Dragon Ball fans, get ready! One of the franchise’s most beloved animators, Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, has sparked excitement by hinting at a new chapter in the saga of Bardock—Goku’s fierce Saiyan father. In a recent interview, Nakatsuru shared his passion for revisiting untold stories from the Dragon Ball universe, especially those involving overlooked characters like Bardock.
Why Bardock Story Matters
Nakatsuru, the creative genius behind Bardock iconic design in Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku (1990), revealed his deep connection to the character during a Q&A at Made in Asia Spring 2025 in Brussels. When asked about exploring “hidden” moments in Dragon Ball history, he didn’t hold back:
“Bardock’s story moved me deeply. It’s like ‘Episode 0’ for Goku—showing the brutal Saiyan life before he crash-landed on Earth. If there’s ever a chance to expand these untouched chapters, I’d jump at the opportunity!”
This isn’t just nostalgia talking. Bardock’s tragic tale—a warrior foreseeing his planet’s doom while battling Frieza’s tyranny—has always resonated with fans. A new anime could finally answer lingering questions: How did Bardock’s rebellion unfold? What secrets lurk in Saiyan history?
The Challenge of Continuing Without Akira Toriyama
Nakatsuru openly acknowledged the elephant in the room: moving forward without Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball’s visionary creator who passed away in March 2024. Toriyama’s recent work on Dragon Ball Daima proved he remained deeply invested, even redesigning fan-favorite elements like Super Saiyan 4 Goku.
“Toriyama-sensei’s absence is a huge loss,” Nakatsuru admitted. “But Dragon Ball’s legacy must evolve. Maybe now’s the time to animate stories that were never fully told.”
Series artist Toyotarou (Dragon Ball Super manga) has confirmed Toriyama’s hands-on role in later projects, from character designs to plot ideas. This gives fans hope that future stories, even without Toriyama, could honor his vision while exploring fresh territory.
What’s Next for Dragon Ball?
While Nakatsuru’s Bardock dream isn’t yet confirmed, the franchise is far from dormant. Dragon Ball Daima, the latest anime, is already streaming on Crunchyroll. The series follows a pint-sized Goku and friends navigating the Demon Realm after a mysterious curse shrinks them. With demons, new villains like Glorio, and Toriyama’s signature humor, Daima blends nostalgia with bold twists.
Quick Daima Updates:
- English Dub Alert: Stephanie Nadolny returns as Goku (Mini)! New episodes drop weekly since January 10.
- Plot Teaser: “A peaceful day turns chaotic when Goku’s crew is miniaturized. To reverse the curse, they’ll battle demons in a realm where danger comes in small packages!”
Final Thoughts: The Future of Saiyan Stories
Nakatsuru’s enthusiasm is contagious. Imagine diving into Bardock’s past—his battles, alliances, and the final moments of Planet Vegeta. Or exploring other forgotten arcs: What about Raditz’s untapped potential? Or the untold stories of the Saiyan elite?
While Toriyama’s guidance is irreplaceable, Dragon Ball spirit thrives in its creators’ passion. As Nakatsuru put it: “Filling these gaps could breathe new life into the saga we all love.”
For now, fans can binge Dragon Ball Daima and keep their scouters tuned for updates. After all, in the Dragon Ball universe, the next epic chapter is always just a Kamehameha away.
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