A mangaka’s life is often characterized by severe deadlines, editorial constraints, and an industry that demands constant output with little room for creative flexibility. Akira Toriyama, the famed creator of Dragon Ball, knew this struggle all too well.

A scene from the Dragon Ball Daima | Credit: Toei Animation

From the early days of Dr. Slump to the global phenomenon of Dragon Ball, Toriyama spent decades navigating an industry that, despite his success, rarely granted him the freedom to tell stories on his own terms. However, Dragon Ball Daima, the special anime project celebrating the franchise’s 40th anniversary, offered something different.

The reason behind Akira Toriyama’s attachment to Dragon Ball Daima

Mangakas are often bound by an unforgiving cycle of weekly or monthly serialization. The need to consistently produce new chapters, to match editorial expectations, while maintaining the audience engaged provides little room for creative spontaneity. Toriyama, despite his renowned reputation,...