Few questioned the title of Dragon Ball Z when it premiered in North America. However, the series' creator, Akira Toriyama, revealed that the "Z" in the title may have a darker meaning that confirms a controversial theory. Despite never intending for the Dragon Ball franchise to become a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon, Toriyama finds himself approaching its fortieth anniversary.
Although Toriyama was not heavily involved in the production of the Dragon Ball Z anime, he served as a consultant, advisor, and critic. Occasionally, he was called upon to make decisions regarding new characters or storylines that were not present in the manga. This additional responsibility, coupled with his ongoing desire to conclude Dragon Ball, led to his decision to include the "Z" in the title of the second anime series, which was meant to adapt the manga's second Part.
Z Symbolized Just How Done Toriyama Was With Dragon Ball
The Dragon Ball anime's lead illustrator Katsuyoshi Nakatsuri asked Toriyama in a 2003 interview why he wanted to add the letter "Z" to the title. Toriyama responded by saying that he chose "Z" because it is the last letter of the alphabet and he wanted to convey the meaning of "that's all, folks", indicating his desire to end the comic. Looking back, Toriyama's explanation of the meaning behind "Z" is intriguing. Dragon Ball Z made its debut in April 1989 when the manga was around Chapter #195. The series continued for another six years and 324 chapters, and it also produced numerous films, television specials, and two sequel series, Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super. Fans have long speculated that Toriyama lost interest in Dragon Ball, and this quote seems to confirm that notion. However, it's worth noting Toriyama's sense of humor. Regardless of whether he was joking about the finality implied by the letter "Z", it is evident that he holds his acclaimed creation in high regard. Toriyama's disappointment with Dragon Ball: Evolution even prompted him to approve Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods and assist in crafting the story for Dragon Ball Super.
However, Toriyama's desire to symbolize the conclusion of the Dragon Ball franchise with the letter "Z" was widely misunderstood. Rather than marking the end, Dragon Ball Z actually marked the beginning of a thriving media empire that continues to thrive today. Recognizing the significant impact Dragon Ball Z had on the franchise's expansion, even Toriyama himself must acknowledge the irony of the title. Fans can now enjoy Dragon Ball through Viz Media and Crunchyroll.
Source: Dragon Ball Z Son Goku Dessitu
