In the early sagas of Dragon Ball, Goku faced many memorable villains who tested his mettle as a warrior. This week, the official Akira Toriyama Archive team focuses on Mercenary Tao—aka Tao Pai Pai—the ruthless assassin who served as the main antagonist of the series' “Red Ribbon Saga.”
Every day, the official Dragon Ball website features rare artwork from the franchise's past, including (but not limited to) early concept art and elusive illustrations from the original Shonen Jump issues. In August, the Akira Toriyama Archive featured a cover illustration of Tao used for Volume 6 of Dragon Ball: The Complete Edition, which was first published on February 4, 2003. As shown below, the cover features a dynamic scene from Goku and Tao's first battle, in which Tao's incredible strength and agility are on full display.
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Dragon Ball's mercenary Tao was one of Goku's first major enemies.
Tao the Mercenary is an elite assassin for hire known for his exorbitant price of 10 billion Zeni. After suffering several catastrophic losses against Goku, Red Ribbon Army commander Red Ribbon quickly hires Tao to eliminate Goku once and for all. Despite being only human, Tao quickly proves himself to be a formidable opponent, confidently dodging and countering Goku's initial attacks. However, he ultimately suffers a karmic defeat after attempting to use a weapon on Goku mid-battle. In the “Piccolo Jr. Saga” of Dragon Ball, Tao reappears to participate in the World Martial Arts Tournament. By this time, most of his organic body has been replaced with cybernetic enhancements, making him even more dangerous.
Another character featured on the same cover for Volume 6 is Korin, a feline martial arts expert who serves as Goku’s mentor and teacher. During the “Red Ribbon Army Saga,” Korin uses a clever counterfeit drug to enhance Goku’s strength and speed for his new opponents. He also maintains a supporting role in later sagas by cultivating Senzu beans that can quickly heal wounds and serious injuries. This archival illustration honors the scene where Korin urges Goku to “catch” him, thereby obtaining the sacred water that allows him to become stronger.
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Dragon Ball Continues to Dominate the World of Shonen Anime & Manga
Four decades after its debut, Dragon Ball continues to be a dominant force in the shonen world. Dragon Ball Daima — Toei Animation's upcoming anime — is rapidly approaching its October premiere. While the Dragon Ball Super manga is still on hiatus, series illustrator Toyotarou regularly produces new content for the series through his “Dragon Ball Super Interval Special” series, which often highlights popular characters and storylines. The Dragon Ball community is also eagerly awaiting the release of Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero, the official revival of the popular Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi video game series. The title is scheduled for release on October 11, 2024. However, those who purchase the premium edition will have access to the game starting October 8.
The Dragon Ball manga series, including Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super, is available in English on VIZ Media. The series' respective anime adaptations are available on Hulu and Crunchyroll.
Dragon Ball
Son Goku, a monkey-tailed warrior, along with a group of other strange characters, set out on a quest to find the Dragon Balls, a set of crystals that can grant the owner anything they desire.
Author Akira Toriyama
Artist Akira Toriyama
Release date November 20, 1984 Category Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Martial Arts
Chap 519
Book 42
Adaptation Dragon Ball (1986)
Publishing house Shueisha, Madman Entertainment, Viz Media
Extend
Source: Dragon Ball Official Website
