The news of Akira Toriyama’s passing has sent shockwaves through the manga and anime community, leaving fans deeply saddened. At 68 years old, the legendary creator of iconic works like Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump has left behind a profound legacy that has touched countless lives.
Toriyama’s journey to becoming a titan of manga began with the success of his earlier creation, Dr. Slump, which propelled him into the mainstream spotlight. However, it’s worth noting the surprising influence that Dr. Slump had on unexpected quarters, including the works of renowned martial artist and actor, Jackie Chan.
Long before Dragon Ball soared to international acclaim, Toriyama’s Dr. Slump made waves in the manga world. Yet, it’s fascinating to learn that this whimsical series had a notable impact on the creative endeavors of Jackie Chan.
In interviews, Toriyama himself credited Chan’s movies and Chinese literature as significant inspirations for Dragon Ball’s inception. However, in a rare revelation, Chan reciprocated, acknowledging Toriyama’s influence on his own cinematic ventures.
This mutual admiration highlights the interconnectedness of creative minds across different mediums and cultures. Toriyama’s genius transcended borders, leaving an indelible mark not only on manga but also on the broader landscape of entertainment.
Dragon Ball, with its amazing characters, intricate world-building, and epic battles, remains a testament to Toriyama’s unparalleled imagination and storytelling prowess. Through this iconic series, he captured the hearts of millions, inspiring generations of artists, writers, and dreamers worldwide.
As fans mourn the loss of a visionary talent, they also celebrate the rich tapestry of creativity he bestowed upon the world. Akira Toriyama’s legacy will endure through his timeless creations, continuing to ignite imaginations and bring joy to countless fans for years to come.
How Dr. Slump Inspired Jackie Chan and Shaped a Cultural Phenomenon?
The manga series Dr. Slump, penned by Akira Toriyama, chronicles the escapades of a young robot girl named Arale Norimaki and her inventor, Senbei Norimaki, set in the quirky Penguin Village.
This beloved series served as a pivotal point in Toriyama’s career, paving the way for his subsequent masterpiece, Dragon Ball. Surprisingly, the influence of Dr. Slump extended beyond manga and into the cinema, notably impacting the films of none other than Jackie Chan.
While many may not be aware of it, there was a rare encounter between Jackie Chan and Akira Toriyama, details of which were documented in Bird Land Press back in 1986. Bird Land Press was a treasure trove for fans of Toriyama’s work, publishing comprehensive insights into his creations.
Thanks to a translation effort by The Dao of Dragon Ball, which unearthed a long-forgotten magazine article, fans gained a glimpse into this meeting. In this revelation, the martial arts icon himself, Jackie Chan, confessed:
“I took influence from Dr. Slump when making my movies!!”
The connection between Jackie Chan and Dr. Slump goes even deeper. In his 1985 film My Lucky Stars, Chan donned the attire of Dr. Slump’s protagonist, Arale Norimaki, in a memorable scene, showcasing his admiration for Toriyama’s creation. This exchange of creative inspiration wasn’t one-sided, as both Toriyama and Chan found inspiration in each other’s works.
Chan’s acknowledgment sheds light on the far-reaching impact of Dr. Slump beyond the confines of manga. It’s intriguing to note that his appreciation for Toriyama’s creation also played a role in the genesis of Dragon Ball, a series that has become synonymous with Toriyama’s legacy.
The meeting of these two titans of creativity underscores the interconnectedness of artistic expression, transcending the boundaries of culture and medium. Through their mutual admiration, both Toriyama and Chan contributed to a rich tapestry of cultural exchange, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to resonate with fans around the world.
‘Drunken Master’ Inspired the Creation of Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball stands as an enduring masterpiece, revered for its transformative influence on the shōnen manga and anime. To fans, it represents the very essence of the genre, a beacon of excellence in storytelling and character development. Yet, aficionados were taken aback when they discovered the unexpected source of inspiration behind this cultural phenomenon: Jackie Chan’s films.
In a revealing excerpt from Dragon Ball Daizenshuu 2: Story Guide, translated by Kanzenshuu, Akira Toriyama, the genius behind Dragon Ball, shared insights into the genesis of his iconic creation.
Following the completion of Dr. Slump, Toriyama found himself at a creative crossroads, uncertain of his next endeavor. It was during this period that his fondness for Jackie Chan’s martial arts masterpiece, ‘Drunken Master’, sparked a pivotal idea – the adventures of Son Goku and his comrades.
“At that time I loved Jackie Chan’s movies and had seen ‘Drunken Master’ dozens of times. Since I liked that sort of thing, Torishima-san advised me to try and make a kung-fu shōnen manga, so I drew a one-shot called ‘Dragon Boy’.”
The success of this one-shot, ‘Dragon Boy’, propelled Toriyama towards the conception of Dragon Ball. Alongside the influence of Jackie Chan’s 1978 film, Toriyama drew inspiration from Chinese literature, particularly seeking to modernize the classic tale of Journey to the West through his work.
The fusion of martial arts, adventure, and fantastical elements in Dragon Ball audiences worldwide, cement Toriyama’s status as a visionary mangaka. His ability to weave intricate narratives and craft memorable characters left an indelible mark on the landscape of manga and anime.
Despite Toriyama’s untimely passing at the age of 68, his legacy endures through his timeless creations. Dragon Ball remains a testament to his unparalleled creativity and artistic vision, continuing to attract generations of fans. In the annals of manga history, Toriyama’s contributions stand as a testament to the power of imagination and storytelling, leaving a lasting impact that transcends time and space.