How Jackie Chan and the late ‘Dragon Ball’ creator Akira Toriyama inspired each other

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“Dragon Ball,” which will celebrate its 40th anniversary later this year, has its roots in the inspiration of iconic action star Jackie Chan.

Kung fu manga: In an interview given in 1995 to the Japanese newspaper Bird Land Press, the mangaka Akira Toriyama Express his admiration for Jackie Chan, particularly citing the “Drunken Master” film series as his favorite. When Toriyama succeeds manga “Dr. Slump” series was completed in 1984, his editor at the time suggested he create a “shonen kung-fu manga”, which eventually led him to develop the one-shot “Dragon Boy”, which served as a prototype for “Dragon Ball.”

Chan’s influence on Toriyama: Chan’s dynamic, death-defying stunts in films like “Dragon Fist” and “Dragon Lord” were a crucial influence on Toriyama, shaping his series’ signature style. Kung Fu essence. Toriyama also paid a playful tribute to the Martial Arts master through the character of Jackie Chun, an alter ego of Master Roshi. Toriyama said the action star’s impact on “Dragon Ball” highlights both the creation of the series and its subsequent success.

Toriyama’s influence on Chan: As for Chan, he confessed to be inspired by Toriyama’s “Dr.” Slump” for his films. In fact, in his 1985 film “My Lucky Stars,” Chan wears the outfit of the series’ protagonist, Arale Norimaki, in a notable scene. This reciprocal exchange of creative inspiration shows the mutual admiration between Toriyama and Chan, highlighting the interconnectedness between different mediums and cultures.

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When their paths crossed: Chan and Toriyama decided to meet in Japan while the martial artist was there to film the aforementioned scene in “My Lucky Stars.” Toriyama published details and photos of this serendipitous occasion in the December 1986 issue of Bird Land Press.

Chan as Goku: In 2013, Toriyama reportedly told Fuji TV that he wanted a younger Chan to play Goku in real life. The first official live-action adaptation of the franchise took place in 2009’s “Dragon Ball Evolution”, which was poorly received by critics and fans. Chan, meanwhile, expressed his desire to play the character as early as 1995 in a Shenlong Times interview in “Dragon Ball Daizenshuu 1: Complete Illustrations”.

Chan’s farewell: Toriyama, born in 1955 in Nagoya, died at the age of 68 on March 1 of an acute subdural hematoma, which involves bleeding near the brain after head trauma. After the news broke, Chan said his final goodbyes to the designer on Weibo.

Trending on NextShark: How Jackie Chan and the late ‘Dragon Ball’ creator Akira Toriyama inspired each other

“Akira Toriyama-sensei, thank you for creating so many classic works, they will last forever. Farewell,” Chan wrote accompanied by a photo of the two of them.

A considerable influence: Toriyama’s considerable influence is also evident in the expressions of grief from fans and fellow manga creator Masashi Kishimoto. (“Naruto“) and Eiichiro Oda (“One piece“) And Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mao Ningwho offered his condolences and acknowledged the renowned status of the creator and the popularity of his work in China. Toriyama’s legacy lives on through “Dragon Ball,” which continues to inspire generations of fans around the world.

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