Dragon Ball stands as a monumental franchise that has captivated audiences for over four decades. Created by the esteemed Akira Toriyama, this series continues to maintain its popularity and influence worldwide. The recent addition to the universe, titled DAIMA, reinforces that fans remain steadfast in their admiration for this iconic show.
However, the franchise faces a challenging period ahead. Legal disputes surrounding the rights to Dragon Ball could jeopardize future manga and anime releases. Following Toriyama’s unfortunate passing in March 2024, these conflicts have intensified, leading to unresolved issues between the involved parties, as highlighted in a July 2024 interview.
Concerns Over Dragon Ball’s Rights
The Rest’s Position Weakened
The revelation of these legal issues was brought to light in an article from the Japanese magazine Weekly Tokyo Keizai. Led by journalist Soichiro Morita, the interview elaborated on how Shueisha might lose its grip on the franchise. Following a disagreement with executives, Akio Iyoku, who had overseen Dragon Ball for years, departed Shueisha to launch his venture, Capsule Corp.
Iyoku’s departure stemmed from his demotion to a less creative role after disputes regarding the franchise’s direction—a situation reportedly disheartening for Toriyama, who trusted Iyoku implicitly. Iyoku aims to be the new official representative for Toriyama’s legacy, looking to steer creative endeavors, including video games and anime adaptations.
After Toriyama’s death, the future of Dragon Ball was thrown into uncertainty. Iyoku was poised to assume control, but Shueisha’s unwillingness to relinquish the franchise—one of its most lucrative—complicated matters. Fans have observed a noticeable decline in Dragon Ball content, including the much-anticipated continuation of Dragon Ball Super, largely attributed to Shueisha’s hold-up in approvals. As it stands in December 2024, the conflict remains unresolved.
The Financial Stakes for Shueisha
Shueisha’s apprehension about losing Dragon Ball’s rights primarily stems from the significant revenue generated by the series. The article mentioned that mobile games, notably Dokkan Battle, have amassed over $5 billion as of February 2024 alone. Furthermore, the success of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, which grossed approximately 13 billion Yen, underscores the franchise’s financial importance.
Given its status as one of the best-loved anime series globally, it’s unsurprising that Shueisha is reluctant to forfeit control, especially considering the ongoing profitability of the franchise. Even if Capsule Corp. secures the rights to the animated series, Shueisha would retain ownership of the manga, making resolution to this dispute even more complex.
Iyoku’s Entrepreneurial Leap
Ambitions to Expand the Franchise
During the interview, Iyoku articulated his frustrations about being sidelined from leading the creative direction of Dragon Ball. He envisioned a future where the franchise could expand dramatically, including new anime series and video games, along with projects reflecting Toriyama’s original ideas. His ambitions led to unilateral decisions, such as pursuing a film adaptation of Toriyama’s work, Sand Land, without prior approval.
“Without consulting his superiors, Mr. Iyoku unilaterally decided to make a film adaptation of Toriyama-sensei’s ‘SAND LAND.”
– Morita’s informant
Morita’s informant indicated that before his exit, Iyoku faced various challenges, particularly regarding collaborations with emerging technologies like the Metaverse and AI. His demotion was a last-ditch effort by Shueisha to maintain control amidst significant tension, signaling that the ongoing struggle over Dragon Ball’s rights may detrimentally impact the franchise overall.
Impact on Fans Amid the Rights Dispute
Future Content May Be Affected
The legal tussle between Shueisha and Iyoku is crucial for determining the future of Dragon Ball, but it poses a significant risk to the community of fans. As highlighted in Morita’s interview, the ongoing disputes contribute to delays in releasing new material. Fans have already noted a lull since the last chapter (#103) of the Dragon Ball Super manga, carried out in March 2024.
Toriyama’s death necessitates strategic reflection on the series’ progression. However, the ongoing legal dispute between Iyoku and Shueisha complicates these efforts considerably. With neither side likely to back down until their demands are met, fans of Goku and his allies may face a prolonged wait for new adventures—especially as DAIMA nears its conclusion.
Dragon Ball remains an unparalleled legacy, transcending generations and genres. Fans can only hope for a swift resolution to the disputes over rights to ensure the continuation of a franchise that has left an indelible mark on the world of anime and beyond.
Source: Weekly Tokyo Keizai
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