Dragon Ball has discovered a classic vintage Weekly Shonen Jump cover featuring Goku and King Piccolo from the late 1980s.
The official Dragon Ball website has released this hidden gem via the Akira Toriyama Archive, which specializes in showcasing rare images from the series’ past. First released in November 1987, the cover of Weekly Shonen Jump No. 49 highlights the tense conflict between young Goku and Piccolo’s villainous predecessor, who served as the main antagonist in Dragon Ball’s “King Piccolo” story. This cover was added to the Archives on March 15 and will be available to view on the site within 24 hours.
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Like many Dragon Ball villains, Demon King Piccolo has a complicated backstory. Initially introduced as an independent entity whose goal is world domination, Earth Guardian Kami later reveals that he is actually the embodiment of evil that once existed within himself. To take on his role as Earth’s protector, Kami split himself in two, creating the entity that would eventually become King Piccolo. After one of Goku’s closest allies was murdered by Piccolo’s son Tambourine, the young Saiyan vowed to defeat those responsible. Notably, the final incarnation of this dark-hearted villain, Piccolo Jr, would become one of the most beloved characters in the entire franchise.
Akira Toriyama’s legacy lives on in Dragon Ball works past and present
The anime world is still in shock after the sudden passing of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, who recently passed away after suffering an acute subdural hematoma at the age of 68. Members of Toriyama’s manga production company , Bird Studio, posted a eulogy message informing fans of the incident. artist’s death and thanked them for their support throughout his life. “We regret that he still has some works in progress…however, he left behind many manga titles and artworks for this world,” the staff wrote. “Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he was able to continue his creative work for 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique creative world will continue to be loved by everyone for a long time.”
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One of the aforementioned projects is Dragon Ball Daima – a brand new anime series designed to celebrate the franchise’s 40th anniversary. The anime’s plot revolves around Goku and his friends starting a new adventure after being turned into children. According to Daima executive producer Akio Iyoku, Toriyama was deeply involved in many aspects of the production, saying, “[He] worked on the entire story and was more involved in character design than ever before. He also had a hand in designing the machines.” The series evokes a distinctly nostalgic atmosphere, reintroducing classic elements such as Goku’s flying nimbus and Nyoibo (Electric Pole). The series is scheduled to premiere in fall 2024.
Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball manga is now available in English on VIZ Media. Toei Animation’s popular film adaptations are available on Hulu and Crunchyroll.
Dragon ball
Dragon Ball tells the story of a young warrior named Son Goku, a special boy with a tail who embarks on a journey to become stronger and learn about the Dragon Balls, as all 7 Dragon Balls are gathered. in return, grant any wish of choice.
Created by Akira Toriyama
First movie Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Ruby
Latest movie Dragon Ball Super: Superhero
First TV show chapter Dragon ball
Upcoming TV show Dragon Ball DAIMA
Airing date of the first episode April 26, 1989
Cast Sean Schemmel, Laura Bailey, Brian Drummond, Christopher Sabat, Scott McNeil
Source: Dragon Ball official website