Akira Toriyama Manga List: A Comprehensive Guide to His Works
Akira Toriyama, one of the most influential figures in manga history, has a vast body of work that spans decades. Best known for Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, Toriyama’s career is marked by creativity, humor, and dynamic storytelling. Beyond his most famous series, he has produced numerous short stories and one-shots that showcase his versatility and innovation.
This article provides a comprehensive list of Akira Toriyama’s manga works, including his serialized series, one-shots, and collaborations.
Major Serialized Manga
1. Dr. Slump (1980–1984)
- Toriyama’s first major success, Dr. Slump, is a comedic series about the eccentric inventor Senbei Norimaki and his mischievous android creation, Arale.
- The manga won the Shogakukan Manga Award in 1981 and was adapted into a popular anime series.
- Total Volumes: 18
2. Dragon Ball (1984–1995)
- Toriyama’s magnum opus, Dragon Ball, follows the adventures of Goku, a martial artist with extraordinary abilities, as he seeks the legendary Dragon Balls.
- The series starts as a comedic adventure and evolves into an action-packed saga. It has been adapted into multiple anime series, films, and video games.
- Total Volumes: 42
Short Stories and One-Shots
1. Wonder Island (1978)
- Toriyama’s debut manga, a humorous and whimsical one-shot about a strange island full of quirky characters.
2. Tomato, Girl Detective (1979)
- A comedic one-shot about a clumsy but determined young detective named Tomato.
3. Pola & Roid (1981)
- A sci-fi comedy about a bounty hunter and her robot companion, blending humor with futuristic themes.
4. Pink (1982)
- A lighthearted story about a desert bandit girl named Pink and her escapades.
5. Escape (1982)
- A darker, more serious one-shot about an android trying to escape from captivity.
6. Chobit (1983)
- A short and humorous story featuring a tiny superhero navigating comedic situations.
7. Mad Matic (1982)
- A post-apocalyptic comedy filled with absurdity and action.
8. Karamaru & The Perfect Day (1997)
- A short story that showcases Toriyama’s humorous take on everyday life.
Later Works and Collaborations
1. Cowa! (1997–1998)
- A charming series about a vampire kid named Paifu and his friends, blending comedy and adventure.
- Total Volumes: 1
2. Kajika (1998)
- A short series about a cursed boy who seeks redemption by performing good deeds.
- Total Volumes: 1
3. Sand Land (2000)
- A post-apocalyptic adventure featuring Beelzebub, the prince of demons, as he teams up with a human to search for water.
- Total Volumes: 1
Collaborative Works
1. Dragon Quest Series (1986–Present)
- Toriyama served as the character designer for this iconic video game franchise, contributing to its distinct look and charm.
2. Chrono Trigger (1995)
- Toriyama designed the characters for this legendary RPG, bringing his unique art style to the gaming world.
3. Jaco the Galactic Patrolman (2013)
- A prequel to Dragon Ball, this story follows Jaco, a Galactic Patrolman, and introduces characters tied to the Dragon Ball universe.
- Total Volumes: 1
Compiled Works
1. Akira Toriyama’s Manga Theater (1983, 1997, 2021 Editions)
- A collection of Toriyama’s one-shots and early works, providing fans with a glimpse into his creative evolution.
Notable Contributions and Legacy
1. Special Contributions
- Toriyama has also contributed illustrations and short stories for commemorative projects, crossovers, and manga anthologies.
2. Impact on the Industry
- His ability to blend humor, action, and heartfelt storytelling has influenced countless manga creators and reshaped the landscape of Japanese pop culture.
Conclusion: A Masterful Collection of Works
Akira Toriyama’s manga list is a testament to his incredible versatility and creative vision. From comedic shorts to epic adventures, his works continue to inspire and entertain fans worldwide. Whether you’re exploring his early one-shots or diving into the sprawling saga of Dragon Ball, Toriyama’s legacy as a master storyteller is undeniable.