A new addition to the Dragon Ball Super Gallery project was unveiled on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, showcasing artwork from renowned Jujutsu Kaisen mangaka, Gege Akutami. However, Akutami took a refreshing approach to their entry, completely transforming the cover instead of simply replicating Toriyama's original design in their own artistic style.
This unique decision by Jujutsu Kaisen's creator adds a distinctive touch to the collection of 42 redraws in the Dragon Ball Super Gallery Project. While others have taken artistic liberties, the revised covers have consistently maintained a resemblance to Akira Toriyama's original artwork, establishing a connection between the two.
However, instead of sticking to the original cover's three-by-three grid of characters, Akutami's entry deviates and opts for depicting only Piccolo, Super Buu, and Gotenks. This choice is particularly intriguing as it incorporates a unique Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Energy-inspired aesthetic for the Dragon Ball Super Gallery project.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s Gege Akutami brings new life to Dragon Ball volume 42’s cover with new redesign
To mark the 40th anniversary of the original Dragon Ball series, the Dragon Ball Super Gallery project has been launched. Every month, a renowned mangaka will be tasked with crafting a fresh interpretation of one of the 42 compilation volume covers leading up to November 2024—the series' monumental milestone.
Gege Akutami, the author and illustrator of Jujutsu Kaisen, has joined the series, following in the footsteps of other renowned mangaka such as Yuki Tabata (Black Clover), Masashi Kishimoto (Naruto), Tatsuki Fujimoto (Chainsaw Man), Tatsuya Endo (Spy x Family), Mikio Ikemoto (Boruto), and more. Initially, fans speculated that this project would lead to the announcement of a new anime project, specifically the second season of the Super anime. However, with the recent unveiling of the Daima anime series, fans are now uncertain about what awaits at the end of the Super Gallery project's journey.
The announcement of Super season 2 coming in November 2024 is uncertain, especially with the upcoming premiere of Daima in Fall 2024. Some fans speculate that the project is leading up to the Daima premiere, which happens to coincide with the manga's 40th anniversary. Adding to this speculation is the return of Kid Goku to the small screen in the Daima anime series.
Fans are delighted with the ongoing redraw event, appreciating every author's interpretation of the original manga covers from the iconic series. Although the final outcome of the project is still uncertain, fans are thoroughly enjoying the journey towards whatever awaits. Stay updated on all anime, manga, film, and live-action news as 2023 unfolds.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to witness the creative fusion of two iconic manga universes in the Dragon Ball Super Gallery project. Gege Akutami, the mastermind behind Jujutsu Kaisen, brings his unique flair to the table by reimagining the cover of Dragon Ball volume 42. Akutami's bold decision to stray from the traditional three-by-three grid layout and focus solely on Piccolo, Super Buu, and Gotenks adds an element of intrigue to the collection.
Incorporating the concept of Cursed Energy from Jujutsu Kaisen into the Dragon Ball universe is a stroke of genius. This innovative approach breathes new life into familiar characters, showcasing Akutami's ability to blend distinct elements harmoniously. The Cursed Energy aesthetic adds depth and complexity to the Dragon Ball characters, giving fans a fresh perspective on their beloved heroes and villains.