Summary
Toriyama's detailed manga panels in Dragon Ball revolutionized the industry and evoked more emotions than animation. From Shenron's first appearance to Gohan's Super Saiyan transformation, the iconic manga panels showcase Toriyama's masterful artistry. Character designs, transformations, and intense moments are immortalized in Dragon Ball manga panels with stunning artwork.
Dragon ballIts success would not have been possible without the original manga, which was released four decades ago and showcased some of the industry's best art at the time, and today, Akira Toriyama's art style is distinctive and respected. This manga features some of the best character designs in the shōnen genre, brought to life through expressive manga panels that depict battles with a strong sense of energy and movement.
Toriyama's art revolutionized the manga industry, with his dedication to ensuring the quality of each Dragon Ball panel with detailed characters, clear layouts and canvases. Thanks to this, there are certain moments in the series that are even more impactful and awaken more emotions when captured in the manga than in the animation, making them unforgettable.
Although many of them are great, Some of the most prominent Dragon Ball manga panels and shows that Akira Toriyama is a true master in the field of painting.
10 Shenron, the Dragon God, First Appearance
Dragon Ball Chapter 19: “Finally…the dragon!”
Shenron, the dragon lord who grants almost any wish, first appears in the series after Pilaf steals the Dragon Balls from Goku and his friends with the intention of summoning him and asking him to become world ruler. The series is based on the premise of finding the Dragon Balls, so obviously, the first introduction of its guardian has to be unforgettable and Toriyama certainly doesn't shy away from showing off the dragon that stands out from all Its splendor on the dashboard.
Shenron's design is one of the most striking in the series, showing a Chinese influence in the story. Shenron's appearances in the series are never trivial, the shading and composition of the panels really showcase his fearsome aura, befitting that of a powerful and mythical creature. Be respected.
9 Revealing Master Roshi's true power
Dragon Ball – Chapter 14: “Kamehameha”
Master Roshi's most impressive skill is shown in the early chapters of the manga: his special technique, Kamehameha. The panel did a great job of showing Master Roshi's change from his usual old and seemingly frail appearance to his muscular and imposing body while preparing to launch a kamehameha to put out a fire in a building where a Dragon Ball.
The workshop left fans amazed at Master Roshi's strength, with his aura and visible veins on his body, reflecting his deep concentration and the effort required to be able to release a large amount of energy. massive ki in a powerful beam of energy. This is the first time the franchise's iconic move is used, and Goku will learn it just one chapter later.
8 Goku penetrates demon king Piccolo
Dragon Ball Chapter 161: “Son Goku's Fist”
Goku's fight against King Piccolo is one of the series' most brutal confrontations because of Goku's desire for revenge. Goku uses a kamehameha to launch himself into the air, leaving behind a mythical plaque in which Goku stabs King Piccolo in the stomach, defeating him. The panel takes up the entire page and is visually prominent with a white background in which only the sound effects and both characters stand out.
In addition, all the details, such as the heroic pose of Goku rushing forward with pieces of King Piccolo's clothes falling on him after being penetrated, along with the Namekian's blank expression and face Goku's determination with his eyes still closed, making it one of the best details. hype moments in Dragon Ball and a memorable panel on one of Goku's most shocking victories.
7 Goku's first transformation and the first appearance of the great apes
Dragon Ball – Chapter 21: “Full Moon”
Although Goku's first known transformation into a giant ape was when he accidentally killed his grandfather Gohan.he Great Ape's first appearance in the manga is when Goku transforms inside Pilaf castle, after he and his henchmen capture Goku and his friends to get the dragon balls.
The double spread panel shows the most beastly form the Saiyans reveal when they see the full moon, demonstrating the immense power but also the absolute lack of control that Goku has during this transformation, no I can't stop myself from destroying everything around me. Bold shadows highlight the piercing night, with the full moon illuminating the detailed Pilaf Castle while the Great Monkey leaps upon it with a clenched fist, destroying the building's towers, surely is an astonishing display of master Toriyama's great artistic skill.
6 The appearance of the Z-Fighters at the Cell Games
Dragon Ball Chapter 395: Heroes Gather!
The dramatic opening of a pivotal moment in the story is a key point in the shōnen series that fans will always remember, and this was perfectly captured by Toriyama when the Z-fighters arrived at Cell. Games Arena. This represents a key moment in the series, highlighted by a stunning double spread tableThis doesn't happen as often in Dragon Ball compared to other series, but when it does, it's always noticeable.
Additionally, Dragon Ball's setting is simpler than many others in the genre, as Toriyama focuses more on the characters, and that's what stands out in this panel, where the tension is palpable, conveying The Z warriors' feelings about the upcoming war and expressed. their concern with the sweat on their faces, contrasted with Goku's smile and Piccolo's expectant expression.
5 Gohan's iconic transformation into Super Saiyan 2
Dragon Ball Chapter 408: “Gohan Liberated!”
Super Saiyan 2 is one of Dragon Ball's iconic transformations, and its debut is one of the most breathtaking scenes in all of manga. Toriyama upgraded Super Saiyan 2, adding signature elements with beams of light enveloping Gohan's body and a change in his usual demeanor, characterized by an angry expression. In addition, the panel has a visual impact with dust swirls as a dramatic effect.
Parallel to Goku's first transformation into a Super Saiyan, Gohan unleashes Super Saiyan 2 after Cell brutally kills his fellow Android number 16, and while Goku's SSJ wins in terms of impact absolute, Gohan achieving this state has more emotional weight as the manga's build up leads to this moment. Eventually, something happens inside Gohan, and he awakens the power that Goku has always seen in him, proving that there are higher levels that Saiyans can reach.
4 Piccolo's sacrifice to save Gohan
Dragon Ball Chapter 222: Death of a God!
One moment that definitely gave Dragon Ball fans goosebumps was when Piccolo sacrificed himself to save Gohan from Nappa's attack. The panel masterfully demonstrates the attack's terrifying power with Piccolo's clean lines and tattered clothes, capturing the pain in his expression and Gohan's fear. The shocking scene is a pivotal moment in Piccolo's character arc because he went from being a despicable enemy to someone willing to sacrifice his life to protect his disciples.
The panel condenses a lot of emotion, showing that Piccolo isn't just Gohan's guardian anymore; with all the time they spent training together, he became his second father figure in Goku's absence. It also shows that Goku is no longer the only character who dedicates everything for the benefit of others.
3 Goku transforms into the legendary Super Saiyan
Dragon Ball Chapter 317: “Live or Die”
An exhausted Goku using the soul bomb faces Frieza again, but after Krillin's death, his rage causes him to transform for the first time into a Super Saiyan, depicted in a panel noted by many Dragon Ball fans as one of the best of all timeshows the warrior standing up on his feet with a transformation that multiplies his strength and an expression of anger and determination to put an end to the evil emperor once and for all.
The incredible panel features a stern and brave Goku, looking at Frieza and highlighting the powerful aura that covers his body as he stands in the desolate field. This was an exciting panel that brought chills to fans and was definitely the best way to introduce the legendary Super Saiyan. It's no exaggeration to say that this sign changed manga (and anime) history forever.
2 The first fight between Goku and Vegeta
Dragon Ball Chapter 228: Mano is crazy!
Goku and Vegeta taking their positions before facing each other in an epic battle is an unforgettable scene that brings the manga back to its roots, showing how Toriyama was inspired by various martial arts as What is their special fighting position? Toriyama's signature art style, with simple silhouettes and clean backgrounds, shines best when leaning against the characters and panels that really convey the tension for the fight to come.
The control panel is also visible Goku and Vegeta's signature thoughts as they analyze each other, as Goku stands low to gauge his opponent and react to his moves naturally. While Vegeta is haughty, arrogant and has a mocking look on his face, trying to provoke his opponents to force them to reveal their fighting style and possibly set the pace of the match.
1 Father-Son Kamehameha Against Cells
Dragon Ball Vip Version – Chapter 416: Kamehameha vs Kamehameha
The best panel in the manga is also one of the most heartfelt and affecting moments in Dragon Ball, when Gohan, transformed into a Super Saiyan 2 and controlled by Goku's spirit, destroys the strongest android along with his father the surprising Kamehameha. Goku sacrificed himself, forcing Gohan to be the one to confront Cell. However, Gohan laments that his power is not enough to protect Earth so Goku's spirit begins to encourage him, reminding him that he can do it and just needs to do his best.
This panel depicts Gohan's mental image of his father guiding him when all seemed lost, symbolically showing how Goku has passed the fight into the hands of the next generation and emphasizing that Gohan has overcome his father's strength. It is a beautiful sign that shows there is no greater power than the trust and love of a father and son, making the father and son kamehameha one of a kind. Dragon ball plaques that will stay with fans forever and prove that Akira Toriyama is truly a master of his craft.