiyo Jump Magazine, aims to feature 42 pieces of alternative Dragon Ball cover art created by renowned artists from across Japan. A new illustration will be revealed in the publication every month until November 2024. The event commenced in July 2021 with a contribution from Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the beloved Naruto franchise.

Gege Akutami's highly acclaimed manga Jujutsu Kaisen premiered in March 2018, immersing readers in a world where negative emotions take form as malevolent entities known as "curses." This exhilarating dark fantasy tale follows the journey of 15-year-old Yuji Itadori, who becomes the apprentice of Satoru Gojo, a renowned expert on curses with a complex past. Jujutsu Kaisen is a widely popular shonen series, boasting a staggering circulation of over 80 million copies worldwide as of June 2023.

The iconic Dragon Ball manga, created by Akira Toriyama, burst onto the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump in 1985. Since then, it has evolved into a multimedia sensation, encompassing a vast ensemble of beloved characters across numerous manga, anime, video games, and films. While Goku remains the centerpiece of the franchise, Kishimoto expressed a special affinity for Krillin, one of Goku's closest companions. He shared, "...When reading, I truly related to Krillin, who persistently chased after the formidable Goku, always striving to keep up. I found myself deeply enamored with chapters wherein Krillin had a prominent role."

Dragon Ball is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with an all-new anime series. At NYCC 2023, Toei Animation unveiled the first official trailer for Dragon Ball Daima, which showcases younger versions of Goku, Vegeta, and the rest of the beloved Dragon Ball characters. To regain their adult bodies, Goku and his friends set off on a daring adventure to an unexplored realm filled with unknown perils. This series does not continue the storyline after Dragon Ball Super but instead takes place between the "Buu Saga" of Dragon Ball Z and the "Beerus Saga" of Super. Toriyama has promised that Daima will incorporate nostalgic elements from the original Dragon Ball, such as Goku's power pole. Fans can look forward to the anime's anticipated release in Fall 2024.

Stream both Dragon Ball and Jujutsu Kaisen anime on Crunchyroll.

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Editor's P/S

As a fan of both Jujutsu Kaisen and Dragon Ball, I am thrilled to see these two iconic franchises come together for this collaboration. Gege Akutami's unique art style brings a fresh perspective to the classic Dragon Ball cover art, and I can't wait to see what other amazing pieces are revealed in the coming months. This collaboration is a testament to the enduring popularity of both series and the incredible talent of their creators.

The fact that Gege Akutami chose to feature Majin Buu, Gotenks, and Piccolo on his cover art is particularly exciting for me. Majin Buu is one of my favorite Dragon Ball villains, and I love the way Akutami has captured his playful yet menacing personality. Gotenks is a fun and energetic character, and I think Akutami's art style perfectly suits his youthful exuberance. Piccolo is a complex and tragic character, and I appreciate the way Akutami has conveyed his inner strength and determination.