In 2021, Akira Toriyama remained a central figure in global pop culture, primarily focusing on the script and character designs for the film Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, which was officially announced on May 9. He also oversaw the "Granolah the Survivor Saga" in the Dragon Ball Super manga and provided designs for Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate.
The year 2021 served as a major transitional period for Akira Toriyama. While the legendary creator had long transitioned into a role characterized by mentorship and high-level conceptual oversight, 2021 saw him re-engage with his most famous properties in a deeply hands-on capacity. For fans of Dragon Ball and Dragon Quest, this year was defined by a series of major announcements that signaled Toriyama’s continued creative vitality. From his involvement in the evolution of the Dragon Ball Super narrative to his contributions to the 35th anniversary of the Dragon Quest franchise, 2021 was a year of intense productivity behind the scenes, setting the stage for the final major releases of his career.
The Announcement of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
The most significant event for Toriyama in 2021 was the official unveiling of the next cinematic installment in the Dragon Ball franchise. On May 9, 2021—celebrated globally by fans as "Goku Day"—Toei Animation confirmed that a new movie, later titled Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, was in production.
Scriptwriting and Original Concept
Unlike some previous projects where Toriyama provided only a vague outline, for the 2021-announced film, he was the primary architect. He wrote the original story, the full script, and handled the character designs. This was a critical distinction; Toriyama’s direct involvement in the dialogue and narrative structure ensured that the film would carry his signature humor and focus on character growth rather than purely escalating power levels.
During 2021, Toriyama released a statement expressing his excitement for the project. He noted that he was "heavily involved in the story and dialogue production" and teased that the film would explore "unexplored territory in terms of the visual aesthetics." This was a subtle hint at the movie’s eventual shift to a specialized 3D-CGI animation style, a technical direction that Toriyama supported as a means of bringing a "freshness" to the long-running series.
A Focus on Piccolo and Gohan
While the full plot was kept under wraps in 2021, the early character design reveals—including a revamped look for Piccolo and the introduction of new Red Ribbon Army androids (Gamma 1 and Gamma 2)—indicated Toriyama's desire to shift the spotlight. By moving away from the focus on Goku and Vegeta, Toriyama aimed to give meaningful development to characters he had always expressed a fondness for, particularly Piccolo, whom he frequently cited as his favorite character in the series.
The Evolution of the Dragon Ball Super Manga
While Toyotarou handled the primary illustration duties for the Dragon Ball Super manga, 2021 was a year where Toriyama’s editorial and conceptual influence was highly visible. The "Granolah the Survivor Saga," which began in late 2020, dominated the pages of V Jump throughout 2021.
Character Design and World Building
Toriyama was responsible for the initial character designs of Granolah, the Heeter Force, and the Sugarians. In 2021, fans saw the introduction of complex themes regarding the history of the Saiyans and their role as conquerors under Frieza. Toriyama worked closely with Toyotarou to refine these backstories, ensuring they aligned with the established lore while adding new layers of depth to the Saiyan race's past.
The Development of Ultra Ego
One of the most discussed manga events of 2021 was the debut of Vegeta's "Ultra Ego" transformation. This form was a narrative counterpoint to Goku's Ultra Instinct. While Toyotarou suggested the name and specific mechanics, Toriyama oversaw the design and the thematic justification for the power-up. This collaboration highlighted the 2021 dynamic between the two creators: Toriyama acting as the "Master" who ensured the essence of the characters remained intact, while allowing his successor to expand the visual vocabulary of the series.
Dragon Quest 35th Anniversary and Beyond
Beyond the realm of martial arts and Super Saiyans, 2021 was a landmark year for the Dragon Quest franchise, for which Toriyama had served as the lead character and monster designer since its inception in 1986.
Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate
During the Dragon Quest 35th Anniversary special livestream in May 2021, Square Enix officially announced Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate. Toriyama provided the character designs for the main protagonists and key entities. The announcement was notable for its shift in tone; series creator Yuji Horii indicated that the game would be "for adults" and featured a "darker" aesthetic. Toriyama’s challenge in 2021 was to adapt his traditionally bright and whimsical design style to fit this more mature and somber direction, a task he reportedly embraced to keep the franchise evolving.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Also announced in 2021 was the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. While this was a remake of a classic title, the project involved revisiting Toriyama's original 1988 designs and ensuring they were translated accurately into the new high-fidelity visual engine. His legacy as the visual architect of the JRPG genre was reaffirmed throughout the year as fans revisited his iconic work in a modern context.
Sand Land and the Roots of Future Projects
Though Sand Land was a short manga series Toriyama wrote in 2000, 2021 was a year where the groundwork for its modern revival was laid. Internal discussions and early pre-production for the "Sand Land Project"—which would later encompass a movie and a high-budget video game—were taking place during this period.
Toriyama’s work in 2021 wasn't just about the "new"; it was also about maintaining the integrity of his shorter, more personal works. Sand Land, which features a demon prince named Beelzebub and a focus on ecological themes, represented a "pure" version of Toriyama’s storytelling—one that relied more on tank and vehicle designs (his personal passion) than on high-energy beam struggles.
Comparing Akira Toriyama's Major 2021 Activities
The following table summarizes the primary projects Akira Toriyama was engaged with during 2021 and his specific role in each.
| Project Name | Media Type | Toriyama’s Role in 2021 | Status/Milestone in 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero | Feature Film | Scriptwriter & Character Designer | Officially announced May 9, 2021 |
| Dragon Ball Super Manga | Manga Series | Plot Outline & Character Design | Ongoing (Granolah the Survivor Saga) |
| Dragon Quest XII | Video Game | Lead Character Designer | Officially announced May 27, 2021 |
| Dragon Quest III HD-2D | Video Game | Original Character Designs | Officially announced May 2021 |
| Sand Land Project | Multimedia | Conceptual Consultant | Early pre-production/Revival planning |
| Dragon Ball Legends | Mobile Game | Original Character Design | Introduction of new units/Story concepts |
The Creative Philosophy of Toriyama in 2021
In 2021, Toriyama’s creative philosophy was characterized by a desire for simplification and a return to character-driven storytelling. After decades of the "power creep" that defined the Dragon Ball Z era, his work in 2021—specifically the script for Super Hero—demonstrated a preference for smaller-scale, more intimate stakes.
The Shift to "Slice of Life" Elements
Toriyama often noted in interviews and comments during this period that he enjoyed the "everyday" moments of his characters. In 2021, he spent a significant amount of time developing the family dynamic between Gohan, Videl, and Pan, as well as the relationship between Piccolo and the younger generation. This shift was a deliberate choice to ground the fantastical world of Dragon Ball in relatable emotions.
Technical Adaptation
Despite being a veteran creator who started with pen and ink, Toriyama in 2021 was remarkably open to digital advancements. He actively participated in the decision-making process for the CGI used in Super Hero, reviewing test footage and providing feedback on how to translate his rounded, 2D art style into a 3D space without losing the "Toriyama feel." This willingness to adapt showed a creator who was not stuck in the past but was eager to see how modern technology could enhance his vision.
FAQ: Akira Toriyama's Activities in 2021
1. What was the most important thing Akira Toriyama did in 2021?
The most significant action Toriyama took in 2021 was completing and finalizing the script for Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. This was his most direct contribution to a Dragon Ball film script since Dragon Ball Super: Broly, and it marked a major shift in focus toward Gohan and Piccolo.
2. Did Akira Toriyama draw the Dragon Ball Super manga in 2021?
No, Toriyama did not provide the finished art for the Dragon Ball Super manga in 2021. The illustration was handled by Toyotarou. However, Toriyama remained deeply involved by providing the overarching plot outlines, supervising the storyboards, and designing the new characters introduced during the Granolah saga.
3. Was Akira Toriyama still working on Dragon Quest in 2021?
Yes, 2021 was a very active year for Toriyama within the Dragon Quest franchise. He was the lead character designer for the newly announced Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate and consulted on the visual updates for the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.
4. Why did Toriyama choose a CGI style for the project he announced in 2021?
Toriyama supported the move to CGI for Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero because he wanted to try something different from the traditional 2D animation used in the Broly movie. He felt that the 3D approach allowed for more dynamic camera movements and a more consistent look for the characters during complex action sequences.
5. Did Akira Toriyama make any public appearances in 2021?
As was his custom for most of his later life, Akira Toriyama did not make public appearances in 2021. He preferred to communicate with fans through written statements and illustrations published in Weekly Shonen Jump or V Jump, or through official movie websites.
6. What was his role in the "Granolah the Survivor Saga"?
In 2021, his role in the Granolah saga was that of a narrative architect. He conceptualized the idea of a character seeking revenge against the Saiyans and Frieza for past atrocities, and he designed the "Cerealian" race. He also approved the major power-ups, such as Vegeta's Ultra Ego.
Summary of Impact and Next Actions
Akira Toriyama's work in 2021 serves as a testament to his enduring influence and creative stamina. By balancing his commitments to the world's most popular manga franchise and its most venerable JRPG series, he ensured that his artistic legacy continued to evolve. For fans and researchers looking to understand this period, 2021 represents the "final act" of his creative output, where he began to hand over more responsibility while still providing the essential "soul" of every project.
Next Actions for Fans and Historians:
- Review the 2021 "Goku Day" announcement: Look for Toriyama’s original Japanese statement to understand his initial vision for the Super Hero film.
- Analyze the Dragon Quest 35th Anniversary Stream: Observe how his character designs were integrated into the "darker" aesthetic of the upcoming Dragon Quest XII.
- Compare Manga and Movie Designs: Study the differences between his Granolah saga character designs and the Super Hero designs from 2021 to see the breadth of his artistic range in a single year.
