In recent years, finding a Shonen series with a gripping narrative has been a task in itself. However, Atsushi Ohkubo’s Fire Force makes the job easier, as the show is the perfect work that can light up viewers’ eyes with joy.
Not only does the series feature a flawless narrative with three-dimensional characters, but the conclusion is a true spectacle that pleases the otaku community. Ohkubo-San has been a true veteran mangaka in this aspect, but even the greatest of minds has an inspiration.
For him, that well of ideas was none other than the Godfather of anime, Akira Toriyama. Despite the fact that most manga artists are inspired by his magnum opus, Dragon Ball, Atsushi Ohkubo was guided by his other works. The resemblance is evident in the show, as he sheds light on the aspect that piqued his curiosity and created a work that took the world by storm.
Akira Toriyama’s Creation Before Dragon Ball Became Atsushi Ohkubo Guiding Light
In the ever-evolving world of manga and anime, new names have constantly been emerging, but one name that has always been remembered with immense respect and admiration is Akira Toriyama. Once stuck in a 9-to-5 job, the mangaka showcased what pursuing your passion can look like!
Toriyama-Sensei’s journey in the industry has been met with mass appeal, with his works transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. His knack for adding something extraordinary to everyday elements has made him win billions of hearts around the world.
Though the legendary artist has given us several works, his most stellar work remains Dragon Ball, featuring the most popular protagonist of all, Son Goku. This series has been an inspiration to many, like Eiichiro Oda, Masashi Kishimoto, Yousuke Nomura, and many more.
However, for Astsushi Ohkubo, the work prior to the magnum opus was sensational, which made him read Toriyama-Sensei’s work again and again. During an exclusive interview via MyAnimeList, the Fire Force creator was about his “favorite manga.” He answered,
My favorite manga was Dr. Slump—I read it over and over.
He further added,
My storytelling and character designs were influenced not by manga, but by movies. I really like David Lynch movies and horror movies in general.
The mangaka emphasized how the work was interesting, which compelled him to read it repeatedly and inspire him as a mangaka who would take the industry to even greater heights.
The Underrated Genius of Akira Toriyama in Dr. Slump
When Akira Toriyama passed away earlier this year, at the age of 68, due to acute subdural hematoma, the world went into a state of mourning, and his works gained even more love. Of course, Dragon Ball was up there, but another name became a very significant part of his legacy.
Dr. Slump, the work prior to the series featuring Kakarot, remains an important part of the industry that tells the narrative of Arale, residing in a small town called Penguin Village. Her innocence is the comedic element of the series because she would find herself in hilarious situations and adventures because of her harmless trait.
The series ran from 1980 to 1984 on Weekly Shonen Jump and is considered to be an underrated comedy gem that many are clueless about. Ardent fans of the mangaka would know that the creation has been a part of Dragon Ball Super and even a part of the most popular DBZ video game Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 3.
Dragon Ball Z can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
