‘Dragon Ball’: Goku’s design is universal but early sketches hinted at something very different
Toriyama’s original vision for Goku leaned much closer to the legendary Monkey King.
Few characters in anime are as instantly recognizable as Goku. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone who’s never watched a single episode, chances are you’ve seen that spiky hair, orange gi, and Saiyan tail somewhere. But what if we told you that Goku’s original design was nothing like the version we know today?
According to early concept art by Akira Toriyama, Goku was initially envisioned as a much more literal interpretation of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from the classic Chinese novel 'Journey to the West’, the very story that inspired the foundation of 'Dragon Ball’.
Goku’s first form: a mischievous monkey boy
In the earliest sketches, Goku looked far more like a small monkey than a human child. He had a more animalistic face, traditional Chinese clothing, and accessories like a headband and gloves. His signature Power Pole and tail were already present, but his hairstyle and overall silhouette were drastically different.
These designs were part of Toriyama’s initial pitch for 'Dragon Ball’, and while some elements survived into the final version, the tone shifted dramatically. Instead of a wild monkey warrior, Goku became a cheerful, wide-eyed boy with a rebellious hairstyle and a heart of gold: a transformation that helped define the tone of the series.
Not just Goku: Bulma and Oolong looked different too
Toriyama’s early drafts didn’t just reimagine Goku. Bulma was originally designed as a cowgirl, complete with a hat, boots, and a pistol. Oolong, the shape-shifting pig, was bulkier and more intimidating in his first iteration. Even Goku’s mode of transportation was different, he flew a small airplane before the Flying Nimbus became his signature ride.
These early designs, recently resurfaced through the Toriyama Archives, offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind one of the most beloved anime franchises of all time. They show how much 'Dragon Ball’ evolved before it ever hit the page, and how close we came to a very different kind of hero.
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