Remembering Akira Toriyama

Remembering Akira Toriyama

Author: InBetweenDrafts March 11, 2024 Duration: 1:03:12

On a more somber episode of Rookie Pirate Radio than usual, Jon and Travis discuss the legacy and cultural impact of the late Akira Toriyama, best known for creating the long-running Dragon Ball manga and anime. We celebrate the history of Toriyama's prolific career, from his early success with Dr. Slump to the worldwide domination of Dragon Ball Z through the 1980s and 90s. Plus we get into much of the other great work Toriyama produced over the years, ranging from movies to video game designs. We end the show talking about what we've been watching, including Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete and Blue Eye Samurai on Netflix.

We want your feedback! If you have any questions, corrections, or anything else fun to add, please email us (rookipirateradio@gmail.com) or join our Discord

Discussion points:

  • How Akira Toriyama's work, particularly Dragon Ball Z, influenced anime and manga for generations
  • Our specific connections to Dragon Ball Z as kids. And why it was so successful for people of various backgrounds and ethnicities
  • Toriyama's early influences and what inspired him to make Dragon Ball
  • Why characters like Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, and Piccolo endure and resonate (and how Gohan is totally misunderstood!)
  • Toriyama's storytelling and artistic design and why it's so iconic
  • The uncomfortable, but necessary discussion around the toll on manga artists' health

Extra Credits:

Our intro music this week is ”Makafushigi Adventure," the original opening of Dragon Ball composed by Hiroki Takahashi. Our podcast artwork is by Jon Negroni. Travis Hymas is the Anime & Manga editor of InBetweenDrafts, and Jon Negroni is the Film Editor of InBetweenDrafts. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when you're deep into a story, caught between the latest chapter and the next one. Rookie Pirate Radio-A One Piece Podcast captures that feeling, offering a space to unpack the sprawling world of Eiichiro Oda's masterpiece. Hosted by the team at InBetweenDrafts, this podcast feels less like a formal review and more like hanging out with friends who are just as invested in every twist, character reveal, and lingering mystery. You'll find detailed manga recaps here, breaking down new chapters as they arrive with a mix of analysis, speculation, and genuine excitement. But the journey doesn't stop at the printed page. The discussions often expand into broader anime roundtables and seasonal previews, connecting the dots across the medium. Whether you're a longtime fan following the Straw Hats' voyage or someone curious about the cultural footprint of anime and manga, this show provides a thoughtful and engaging companion. It’s the kind of podcast that makes the wait for the next installment a little easier, giving you plenty to think about until you can dive back into the Grand Line yourself.
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