Tag Archives: Akira Toriyama

Dragon Ball Super Returns as ‘Enhanced Series’ Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, Premiering Fall 2026

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Dragon Ball Super is officially returning with a new enhanced edition titled Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, set to premiere in Fall 2026, it was announced Sunday during the “Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri” event at Makuhari Messe in Japan .

©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION

The announcement was made during the live stage presentation “Exclusive Announcements! GENKIDASTAGE Part 2,” marking a major relaunch of the Dragon Ball Super anime. Based on the original work, story and character designs by series creator Akira Toriyama, the project is described as a comprehensive reworking of the original television series .

©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION

According to producers, Dragon Ball Super: Beerus is an “enhanced edition” that features newly added and redrawn animation cuts, fully re-rendered footage and reconstructed story elements. The series will also include newly recorded dialogue, updated musical scoring and enhanced sound effects, with a strong emphasis on increasing the intensity and immersion of its battle sequences .

The reveal took place on stage with Masako Nozawa, the voice of Son Goku; Koichi Yamadera, the voice of Beerus; and Dragon Ball executive producer Akio Iyoku in attendance. The cast and staff shared their reactions with fans following the announcement .

A new launch trailer and key visual were released alongside the announcement. The trailer opens with Beerus, the God of Destruction, awakening from a long slumber before setting his sights on Earth. Goku and his allies, including Vegeta and Whis, are shown preparing for a universe-shaking confrontation that threatens the balance of cosmic order .

©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION

The key visual depicts Beerus and Goku against the backdrop of Earth and outer space, underscoring the scale and stakes of the conflict. Both the trailer and visual are now available through official Dragon Ball platforms .

First serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump in 1984, Dragon Ball has grown into one of the most influential franchises in anime and manga history, expanding into television animation, feature films, video games and merchandise worldwide. Dragon Ball Super originally aired from 2015 to 2018, with the franchise continuing through theatrical releases such as Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and the debut of Dragon Ball DAIMA in 2024 .

©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION

The launch of Dragon Ball Super: Beerus positions the series as a centerpiece of Dragon Ball’s ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations, signaling a renewed focus on revisiting and refining key moments from the franchise’s modern era.

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Dragon Ball Celebrates 40th Anniversary With Global Special Video and Music by Hans Zimmer

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Dragon Ball, one of the most influential franchises in anime and manga history, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with the worldwide release of a special animated video unveiled Sunday during the “Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri” event at Makuhari Messe in Japan.

DRAGON BALL:©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA

The Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary Special Video was announced during the event’s opening stage and released simultaneously across the globe, marking a major milestone for the long-running franchise. The commemorative animation brings creator Akira Toriyama’s iconic color illustrations to life through a blend of modern animation techniques, designed to honor the original artwork while presenting it through a contemporary visual lens.

Produced by Toei Animation, the project is directed by Naoki Miyahara, a veteran of the series who previously served as general animation director on Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT. The animation places a strong emphasis on faithfully translating the texture, color and expressive qualities of Toriyama’s illustrations into motion, resulting in a dynamic visual journey that reflects the growth and legacy of protagonist Son Goku.

A major highlight of the anniversary video is its original musical score, composed by Academy Award–winning film composer Hans Zimmer. Known for iconic works such as The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean, Zimmer composed a brand-new orchestral theme titled “Infinite Future” exclusively for the project, adding a cinematic scope to the celebration.

In a statement shared during the event, Zimmer expressed his appreciation for being part of the franchise’s milestone anniversary.

via Instagram

“It was truly a joy to be part of this special anniversary project,” Zimmer said. “Drawing inspiration from Akira Toriyama’s incredible illustrations and the stunning animation in this video, I thoroughly enjoyed composing the music. To Dragon Ball fans around the world, I sincerely hope you enjoy watching it”

via press release

The announcement took place at Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri, a free, reservation-based event dedicated to celebrating the franchise’s four decades of history. The event featured special exhibits, presentations and livestream programming for fans around the world.

Originally serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump in 1984, Dragon Ball quickly became one of Japan’s most successful manga series before expanding into television animation, theatrical films, video games and merchandise. The franchise has continued to evolve in recent years with releases such as Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and the debut of Dragon Ball DAIMA in 2024, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the manga’s original publication.

Watch The Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary Special Video,

© BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION © BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA
DRAGON BALL:©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA

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Legendary Mangaka: Dragon Ball Creator Akira Toriyama Passes Away at 68

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Renowned manga artist Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1 at the age of 68, succumbing to an acute subdural hematoma, as published on his official website. The news has left a profound impact on the anime and manga community worldwide. Toriyama’s family has opted for a private funeral and has respectfully declined gifts, visits, interviews, and offerings during this period of mourning.

Toriyama’s groundbreaking work began with the his first serialized manga Dr. Slump in 1980, which not only spawned two television anime adaptations but also inspired a string of successful films. However, it was his magnum opus, Dragon Ball,” which ran from 1984 to 1995, that cemented his status as a true visionary. The “Dragon Ball” series continues to captivate audiences with its sequels, spin-offs, and anime adaptations, propelling Toriyama’s creations into the realm of global pop culture. “Dragon Ball” remains an enduring symbol cherished by anime fans worldwide.

Toriyama’s influence extended beyond the realm of manga and anime, and into the world of video games. He served as a character designer for acclaimed game titles such as “Dragon Quest,” “Chrono Trigger,” and “Blue Dragon“.

In his final years, Toriyama remained actively involved in shaping the anime landscape. His collaboration with the production team of the recently announced “Dragon Ball Daima,” the latest installment in the “Dragon Ball” series, showcased his unwavering creativity. Credited for the series’ compelling storyline and character designs, Toriyama’s impact on the medium continues to resonate with the franchise.

Moreover, Toriyama’s “Sand Land” manga received a recent surge in popularity with the release of an anime film adaptation in August 2022. A forthcoming anime series, slated for a worldwide debut on March 20, along with an accompanying game launching on April 26, stand as a testament to Toriyama’s enduring legacy and influence across multiple mediums within the anime industry.

As we bid farewell to a true titan of the industry, Akira Toriyama’s creative genius will forever inspire generations to come, ensuring his legacy remains immortalized in the hearts of fans worldwide.

Rest In Peace, Akira Toriyama