Why did Goku grow up in Dragon Ball? Akira Toriyama's controversial decision and the publisher's resistance

It is common in anime and manga for the protagonists to maintain a certain consistency in their appearance throughout the series. However, in Dragon Ball Akira Toriyama 's iconic work , we witness a significant change in the look and trajectory of the main hero, Goku.

In a universe where characters' physical transformations are often subtle, Toriyama decided it was time for his protagonist to mature. Even facing resistance from the publisher, the mangaka gave the final blow and transformed Goku from a young adventurer into a responsible adult.

Goku's Revolution

Inspired by elements from the famous work “Journey to the West” and with a characteristic touch of humor, Toriyama managed to change the course of Dragon Ball in a surprising way. Goku's transition from child to adult not only brought a new dynamic to the narrative, but also allowed the character to face more complex challenges and build deeper family bonds.

Although the change was initially opposed by Kazuhiko Torishima, Toriyama's longtime editor, the mangaka's decision ushered in a new era for Dragon Ball. Goku's transition to adulthood was not only well received by fans, it also paved the way for a richer and more exciting narrative development.

With the adult version of Goku, the series evolved from simple adventures to epic battles, full of action and emotion. Furthermore, Goku's transformation allowed the introduction of new characters, such as Gohan and Goten, which further enriched the Dragon Ball universe.

Dragon Ball Legacy

In the end, Toriyama's courage in defying genre conventions and transforming his protagonist proved to be a wise move. Dragon Ball not only became one of the most acclaimed series in history, but it also set a standard for the evolution of main characters in anime and manga.

Goku's transformation in Dragon Ball was not just a visual change, but rather a narrative evolution of the work. Toriyama's decision to mature his main character opened doors to new possibilities and demonstrated the importance of adapting and growing along the journey.

Thus, Goku's saga as an adult not only won over fans, but also left a mark in the history of anime and manga.

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