Akira Toriyama was considered a father figure in the manga and anime industry due to the creation of the Dragon Ball franchise. It is one of the most popular franchises worldwide and paved the way for the Western countries for the modern generation of anime. He began the serialization of Dragon Ball in 1984 and since then has been an active member of the franchise.
Even though he earned worldwide fame and his magnum opus is regarded as one of the greatest of all time, it was not an easy journey for the mangaka. He had to face several complexities, including his physical and mental conditions to reach the end. Fans would be shocked to know the conditions under which he had to write the chapters and will have a newfound respect for the late great mangaka.
Akira Toriyama’s Had Several Hardships During His Manga Career
Weekly Shonen Jump magazine began its publications in 1968 and since then has become one of the leading magazines in Japan. During its 50th Anniversary in 2018, several notable mangaka came to rely on their fair share of experience while working with the magazine. Among them, the Dragon Ball creator was also present. During this, Toriyama sensei revealed the troublesome situation under which he had to work to create his magnum opus.
Akira Toriyama said,
“Torishima-san said I had to do two chapters in one week or I’d be too late. I was exhausted from having just finished some manga, so I replied that I could barely move my hands due to inflamed tendons. He told me to try writing my name, and I said, “Of course I can write my name!” Then he said, “If you can write your name, then you can draw manga!” what kind of logic is that?! [laughs].”
Even though Toriyama sensei told it funnily, it brings out the dark side of the manga industry. His first editor, Kazuhiko Torishima, was known for his strict behavior and pressured the mangaka to get the maximum out of them. Completing two chapters in a week is next to impossible and it depicts the mental and physical torture that the mangaka had to go through during his early days.
Manga Artists Go Through Tight Schedules
Editors often force the manga artists to work under tight schedules and deadlines, and it affects their health. One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda barely has time to see his family and spends the entire day in the studio. Yoshihiro Togashi is another famous mangaka who had to end Yu Yu Hakusho hurriedly and leave Hunter x Hunter unfinished due to his health issues.
But still, Akira Toriyama worked through the deadline with inflammed tendons for the Dragon Ball franchise. His passion was not lost in front of the miserable conditions. He stayed strong until the very end. The system has remained the same since its inception, so the fans should respect everyone’s work, especially after knowing the tight schedules and deadlines that the have to face..
Dragon Ball is available on Crunchyroll.
