Dragon Ball is in the spotlight in early 2026 with the reveal of a historic artwork of Goku. The original illustration, created by master Akira Toriyama in 1991, was released in the Toriyama Archives, a section of the franchise’s official website. This image graced the cover of Weekly Shonen Jump issue number 3/4, a double issue celebrating the sale of over 6.02 million copies. At the time, Goku was at the center of the scene, leading a lineup of popular characters, which delighted fans during the intense events on Planet Namek.
This reveal is especially relevant because it allows fans to revisit the character’s roots, who started as a child in 1984 but always faced powerful adversaries. Since then, Goku has become a global icon, appearing in thousands of manga chapters, anime episodes, and movies. The publication in the online archives happens regularly, offering classic and unpublished works by the late creator, keeping his legacy alive for new generations.
Archives and Recent Controversies
In addition to this artwork, the Toriyama Archives have already displayed other treasures, such as a sketch with Goku, Vegeta, and Trunks in Super Saiyan form, created for a 1992 poster. Meanwhile, the franchise continues to expand with the opening of the first official physical Dragon Ball store in Tokyo in 2025, but not everyone celebrated the initiative. Kazuhiko Torishima, former editor-in-chief of Shonen Jump and editor of the manga, openly criticized the store and recent management, accusing the exploitation of fans. Last November, he stated that the products are low quality and that only high sales prevent reflection on quality.
Thus, the reveal of the original Goku artwork serves as a nostalgic counterpoint to current controversies. Therefore, fans can appreciate the franchise’s rich history while debating its future. With Dragon Ball’s 40th anniversary underway, more special content is expected to emerge, balancing celebration and constructive criticism.
