Celebrating a significant milestone, the “Toyotarou Tried to Draw” series has unveiled its 100th illustration, featuring an elderly Goku. This special series, initiated in December 2017, showcases sketches by Toyotarou, the co-creator of the ongoing “Dragon Ball Super” series in V Jump. Over the years, it has offered fans unique insights into characters not prominently featured in the main storyline.
**A Tribute to Akira Toriyama’s Vision**
The 100th illustration pays homage to a drawing of an elderly Goku by Akira Toriyama, featured in an essay manga included in the “Dragon Ball Z Anime Special” book released in 1989. This piece humorously speculated on the future of “Dragon Ball,” with comments like, “When will Dragon Ball finish?” and “Goku might end up looking like this old guy, too.” Toyotarou reflects on this, noting that even in 2026, 37 years later, the end of “Dragon Ball” remains elusive. He playfully adds, “Maybe we’ll be able to see this version of Goku someday, Akira Toriyama!”
**Evolution of the Series**
Originally, the “Toyotarou Tried to Draw” series focused on characters absent from “Dragon Ball Super.” However, as the series progressed, it evolved into a platform for Toyotarou to explore and sketch various characters, including those from the main storyline. This evolution reflects the dynamic nature of the “Dragon Ball” universe and Toyotarou’s creative journey.
**Toyotarou’s Favorite Illustrations**
To commemorate the 100th edition, Toyotarou selected eight of his favorite illustrations from the series, accompanied by personal insights:
– **February 2018 [#3] King Chappa (Modern Rendition):** Toyotarou reimagined King Chappa, possibly the trainer of Uub up to age 10. He notes the similarity in their outfits, suggesting a shared regional origin. This marked his first attempt at creating a standalone illustration, opening new creative possibilities.
– **October 2019 [#23] Young Belmod:** Exploring Belmod’s past, Toyotarou depicted him before becoming a God of Destruction, inspired by a scene where Belmod says, “I’m done.” He enjoyed adding depth to Belmod’s character.
– **September 2020 [#34] Bora:** Drawing inspiration from Bora’s appearance in volume 42, Toyotarou appreciated his cool, aged look. He relished illustrating old men and muscles, finding it enjoyable.
– **July 2021 [#44] Paikuhan and Competitors from the Another World Budokai:** Featuring characters like Torbie, Caterpy, Froug, and Tapkar, Toyotarou enjoyed showcasing the designs of the Another World Budokai competitors, highlighting the number of characters he could feature in the background.
– **September 2021 [#46] Ipana and Berry:** Inspired by Toriyama’s “simple yet striking” style, Toyotarou wished these characters had more spotlight. He noted they were once inhabitants of Planet Plant.
– **December 2021 [#50] Goku and Vegeta’s Fusion Dance:** Celebrating the fusion dance between Goku and Vegeta, Toyotarou enjoyed drawing this iconic moment, emphasizing the dynamic between the two characters.
– **March 2022 [#60] Future Trunks:** Reflecting on Future Trunks’ journey, Toyotarou appreciated the character’s development and the challenges he faced, enjoying the depth of his storyline.
– **June 2022 [#70] Goku Black:** Delving into the enigmatic Goku Black, Toyotarou enjoyed exploring his mysterious nature and the impact he had on the “Dragon Ball” universe.
**Looking Ahead**
As the “Toyotarou Tried to Draw” series continues, fans eagerly anticipate more unique illustrations and insights into the expansive “Dragon Ball” universe. Toyotarou’s dedication to exploring both familiar and obscure characters enriches the series, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved franchise.
This milestone not only celebrates Toyotarou’s artistic journey but also honors the enduring legacy of “Dragon Ball,” a series that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
For those interested in exploring more of Toyotarou’s work, the “Toyotarou Tried to Draw” series is available on the official “Dragon Ball” website, offering a treasure trove of illustrations and insights into the creative process behind the “Dragon Ball Super” series.
As the “Dragon Ball” universe continues to expand, fans can look forward to more collaborations, special illustrations, and content that celebrate the rich history and future of this iconic series.
