Dragon Ball fans are in for another treat! The official Akira Toriyama Archive recently shared a rare glimpse into the legendary artist’s creative vault—unveiling a 40-year-old draft illustration of Goku and Master Roshi that’s never been seen by the public. The artwork, released on May 13, 2025, captures the heartwarming bond between the Saiyan warrior and his quirky martial arts mentor in a way that feels fresh yet nostalgic.
Goku and Roshi’s Playful Race Captured in Timeless Art
The artwork originally appeared in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine’s 1985 Issue No. 25, showcasing Goku and Master Roshi racing each other on their signature rides. But here’s the twist: Toriyama’s early draft reveals a bright red Volkswagen-style car for Roshi, complete with oversized black tires that make it look like a toy. According to Dragon Ball’s official site, the car’s color was even more vibrant in the draft than in the final print. Fans can’t get enough of Roshi’s cheeky grin as he zooms past Goku, proving even genius creators like Toriyama tweak their ideas before settling on the final version.
The Story Behind the Art: Krillin’s Debut Chapter
This artwork isn’t just a fun throwback—it’s tied to a pivotal Dragon Ball moment. The chapter it represents, “A Rival Arrives!”, marks Krillin’s first appearance in the manga. Here’s a quick refresher:
- Master Roshi sends Goku on a hilarious mission to find him a girlfriend (classic Roshi!).
- Goku stumbles upon Krillin, a bald-headed kid who’s traveled to Roshi’s island to become his student.
- Though they start as rivals, Krillin and Goku soon train together under Roshi’s brutal workouts (think carrying giant boulders and dodging bees!).
Fun fact: Krillin’s goofy antics and rivalry with Goku laid the foundation for one of anime’s most iconic friendships.
Master Roshi’s Legacy: From Mentor to Tournament Warrior
While Goku outgrows Roshi’s training early on, the wise (and sometimes questionable) old master stays relevant across the Dragon Ball universe. For example:
- Dragon Ball Super: Roshi fights alongside Goku, Vegeta, and even Frieza in the Tournament of Power, proving age is just a number.
- Dragon Ball Daima: The latest anime series (2024–2025) throws a wild curveball—Roshi, Goku, and the Z fighters are turned into kids by the villainous Demon King Gomah. Imagine a child version of Roshi still hitting on women—it’s as chaotic as it sounds!
What’s Next for Dragon Ball Super?
The Dragon Ball Super manga made a comeback in February 2025 after a year-long break. Volume 24 wrapped up the “Super Hero” arc, and artist Toyotarou hinted that a brand-new storyline is on the horizon. Fans are buzzing over teaser art suggesting the next villain could be Black Frieza—a terrifying upgrade of Goku’s oldest foe. While details are still under wraps, the hype is real!
How to See More Hidden Dragon Ball Treasures
The Akira Toriyama Archive drops exclusive Dragon Ball content multiple times a week, but there’s a catch: each piece vanishes after 24 hours. So, keep your eyes peeled!
Where to Stream/Buy Dragon Ball Content:
- Manga: Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Super (English versions) are available on VIZ Media.
- Anime: Watch the series on Hulu or Crunchyroll.
This rare artwork isn’t just a relic—it’s a reminder of how Toriyama’s creativity shaped generations of anime fans. Whether you’re a lifelong follower or new to the series, these timeless glimpses into Dragon Ball’s history make you appreciate the magic behind the legend.
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