The Reason Behind Akira Toriyama's Decision to Halt the Dragon Ball Manga

Renowned mangaka Akira Toriyama left an indelible mark on the anime and manga industry with his iconic creation, the Dragon Ball series. This beloved franchise has had a profound influence on the newer generation of anime and boasts one of the largest fandoms in the industry today.

Many anime enthusiasts have treasured memories of growing up with Dragon Ball, a series that continues to hold a special place in their hearts. Despite its immense popularity, Toriyama officially concluded the manga after an 11-year run in 1995, following the completion of its sequel, Dragon Ball Z. While the series enjoyed a lengthy run, fans have often pondered the reasons behind Toriyama's decision to end the manga.

Explaining the reason behind Akira Toriyama ending the Dragon Ball manga

Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and beloved anime and manga series of all time. The impact of Toriyama's work continues to influence contemporary mangakas and has laid the foundation for numerous beloved anime series. Although Toriyama once explained his decision to step away from manga, he never officially stated why he concluded the Dragon Ball manga in the '90s.

However, it is widely believed that his decision was likely due to fatigue. Toriyama dedicated over a decade to the series, with the manga being serialized from 1984 to 1995. After 11 years of captivating fans with thrilling battles, unforgettable characters, and intricate storylines, Toriyama may have felt that he had told the story he set out to tell.

Moreover, his manga was featured in Weekly Shonen Jump, where he had to produce a new chapter on a weekly basis. Managing such a demanding schedule undoubtedly had a significant impact on the mangaka. The stress of consistently delivering new chapters took a toll on him both physically and mentally.

Lastly, Toriyama revealed a desire to delve into fresh creative endeavors. Following the conclusion of Dragon Ball in 1995, he sought a hiatus to focus on other tales with more relaxed deadlines. His subsequent works post the iconic series encompassed shorter stories like Kowa, Sand Land, Kajika, and Nekomajin.

As time went on, Toriyama's enthusiasm for drawing manga waned, reportedly due to losing his cherished pen holder. This holder held deep sentimental value for the mangaka, as he had used it since he was 14 years old. The loss occurred during the production of the film adaptation of his acclaimed work, Sand Land. After being separated from the pen holder he had used for over 50 years, Toriyama lost interest in creating any more manga. It is rumored that he used the same pen for every manga in his career, which is part of the reason he refused to replace it.

Final Thoughts

Akira Toriyama continues to be a prominent figure in the world of anime and manga. Although his original Dragon Ball manga ended in 1995, the franchise has persisted through various anime adaptations, movies, video games, and merchandise. Toriyama has also continued to play a key role in the franchise's development, contributing character designs, story outlines, and creative input that have contributed to its ongoing success.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Dragon Ball, I was initially disappointed when I learned that Akira Toriyama had decided to halt the manga in 1995. However, after reading about the reasons behind his decision, I can understand why he felt it was time to bring the series to an end. Toriyama had been working on Dragon Ball for over a decade, and the weekly serialization schedule must have been incredibly demanding. It's no wonder that he felt fatigued and in need of a break.

I also appreciate Toriyama's desire to explore new creative endeavors. After spending so much time on Dragon Ball, it's understandable that he wanted to try something different. His subsequent works, such as Kowa, Sand Land, and Kajika, showcase his versatility as a storyteller and his ability to create compelling characters and worlds. While these works may not have achieved the same level of popularity as Dragon Ball, they demonstrate Toriyama's continued passion for storytelling and his willingness to take risks.