When Akira Toriyama, the legendary creator of Dragon Ball, passed away in 2024, fans worried about the future of the series. Who could possibly fill his shoes? Enter Toyotarou, Toriyama longtime apprentice and the artist behind Dragon Ball Super. While some fans argue his art strays too far from Toriyama iconic style, Toyotarou unique approach is breathing new life into the franchise. Here’s why that’s a good thing.
Toyotarou Isn’t Copying Toriyama He’s Growing Into His Own
Early Days: Staying True to the Master’s Vision
When Dragon Ball Super launched in 2015, Toyotarou art mirrored Toriyama playful, rounded characters and whimsical tone. Early arcs like the God of Destruction Beerus Saga stuck close to Toriyama blueprint, balancing humor with universe-shaking battles. But as the story escalated—introducing wild power-ups like Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego Toyotarou style began to shift.
The Turning Point: A Bold New Edge
Fast-forward to 2025’s Dragon Ball Super Volume 24 cover art. Gone are Toriyama’s quirky vehicles and soft lines. Instead, Toyotarou’s Goku and Vegeta boast sharper angles, denser muscles, and moody shading. Critics call it “overly detailed,” but this evolution isn’t random. Like Toriyama (whose own art grew edgier during DBZ), Toyotarou is adapting to the story’s darker, higher-stakes tone.
Fun Fact: Even Toriyama’s art evolved! Compare early Dragon Ball’s cartoony Goku to DBZ’s buff, battle-hardened warrior. Change is part of the journey.
Why Toyotarou Style Fits Modern Shonen Trends
Darker Stories Demand Darker Art
Modern hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man thrive on gritty visuals and intense action. Toyotarou detailed shading and hyper-defined physiques align with this trend, giving Dragon Ball Super a contemporary edge. Think of it like upgrading from a vintage muscle car to a sleek, modern sports bike it’s different, but built for speed.
Toyotarou Style Dragon Ball
But Can He Still Do “Whimsical”?
Absolutely. Take Dragon Ball Super Chapter 104, “The Birth of Saiyaman X.” This slice-of-life romp with Goten and Trunks proves Toyotarou hasn’t lost Toriyama’s knack for humor. The characters’ goofy expressions and lighthearted antics feel straight out of classic Dragon Ball.
Toriyama Trusted Toyotarou—Here’s Why You Should Too
A Decade of Mentorship
Toyotarou didn’t wake up one day and decide to redraw Goku. He spent nearly 10 years working alongside Toriyama, even earning praise for his ability to mimic the master’s style. Toriyama himself once said Toyotarou’s art was “the closest to mine.” But here’s the catch: imitating Toriyama forever would’ve been a disservice.
Legacy vs. Innovation
Toriyama’s genius lay in his uniqueness—his characters oozed personality because he poured his quirks into them. Toyotarou can’t (and shouldn’t) clone that. By blending Toriyama’s foundation with his own flair—like adding cinematic shadows or dynamic poses—he’s keeping Dragon Ball fresh while honoring its soul.
Fan Debate Alert:
Yes, Volume 24’s cover is a far cry from Toriyama’s simpler days. But remember: Dragon Ball Super isn’t the 1980s gag manga anymore. It’s a global phenomenon with god-tier battles. Toyotarou’s art matches the scale.
The Bottom Line: Change Keeps Dragon Ball Alive
Toriyama’s legacy is untouchable, but stagnation would’ve killed Dragon Ball. Toyotarou’s evolving style isn’t a betrayal—it’s a tribute. Just as Goku grows stronger with every fight, Dragon Ball needs to evolve to stay relevant.
Ready to see Toyotarou latest work? Dragon Ball Super is available on Viz Media. Dive in and decide for yourself—is this new era a worthy successor, or are fans right to worry? Let us know in the comments!
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