What does Toriyama think of GT?
Yoshitaka Amano, better known by his pen name Akira Toriyama, is a renowned manga artist and illustrator from Japan. He is best known for his work on the iconic Dragon Ball series, which has become a global phenomenon. One of the most significant aspects of Toriyama’s career is his collaboration with Toei Animation, which brought his characters to life in the form of animated series, movies, and even video games. Among these adaptations, the Dragon Ball GT series holds a special place in the hearts of fans. But what does Toriyama himself think of GT?
When it comes to Dragon Ball GT, Toriyama’s opinions are somewhat mixed. Initially, he was not directly involved in the creation of GT, as it was developed by Toei Animation after his original manga series, Dragon Ball, came to an end. Despite this, Toriyama acknowledges the influence of his original work on GT. He has stated that the series is a continuation of the Dragon Ball story, albeit with a different approach and a different tone. Toriyama has expressed that he was initially pleased with the direction GT took, as it maintained the spirit of the original series while introducing new elements and characters.
However, as GT progressed, Toriyama began to have concerns about the story’s direction and the portrayal of his beloved characters. He felt that some of the decisions made by the creators of GT were not in line with his original vision for the series. This led to a growing divide between Toriyama and the GT series, as he felt that the story was deviating too far from the source material. Toriyama has publicly criticized the series for its lack of character development and its focus on excessive violence and power. He has even gone so far as to claim that GT is not a true continuation of the Dragon Ball saga.
Despite his criticisms, Toriyama has admitted that he still has a soft spot for GT, particularly for some of the characters and moments that resonate with him. He acknowledges that the series has its own merits and has been enjoyed by many fans. However, he maintains that his original Dragon Ball series is his true passion, and he wishes that GT had stayed more closely aligned with his original vision.
In conclusion, Akira Toriyama’s thoughts on Dragon Ball GT are complex. While he appreciates the series for its connection to his original work and its unique take on the Dragon Ball universe, he also expresses disappointment in its deviation from his original vision. Despite the mixed feelings, it is evident that Toriyama’s influence on GT cannot be denied, and the series will always hold a special place in the hearts of Dragon Ball fans around the world.
