Akira Toriyama is one of the most important people on the anime scene over the past few decades, and he’s achieved this through his ability to combine different stories and influences in a work that has marked an era and transcended several generations. “Dragon Ball”despite a great impact with his arrival in 1984, It wasn’t as original as one might think.. Toriyama managed to transform the manga “Dragon Boy” in a story that brought together concepts from ancient cultures, pop references and various adaptations.
now it is well known the story of the monkey king, and how it served as the basis and concept for the build-up of the hero, as well as his early companions and weapons. However, in the face of unexpected success, Toei-Animation he urged the cartoonist to continue the series with a new season. This was known as “Dragon Ball Z”and forced Toriyama deepen and detail the origins of goku’s power. The arrival of Saiyans on Earth not only included new characters, but clarified the inspiration of another famous person.
The impact of Superman and “POP” culture on Dragon Ball
“Dragon Ball” was born from a century-old legend to adapt to contemporary culture and his works. Throughout the evolution of to the “Z” sagathe series adopted clear references to films like “Terminator”with the Androids saga, or “Extraterrestrial” with Frieza’s mutations.
However, above all, the story of one of the most famous superheroes has always been present. Supermanthe popular character of CCit was a constant in the inspiration of Toriyama give meaning to their own work. The mangaka has always declared himself a fan of jerry seal (screenwriter) and Joe Shuster (draughtsman) and wanted to reflect this in his work. Where this is most evident is in “Suppaman”the pathetic version of the hero, but we also appreciate him in his famous “Doctor Slump”.
Similarities Between Goku and Superman
As for “Dragon Ball” the parallels between Goku and Clark Kent they are constant. Despite the differentiation from one comic strip to another for half a century (1933-1984), it is easy to find winks in the work of Toriyama. the two characters were sent from their home planet to Earth and were adopted and raised by humans. The two developed a superhuman strength and enduranceincluding resistance to bullets and other weapons, and learned the ability to fly.
Both Goku and Superman represent the saving deity which escapes the possibilities of being and whose mission is to protect the planet and all its inhabitants. But in addition, both are given three different names or meanings; Superman – Clark Kent – Kal-El / Legendary Super Saiyan – Goku – Kakarot.
The Similarities Between Dragon Ball and Superman’s Story
When it comes to the narrative question, it’s also easy to find similarities. The similarities between the two stories intensified with the start of the sayajin sagaand the arrival of Raditz and Nappa To the earth. The explanation of Origin of Gokuand the nature of his world is much like that of Krypton. Both also have the same attitude towards their initial commitments and the designs of their namesakes. Toriyama detailed the reason for sending its protagonist to Earth in 2014, with the publication of “Dragon Ball Less”a manga side story “Jaco the Galactic Patroller”. In this story, you could see for the first time Gine, Goku’s motheras well as the most human facet of his father bardock.
“Dragon Ball” marked a before and after in the genre shonen and in global animation culture. Its creator was able to combine the contrasting characteristics of western and asian culture to create a story that continues to be talked about today. Over the years, Goku has steadily grown in power, so it would be interesting to see what would happen if he faced Superman today.