The Dragon Ball franchise is the greatest thing that ever happened to the anime community, as without the medium, things would have been drastically different from what we have today. The story Akira Toriyama wrote became the source of inspiration for an uncountable series.
To this day, even after many decades, it continues to be a major fan favorite. The story has introduced several characters over the years. Still, according to the creator of the series, Akira Toriyama, Piccolo is tough to write about considering his past, Namekian origin, and fighting style, which ends up causing hurdles while writing him into the story.
Piccolo’s past and his race make him a tough character to write for Akira Toriyama in Dragon Ball
The Dragon Ball series has no abundance of characters, and we have seen several new characters throughout its decades-long serialization.
Akira Toriyama is a master at his art, and it was evident during the initial stages of Dragon Ball, where the series peaked in writing.
Piccolo is one of the most iconic characters in Dragon Ball, and his journey from an evil person to an anti-hero to a Z fighter who would lay down his life to protect Earth has been fascinating.
Recently, user Todd Blankenship shared a translation of the Toriyama interview, which was included in the DBS: SH movie pamphlet on X, formerly known as Twitter, and this is what Akira Toriyama said about Piccolo.
What’s the deal with Piccolo’s stuffed animal collection, and what terrifying secret lurks inside his shoes?! (2/3) pic.twitter.com/weQJZM9Bil
— Todd Blankenship (@Herms98) June 11, 2022
Akira Toriyama faces trouble while writing him due to his complicated past and his inability to remember every tiny detail about him.
Piccolo is also an oddball in his own race due to him being a fighting type rather than a mage type, which is often what most Namekians are.
Namekian races and their importance in Dragon Ball
Namekians originated from planet Namek, came from another realm entirely, and are present in Universes 6 and 7.
They are one of the most talented races in the universe, with body flexibility and stretching, hardened skin, enhanced hearing, regeneration, fusion, fission, and more.
Dragon Ball was based around Goku as a kid and his enticing battles with King Piccolo, which Goku defeated towards the end of the series.
They are essential to the plot, played a crucial role during the Frieza saga, and can create their line of Dragon Balls.
In the prologue, they were termed the Demon clan and were even hailed as the strongest race until we were introduced to the Saiyans.
