Like countless others who grew up in the 1990s, I devoted my childhood to watching Dragon Ball Z. The wait for new sets of episodes to come to Toonami here in America always seemed to feel like decades. At the time, I had no idea that a single storyteller and artist named Akira Toriyama was the creative force behind everything.
When the name Akira Toriyama comes up, it’s usually his artwork that starts the conversation. Rightly so! His style is iconic and instantly recognizable. But Toriyama was also as a gifted and unique storyteller. Many people often credit his creations for their monumental influence on modern stories. I’m not suggesting his writing is some hidden gem. However, it is important to highlight the way he told stories and how his work influenced not only my personal taste into adulthood, but countless others.
Dragon Ball Z was the first serialized show I ever watched. Unlike Power Rangers, with its monster-of-the-week format, Dragon Ball ended up divided into story arcs. It made me feel grown-up, like I was watching a “real” show. That’s why we all eagerly waited for new episodes, craving to know what happens next. I lost count of how many times I’d see Goku land on Namek. Then, it would go right back to the beginning with Raditz in the next episode.
I didn’t realize it then, but everything I’ve been reminiscing about with Dragon Ball Z was thanks to Akira Toriyama’s storytelling finesse. Goku’s dramatic entrance onto Namek wasn’t just a scene. It was a culmination of multiple storylines. It was both an anticipation and resolution all at once. Some may argue that Toriyama relied on this formula too heavily in later arcs. However, for me, the balance of tension and release he crafted within each one, especially when a new character arrived after a hard-fought battle, was unparalleled. I struggle to think of anyone who executed it as masterfully as he did. One standout moment for me is Gohan’s epic arrival to confront Buu in Dragon Ball Z’s final arc. Even now, rewatching the scene gives the same chills as it did in my youth.
However, the fights aren’t everything, despite some detractors suggesting otherwise. Let’s face it, Akira Toriyama crafted a downright bizarre world in Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super. Talking animals are just part of the scenery. Pocket-sized cars? Totally normal. It’s all wonderfully odd, and that’s precisely what makes it so captivating. Toriyama fully embraces the goofiness of it all. Nothing is ever too serious … until it suddenly is. That’s the twist. That’s why countless epic moments from this show are still etched into my memory.
Goku is undeniably a wonderfully goofy character; even during fights, he’s just there to enjoy himself. However, when Frieza killed Krillin, Goku’s demeanor changed drastically. This pivotal moment marked Goku’s transformation into a Super Saiyan for the first time. Describing it as iconic almost feels like an understatement.
What makes it so impactful is how Akira Toriyama, as a storyteller, subverted our expectations of a character we know so well. The once gentle and playful Goku is now consumed by rage and fury. It’s a tense moment. He’s still our hero, but now we’re left wondering at what cost this victory will come. It also moves the narrative forward, closing an arc that started back with Raditz: Goku accepting his heritage.
There are countless moments like this in Dragon Ball Z and other parts of the series’ storyline that strike me as incredibly creative. I believe it stems from Toriyama’s background in writing comedic manga and series like Dr. Slump. Transitioning from comedy to drama seems far smoother than the reverse. This balance is what prevents Dragon Ball from ever tipping into melodrama. The serious moments feel genuine, but the lighter moments are equally cherished and bring a sense of warmth to the series.
Even his iconic artwork doesn’t just adorn the story. It’s a vital thread woven into the very fabric of the narrative, enhancing the entire experience Take, for instance, the reason Super Saiyans have blond hair. It was simply easier for Toriyama to leave the hair uncolored, rather than meticulously fill in the black! This approach exemplifies Toriyama’s penchant for working smarter, not harder, and using art to guide the story.
I mean look at it this way. Almost every new Dragon Ball Z game essentially just retells the show’s plot. Yet every time, we eagerly dive in, ready to relive the saga with unabashed enthusiasm. There’s a comforting familiarity to it, woven seamlessly with Toriyama’s signature blend of humor, action, and suspense.
Akira Toriyama’s impact is all over so much of the content that captured my interest as I grew up. His whimsical, almost aloof, characters set the bar for the kind of characters I grew to favor in JRPGs. Actually, who knows if I’d even like JRPGs if I hadn’t been looking for games “similar to Dragon Ball Z.” His fusion of sci-fi with fantasy elements also paved the way for iconic titles like Chrono Trigger (which, of course, he had a hand in). In one way or another, I can trace many of my interests back to Dragon Ball Z and the rich universe Toriyama created.
Akira Toriyama was an undeniable powerhouse of talent, no matter how you look at it. As fans around the globe mourn his passing, it’s important to remember that the legacy he left behind continues to shape and inspire countless new writers and artists. And with any luck, it always will. Rest easy, Akira Toriyama, and thank you for everything.
