Akira Toriyama has left an indelible mark on the world of manga and anime as a remarkable mangaka and illustrator. While he is most famous for his magnum opus, Dragon Ball, Toriyama has been involved in several other notable works both as an artist and a writer. Let’s look at the Top 5 works of Akira Toriyama outside of Dragon Ball.
Top 5 works of Akira Toriyama outside of Dragon Ball
5. Blue Dragon
Blue Dragon was a collaborative project between Akira Toriyama and Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the Final Fantasy series. Initially released as a role-playing video game for the Xbox 360, Toriyama’s involvement extended beyond character design to the overall world-building.
The story revolves around a young boy named Shu and his companions as they embark on a quest to save the world from a powerful and mysterious force. Blue Dragon subsequently spawned an anime adaptation, further amplifying its impact.
4. Jaco the Galactic Patrolman
Jaco the Galactic Patrolman is a standalone manga series written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama that is set in the same universe as Dragon Ball. This prequel follows the adventures of Jaco, an extraterrestrial law enforcement officer sent to Earth.
With its blend of Toriyama’s trademark humor and action, the manga explores Jaco’s encounters with various Earthlings, showcasing several of his escapades and shenanigans. Despite its short length, Jaco the Galactic Patrolman offers a delightful and self-contained story that serves as a captivating spin-off to Dragon Ball.
3. Dragon Quest
Akira Toriyama’s involvement with the Dragon Quest franchise solidifies his impact on the world of gaming. Known for his character designs in the popular role-playing game series, Toriyama’s artistic flair injects charm and personality into the diverse cast of characters.
Toriyama’s imaginative creature designs, from the iconic Slimes to the fearsome dragons, have become synonymous with the franchise to the point that almost every JRPGÂ used these entities in some way, shape, or form.
2. Chrono Trigger
Akira Toriyama lent his artistic talents to the legendary role-playing game, Chrono Trigger. Regarded as one of the greatest games of all time, and the unofficial Godfather of JRGPS, Toriyama’s character designs played an instrumental role in shaping the game’s distinctive visual style.
From the main protagonist, Crono, to the colorful array of supporting characters, Toriyama’s artwork brought the game’s rich narrative and time-traveling adventure to life. Chrono Trigger remains a testament to Toriyama’s versatility and ability to create visually captivating worlds that transcend beyond the medium of anime.
1. Dr. Slump
Following the exploits of a genius scientist, Senbei Norimaki, and his mischievous android creation, Arale, Dr. Slump delivers a hilarious and heartwarming narrative that is to be enjoyed as a goofy, turn-off-your-brain-and-enjoy kind of tale.
Toriyama’s comedic timing and whimsical character designs make this series a timeless classic. Filled with lots of puns and certain eccentric types of humor, Dr. Slump demonstrates Toriyama’s knack for blending comedy, science fiction, and endearing characters, setting the stage for his later success with Dragon Ball.
Conclusion
As one of the most important figures in the history of Animanga and Otaku Culture, Akira Toriyama is one of the most talented artists who ventured far beyond the anime and manga scene. His strikingly distinguishable art style has cemented him as one of the most recognizable mangakas of all time.
For more such lists, stay with Spiel Anime.