The news of Akira Toriyama’s passing shocked the manga and anime community, making fans extremely sad. At age 68, the legendary creator of iconic works like Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump left behind a profound legacy that has touched countless lives.
Toriyama’s journey to becoming a manga giant began with the success of his previous work, Dr. Slump, the work that brought him into the spotlight. However, it is worth noting Dr. Slump’s surprising influence in unexpected areas, including the work of famous martial artist and actor Jackie Chan.
Long before Dragon Ball achieved international acclaim, Dr. Toriyama’s Slump has made waves in the manga world. However, it’s interesting to know that this strange series of films had a notable impact on Jackie Chan’s creative endeavors.
In interviews, Toriyama himself cited Chan’s films and Chinese literature as important sources of inspiration for the creation of Dragon Ball. However, in a rare revelation, Chan responded, acknowledging Toriyama’s influence on his own film project.
This mutual admiration highlights the bonds between creative minds across different media and cultures. Toriyama’s genius transcended borders, leaving an indelible mark not only on manga but on the entire entertainment industry.
Dragon Ball, with its wonderful characters, intricate world-building, and epic battles, remains a testament to Toriyama’s unparalleled imagination and storytelling ability. Through this iconic series, he captured the hearts of millions, inspiring generations of artists, writers and dreamers worldwide.
As fans mourn the passing of a visionary talent, they also honor the rich tapestry of creativity he gave to the world. Akira Toriyama’s legacy will endure through his timeless creations, which continue to spark imaginations and bring joy to countless fans for years to come.
How did Dr. Slump inspire Jackie Chan and shape a cultural phenomenon?
The manga Dr. Slump, written by Akira Toriyama, chronicles the adventures of a young robot girl named Arale Norimaki and her inventor, Senbei Norimaki, set in the quirky Penguin Village.
This beloved series served as a pivotal point in Toriyama’s career, paving the way for his next masterpiece, Dragon Ball. Surprisingly, Dr. Slump’s influence has extended beyond manga and into cinema, especially impacting the films of none other than Jackie Chan.
Although many people may not know about it, there was a rare meeting between Jackie Chan and Akira Toriyama, details of which were recorded in Bird Land Press in 1986. Bird Land Press is a treasure trove for fans of Toriyama’s work, publishing comprehensive insights into his creations.
Thanks to the translation efforts of The Dao of Dragon Ball, which unearthed a long-forgotten magazine article, fans got a glimpse of this encounter. In this revelation, martial arts icon Jackie Chan himself confessed:
“I was influenced by Dr. Slump when making my film!!”
The connection between Jackie Chan and Dr. Slump goes even deeper. In the 1985 film My Lucky Stars, Chan donned the costume of Dr. Slump’s main character, Arale Norimaki, in a memorable scene, showing his admiration for Toriyama’s creation. This exchange of creative inspiration was not one-way, as both Toriyama and Chan found inspiration in each other’s work.
Chan’s admission sheds light on Dr. Slump goes beyond the limits of manga. It’s interesting to note that his appreciation for Toriyama’s creativity also played a role in the origins of Dragon Ball, a series that has become synonymous with Toriyama’s legacy.
The meeting of these two creative giants emphasizes the connection between artistic expressions, transcending the boundaries of culture and medium. Through their mutual admiration, both Toriyama and Chan contributed to a rich tapestry of cultural exchange, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with fans around the world.
‘Drunken Master’ inspired the creation of Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball is considered an enduring masterpiece, revered for its transformative influence on manga and shōnen anime. To fans, it represents the core essence of the genre, a beacon of excellence in storytelling and character development. However, fans were stunned to discover the unexpected inspiration behind this cultural phenomenon: Jackie Chan’s films.
In a revealing excerpt from Dragon Ball Daizenshuu 2: Story Guide, translated by Kanzenshuu, Akira Toriyama, the genius behind Dragon Ball, shares insights into the origins of his iconic creation. .
After completing Dr. Slump, Toriyama found himself at a creative crossroads, unsure of his next endeavor. It was during this time that his love for Jackie Chan’s martial arts masterpiece, ‘The Drunken Master’, sparked an important idea – the adventures of Son Goku and his teammates.
“At that time I really liked Jackie Chan movies and had watched ‘Drunken Master’ dozens of times. Because I liked that genre, Torishima-san advised me to try making a kung-fu shōnen manga, so I drew a one-shot called ‘Dragon Boy’.”
The success of this one-shot, ‘Dragon Boy’, pushed Toriyama towards the idea of Dragon Ball. Besides the influence of Jackie Chan’s 1978 film, Toriyama also drew inspiration from Chinese literature, specifically seeking to modernize the classic tale Journey to the West through his work.
The combination of martial arts, adventure and fantasy elements among Dragon Ball audiences around the world has solidified Toriyama’s position as a visionary mangaka. His ability to weave complex stories and create memorable characters has left an indelible mark on the manga and anime landscape.
Despite Toriyama’s sudden death at the age of 68, his legacy lives on through his timeless creations. Dragon Ball remains a testament to his unparalleled creativity and artistic vision, continuing to attract generations of fans. In the annals of manga history, Toriyama’s contributions are a testament to the power of imagination and storytelling, leaving a lasting impact that transcends time and space.
