Manga
This is how Akira Toriyama improved ‘Dragon Ball’ when Goku almost failed completely
Fans didn’t quite connect with Goku at the start of ‘Dragon Ball’, which is why the author had to introduce new characters and events.
Currently, ‘Dragon Ball’ is one of the most popular brands in popular culture throughout the world, with Goku being a true icon. However, at first, he was not received as many might think, resulting in a character that was too “simple” which almost ended the entire series, according to manga editor Kazuhiko Torishima. In an interview made years ago Akira Toriyama, the creator, spoke about how the idea of the World Martial Arts Tournaments.
Goku’s popularity plummeted in the beginning
“Your protagonist is quite simple. That’s why it’s not popular,” explained Toriyama, adding that “annoying” because he made Goku that way “intentionally.” To increase the popularity of the series -and after the Pilaf arc-, Toriyama turned ‘Dragon Ball’ into “a tournament format”, something that already worked previously with his previous work, ‘Dr. Slump’. Furthermore, he “temporarily withdrew the other characters that accompanied Goku, brought back Mutenroshi and added to Krillin like a new character”, stating that “From there it became popular before I realized it”.
Thus, Goku leaves behind his dull blue suit to equip the official turtle school uniform of Mutenroshi, participates with his partner Krillin in the famous World Martial Arts Tournament after his joint training with Master Turtle, and grows as a person with his relationships with his previous friends, in addition to meeting Chi-Chi, who years later would be his wife. He was an even more interesting character after losing to Jackie Chun in the final of Martial Arts Tournament.
Finally, Goku’s development managed to capture the attention of fans, making him the central axis of ‘Dragon Ball’ and leaving behind his simple personality to be, currently, one of the most popular and recognizable characters from manga and anime.
Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more. Follow us now!