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

Rafael Shinzo
My name is Rafael Alves, known as Rafael Shinzo. I have a background in Japanese pop culture and created AnimeNew in 2009 with the mission of providing reliable coverage...

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

Why did Goku grow in Dragon Ball?
Why did Goku grow in Dragon Ball?

In a universe where characters' physical transformations are usually subtle, Toriyama decided it was time for his protagonist to mature. Despite facing resistance from the publisher, the manga artist delivered the final blow, transforming Goku from a young adventurer into a responsible adult.

Goku's Revolution

Inspired by elements of the famous work "Journey to the West" and with a touch of characteristic 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, but also paved the way for a richer and more exciting narrative development.

With Goku's adult form, the series evolved from simple adventures to epic battles, packed with action and excitement. Furthermore, Goku's transformation allowed for the introduction of new characters, such as Gohan and Goten, who further enriched the Dragon Ball universe.

The Legacy of Dragon Ball

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 wasn't just a visual change, but rather a narrative evolution of the series. Toriyama's decision to mature his main character opened doors to new possibilities and demonstrated the importance of adapting and growing throughout the journey.

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

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In the end, Shueisha recognized that this strategy was the most effective.
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My name is Rafael Alves, known as Rafael Shinzo. I have a background in Japanese pop culture and created AnimeNew in 2009 with the mission of providing reliable and up-to-date coverage of anime, manga, and other entertainment straight from Japan. With over a decade of experience, the portal has established itself as a reference in the sector.