In a recent interview, Akira Toriyama, the renowned creator of the famous series Dragon Ball, shared some revelations about the artistic decisions that have influenced the story of the manga. One of the most intriguing changes was the removal of Goku’s tail, an iconic feature of the Saiyans. Contrary to what many might think, the decision was not driven by narrative needs, but by practical issues related to the illustration process.
The good reasons: it was a lot of work
Toriyama explained that drawing Goku’s tail became a significant challenge in his daily work. This aspect of the character, which initially played an important role, considerably lengthened the illustration process. He not only had to represent the tail, but he also had to adjust the character’s clothing and accessories to make them look realistic. With the desire to simplify his work, Toriyama decided to eliminate this element, opting for a solution that would allow him to continue the storytelling without setbacks.
However, the removal of the tail did not resolve all of his artistic concerns. Years later, Toriyama faced a new challenge with the introduction of the character Cell, whose spot patterns complicated the work of his colleagues responsible for inking the pages. This situation reflects the approach of the mangaka, who, in his quest to make the creation process more efficient, is always dealing with new obstacles.
The story of Goku and his transformation into a formidable warrior has been marked not only by events in the Dragon Ball universe but also by the practical and creative decisions of its creator. This highlights Toriyama’s dedication and ingenuity throughout his career.
