10 Occasions When Dragon Ball Was Illustrated by Manga Artists Other Than Akira Toriyama

Artists have long honored influential creators like Akira Toriyama, the mastermind behind Dragon Ball, by creatively reinterpreting their works. Since the original series launched nearly 40 years ago, a myriad of artists—some of whom are as celebrated as Toriyama—have taken it upon themselves to redraw iconic characters from this beloved franchise. Among these numerous tributes, a select few have emerged as particularly exceptional. A standout compilation is found in Saikyo Jump’s Dragon Ball Super Gallery, showcasing some of the most remarkable reinterpretations, many of which can also be found on the personal websites of the contributing artists.

There are myriad approaches an artist can adopt when paying tribute via redrawing another’s work. The most evocative Dragon Ball tributes strike a harmonious balance between adhering to the original’s spirit and infusing the artist’s individual flair. These tributes maintain the essence of Toriyama’s vision while delivering a fresh perspective that breathes new life into the character forms. Ultimately, the best tributes elicit emotional or intellectual responses from audiences, whether it be nostalgia, admiration, or thoughtful critique.

10 Takeshi Obata

Death Note

The landmark volume, Dragon Ball Vol. #29 (or Dragon Ball Z Vol. #13), centers around the Android Arc and the pivotal arrival of Cell. This edition introduces Trunks, who traverses time to warn Goku and his allies of the impending threat of formidable androids. Facing an immediate threat, they quickly gear up for the pending confrontation. Three years later, as Trunks forewarned, Dr. Gero makes his appearance alongside Androids #19 and #20, hell-bent on revenge against Goku and his companions for annihilating the Red Ribbon Army years earlier.

Takeshi Obata’s take on the volume cover effectively captures the joyfulness expressed by Toriyama while amplifying it. In a heartfelt moment, Obata elaborates on a brief respite between Gohan and Piccolo during their arduous training regime. Gohan’s glee while tinkering with his ride, contrasted with Piccolo’s softened connivance, highlights a rare moment of warmth. Notably, Obata subtly weaves in a mechanical motif, hinting at the Androids’ inevitable encroachment.

9 Hiroshi Shiibashi

Nuna: Rise of the Yokai Clan

In Dragon Ball Vol. #6, the Red Ribbon Army Arc kicks off, detailing the malevolent organization’s plot to seize the Dragon Balls for dominion. Goku, Bulma, and Krillin emerge as stalwart defenders against these threats, but the Red Ribbon Army, led by merciless figures, intends to eliminate Goku, now declared as Public Enemy No. 1. As hostilities mount, the trio faces monumental challenges.

Shiibashi’s artistic interpretation of Toriyama’s classic chase scene infuses it with a captivating impressionistic style. By eschewing the original’s flat cartoonish aesthetics, Shiibashi incorporates depth, dynamic perspective, and meticulous detail to convey the urgency of the Red Ribbon Army’s pursuit of Goku, seen through the eyes of an engaged, adventurous hero riding his Nimbus cloud. This refreshing take deepens the emotional impact, engendering a more immersive visual experience.

8 Shun Saeki

Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma

Dragon Ball Vol. #10 acts as a transitional narrative between the Red Ribbon Army’s defeat and King Piccolo’s emergence. As Goku and his friends prepare for the Tenkaichi Budokai tournament, this volume reveals their growth over the three years since their last encounter. Goku has transformed into a markedly more serious and committed warrior, showcasing gritty development and character complexity that fans adore.

Notably, Bulma assumes a crucial role in this volume, even as she doesn’t compete in the tournament. Her increased importance prompted Toriyama to position her front and center on the cover. Shun Saeki not only pays homage to this but also amplifies Bulma’s presence, ensuring she stands out amidst the chaos. Goku, adhering to a pose reminiscent of the original cover, still plays second fiddle to Bulma’s spotlight, illustrating Saeki’s commitment to elevating her significance.

7 Yusuke Murata

One-Punch Man

Dragon Ball Vol. #12 represents a turning point in Goku’s narrative arc, centering on Krillin’s tragic demise at the hands of Tambourine. This pivotal moment marks the first major character loss, profoundly influencing Goku’s destiny. His overwhelming sorrow for Krillin sets off an enduring theme of vengeance and resilience, culminating in one of the series’ most heart-wrenching visuals in Chapter #135.

Murata’s reinterpretation reimagines Toriyama’s original scene where Goku, Krillin, and others embark on their journey to the Tenkaichi Budokai. By surrounding the protagonists with imminent threats, Murata intensifies the drama, capturing the foreboding atmosphere of their upcoming trials. Krillin’s expression of terror serves as an avante-garde hint of his tragic fate. True to Murata’s dynamic style, the artwork pulsates with visual vigor, echoing the signature energy of his One-Punch Man work.

6 Tite Kubo

Bleach

In Dragon Ball Vol. #27 (Dragon Ball Z Vol. #11), the legendary clash between Goku and Frieza unfolds, marking a historic juncture in the series with the first display of the Super Saiyan transformation, an iconic moment that altered the landscape of anime. This confrontation encapsulates the ultimate stakes for Goku and his allies, showcasing sheer determination against Frieza’s tyranny.

With the weight of years amplifying the intensity of this arc’s tragic conclusion, Tite Kubo masterfully captures its dark essence in his tribute. He elevates the ominous tone of Toriyama’s original depiction, particularly emphasizing Frieza’s shadowy presence. Additionally, Kubo conveys a heightened sense of terror in Piccolo’s expression, contrasting sharply with the original portrayal of mild annoyance.

5. Sui Ishida

Tokyo Ghoul

In Dragon Ball Vol. #8, the Red Ribbon Army saga reaches its climax, featuring Commander Red, who, desperate to gather the final Dragon Balls, engages Taopaipai, the world’s premier assassin, to eliminate Goku. As Goku seeks mastery from the enigmatic martial artist Karin, he uncovers secrets crucial to overcoming his formidable adversary.

Sui Ishida expertly reimagines the original cover, focusing less on whimsy and more on the gravity of Goku’s pivotal moment. Through a serious and contemplative portrayal of Goku, Ishida mirrors the thematic dilemmas faced by his own character from Tokyo Ghoul, Ken Kaneki. This compelling visual draws parallels between their respective inner struggles and the choices that could define their destinies.

4. Masanori Morita

Rokudenashi Blues

Dragon Ball Vol. #24 (Dragon Ball Z Vol. #8) plunges into the early Frieza Arc, showcasing the elite forces of Captain Ginyu and the disarray among the heroes. Despite their individual powers, factional squabbling marks their undertakings, with Goku’s tardy arrival and Vegeta’s self-serving motives complicating their mission’s success.

Morita Masanori brilliantly encapsulates the complex dynamics at play, suggesting the dilemma faced by Goku: admirable intentions hampered by personal ambition and rivalries. The narrative echoes with a cynical undertone, prompting reflections on friendship and alliances amid adversity—a notion profoundly encapsulated in his artistic depiction.

3 Jim Lee

WildC.A.T.s / Batman

Following the passing of Akira Toriyama in March 2024, the manga and comic communities were profoundly affected, mourning a figure who inspired countless creators. In homage to Toriyama’s legacy, many artists have embraced the task of reimagining characters from Dragon Ball. Among these was Jim Lee, a venerated figure at DC Comics, who offered a tribute celebrating Toriyama’s iconic creations.

Published on Lee’s @jimlee Instagram account, his homage showcases a nostalgic portrayal of Goku. This breathtaking piece employs a classic black-and-white style synonymous with traditional manga, spotlighting Goku in preparation for his revered Kamehameha attack, a sequence that resonates strongly with fans of the series.

2. Masashi Kishimoto

Naruto

Masashi Kishimoto prominently participated in the 40th anniversary celebrations of Dragon Ball, contributing a reimagining of Dragon Ball Vol. #11. As a lifelong admirer of the series, Kishimoto’s previous tributes to Toriyama, notably one during Dragon Ball’s 30th anniversary, solidify his deep connection to this iconic work.

His earlier homage brilliantly visualizes how Goku and his companions would exist within the Naruto universe—where martial prowess reigns as a celebrated virtue—a core theme that resonates in both worlds.

1. Boichi

Dr. Stone

Boichi's contribution to Dragon Ball's 40th tribute super gallery

Dragon Ball Vol. #26 (or Dragon Ball Z Vol. #10) captures the turbulence of Frieza’s merciless conquest of Namek. As Goku recuperates, his allies face the wrath of Frieza and his followers, leading to a climactic showdown when Goku finally awakens and dives into battle.

While Toriyama’s original cover took a nostalgic route with an older Goku riding the Nimbus cloud, Boichi reimagines this scene, opting for a first-person perspective that immerses viewers in a chaotic, life-and-death struggle. This dynamic tribute epitomizes the intense battles that have accentuated Dragon Ball’s legacy for over four decades and encapsulates the suspenseful essence of the narrative.

Sources: Kanzenshuu , @jimlee

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