Akira Toriyama’s Hidden Gems: Manga Theatre Unveiled!

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Without a doubt, Akira Toriyama is an undisputed legend in the realm of manga and anime. Few creators can match his level of productivity, inspiration, and influence. The man behind “Dr. Slump” and “Dragon Ball” didn’t simply produce popular manga and anime series; he left indelible marks on the very fabric of anime and manga culture. Beyond his two iconic series, Toriyama also contributed his artistic talents to the phenomenally successful “Dragon Quest” game series, as well as other titles like “Tobal” and “Blue Dragon.” The news of his retirement was a blow that left an imprint on the world of anime and manga, one that will never fully heal.

For devoted admirers of Akira Toriyama’s creations in Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z who were unsure about his other work, Shueisha has released a top-notch compilation of manga content that might just be the best so far. Released in 2021, Akira Toriyama’s Manga Theatre is a set of three volumes containing his earliest and less familiar works, neatly assembled into a single collection. This compilation gathers twenty distinct stories spanning from the start of his career up until the mid-’90s, making it an invaluable find for fans of Toriyama, making it one of the most desirable additions to any manga enthusiast’s library.

Akira Toriyama’s Early Career Was Far Less Successful Than Some Fans Would Think

Toriyama Stuck to It & Never Gave Up

It’s interesting to know that Akira Toriyama almost never pursued a career as a manga artist. Before he became famous, his work habits were quite inconsistent – he was often late for work and preferred dressing casually. He found professional life exhausting, but fate intervened when he stumbled upon a manga submission contest in a local newspaper. Impulsively, he decided to enter the competition by submitting his idea to Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine. Although his submission missed the deadline, Weekly Shonen Jump eventually accepted his work.

Toriyama’s entry into the manga world was initially challenging and fraught with difficulties, almost causing him to abandon his aspirations due to the negative feedback on his early works. Despite numerous failures, Toriyama refused to give up, fueled by his determination not to succumb to defeat. His fortunes changed when he started crafting female characters, leading to the massive success of his series Dr. Slump. As the ’80s progressed, Toriyama’s fame and acclaim grew with the triumph of Dragon Ball, a series that would eventually solidify his reputation as a creator and writer.

Akira Toriyama’s Manga Theatre Collects His Earliest & More Obscure Stories

There’s So Much to Dive Into

Akira Toriyama’s Manga Theatre compiles assorted works, narratives, and mini-series that Toriyama produced prior to his significant breakthrough with Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball. Consequently, the standard, mood, and subject matter across the collection can fluctuate from one story to another. However, it remains quintessentially Toriyama in terms of its absurd humor and zany escapades, so there’s nothing shocking about a story being unusually violent or mature. It’s crucial for fans to be aware that the skill level within the collection can range, preventing them from expecting the same quality as Dragon Ball Z, which they might associate with him.

The series commences with “Wonder Island,” a narrative set on the whimsical island teeming with peculiar characters and nonsensical antics, serving as Toriyama’s debut published work. Early signs of his signature style and humor can be found within, though they may seem somewhat rough and unfinished at this early stage in his career. The following stories in the initial volume include “Tomato, the Adorable Detective,” a piece credited with refining Toriyama’s writing by introducing a female character. “Pola & Roid” as well as “Chobit 1” and “2” are amusing and playful tales that involve evil space emperors and tiny magical extraterrestrials.

In the second installment of this compilation, you’ll find “Escape” and “Pink,” two narratives that showcase Toriyama’s knack for swiftly creating captivating settings and characters. His narrative skills shine brighter in these pieces compared to “Wonder Island.” Among them, “Dragon Boy” is worth highlighting – it’s a tale about a young martial artist who undertakes the task of escorting a princess back to her homeland. Unbeknownst to many, this story served as the basis for what later evolved into “Dragon Ball.

To wrap up the third installment of this story collection, we find “Go! Go! Ackman,” an engaging eleven-chapter tale about a mischievous demon child named Ackman, who is tasked with collecting souls for the Great Demon King. This captivating narrative became so beloved that it spawned a fifteen-minute anime special, as well as four distinct video games. Three of these games were launched on the Super Famicom, while the fourth was made available on the Game Boy. Gathering all parts of “Go! Go! Ackman” into one officially translated volume is a treat for fans, providing them with an opportunity to delve into one of Toriyama’s less-explored works.

Akira Toriyama’s Manga Theare Is a Piece of Manga History That Champions Creativity & Perseverance

Toriyama Never Stopped Writing & Drawing, No Matter What

For decades, I’ve yearned for access to Akira Toriyama’s captivating stories and shorts that were previously inaccessible to Western fans. Even for those who could read Japanese, finding the scattered magazines and publications where these stories resided was a monumental undertaking. The opportunity to immerse myself in such an extensive library of Toriyama’s work has been elusive for so many fans for so long, which is truly disheartening given his remarkable career. This compilation is undeniably one of the most cherished gifts any ardent fan of Toriyama could have hoped for.

This collection of Akira Toriyama’s manga, often overlooked as mere obscure stories, stands as a significant piece of manga history. It chronicles the journey Toriyama took before achieving success. Many of these early works, such as “Wonder Island,” did not resonate well with readers and were deemed failures. However, it’s crucial to appreciate Toriyama’s resilience and commitment to his art. If he had given up after encountering a few setbacks, the world would have been deprived of “Dragon Ball,” a loss that would undoubtedly cast a gloomy shadow over our own world. Essentially, Akira Toriyama’s Manga Theatre serves as a tangible reminder of the rewards reaped by those who persevere in their pursuits.

Akira Toriyama’s Manga Theatre Is the Ultimate Celebration of Toriyama’s Imagination

Toriyama Created the Most Colorful Worlds

There’s no denying the monumental impact Akira Toriyama had on the world of anime and manga. He didn’t merely create ordinary action stories with stereotypical characters and props; instead, every weapon, vehicle, building, and character was distinctively unique. Instead of driving regular cars, his characters navigated through worlds in flying hovercraft, armored tanks with multiple treads, or streamlined aircraft. His universe was populated by a diverse array of anthropomorphic beings, each fitting seamlessly into their respective worlds as if they were the norm. What sets Toriyama apart is his relentless celebration of imagination and creativity, a quality that is not commonly found in other series.

Not only does this extensive compilation surpass what many readers might need, but it would be a pity to overlook the exceptional works of Akira Toriyama that preceded, coincided with, and followed the success of Dragon Ball. It’s delightful to find such an assortment of his manga gathered within the pages of one beautiful hardcover book. Akira Toriyama’s Manga Theatre is a must-read for any and every fan who has been captivated by Dragon Ball.

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2025-05-13 02:41