Back in 1999, manga artistAkira Toriyamawas at the top of his game. His manga series—includingDr. Slump,Dragon Ball, andDragon Ball Z—had sold millions of copies and were massive hits when adapted into anime.Dragon Balland its sequel had recently broken through to the West via airings on American TV. At the same time, another legend was dominating pop culture. In the summer of 1999,Star Warsreturned after a 16-year absence with a brand-new film:Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
Amid the worldwide hype surrounding the film, some neat details slipped through the cracks. One such gem?Akira Toriyama once drew a picture of young Anakin Skywalker—who would later become the fearsome Darth Vader—for an issue ofShōnen Jumpmagazine.
Toriyama’s Longtime Love for Star Wars
A Playful Contribution to the Phantom Menace Hype
Akira Toriyama was a professed fan of the originalStar Warstrilogy (1977–1983), which was aspopular and influential in Japanas it was around the world. Before becoming a professional manga artist, Toriyama would sometimes sketchStar Warsparodies for practice. Later,during his hit manga seriesDr. Slump, he included pop culture in-jokes and even featured cameo appearances by characters like C-3PO and R2-D2.
As anticipation forThe Phantom Menacereached a fever pitch in 1999, fans—including Toriyama—were eager to see what the prequels had in store. In the spirit of fun, Toriyama submitted an original drawing of Anakin Skywalker (played by Jake Lloyd) alongside a Battle Droid as a joke entry for theWeekly Shōnen JumpNewcomer Award contest.
The Force Was Strong with Toriyama’sPhantom MenaceExcitement
Darth Vader… as a Kid? Toriyama Wasn’t Sure What to Think
Since the drawing was published before the film’s release, Toriyama wrote down his thoughts and expectations in the margins:
At last, a new Star Wars film is coming! Beyond just the story, the atmosphere of its world and the various designs have always amazed me.The series truly excited and influenced me a lot. Now, the time is approaching, and I can’t wait for the fourth film!
Personally, I don’t see many familiar clues among the characters in this installment, so when I see Darth Vader as a child, I don’t quite get it (though I’m excited for Ewan McGregor).) However, from the trailer, the designs of the mechas, robots, and aliens look impressive, and the special effects are stunning. It should be really interesting—I can’t wait!
Did Toriyama Like The Phantom Menace? We May Never Know
Toriyama’s Likely Take: Mechas, Spectacle, and Fun
Unfortunately, we don’t know Toriyama’sfinal thoughts onThe Phantom Menaceafter watching it. The film grossed just under a billion dollars in its initial run, but many fans and critics were underwhelmed by its more child-friendly tone, exemplified by young Anakin Skywalker and the antics of Jar Jar Binks.
New Dragon Ball Interview Shares Rare Peek at Akira Toriyama’s Life Before Fame
An interview with one of Toriyama’s coworkers before he became a mangaka shares new details about the late legend’s life before fame.
But knowing the lateToriyama, there’s a good chance he enjoyed at least parts of it—especially the mechas, droids, and over-the-top spectacle. After all, if anyone could appreciate a movie filled with quirky aliens, high-speed races, and an overpowered warrior with spiky hair (coughDarth Maulcough), it was him.
