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

In the end, Shueisha acknowledged that this strategy was the most effective.
Rafael Shinzo
My name is Rafael Alves, known as Shinzo. I created the AnimeNew website in 2009 to offer news about anime, manga, and games directly from Japan.

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

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

In a universe where the physical transformations of characters are generally subtle, Toriyama decided it was time for his protagonist to mature. Even facing resistance from the publisher, the mangaka delivered the final blow and transformed 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 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 contested 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, full of action and emotion. 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 challenging 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 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 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 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 acknowledged that this strategy was the most effective.