It’s been just over a year since Akira Toriyama, the influential creator ofDragon Ball, unexpectedly passed away, leaving fans around the world devastated yet appreciative of his brilliance. Inspiring countless people who cut their teeth in different mediums, ranging from manga to anime to film to video games,Toriyama has also left a mark on the writers and artists in the comic book industry with new artwork from topDC Comicsartist Jorge Jimenez, paying tribute to this late and great creator in a truly stunning way.
Passing away last March due to a subdural hematoma, or a blood clot in the brain,Akira Toriyama was a living legendwhose work as the originator ofDragon Ballturned him into a household name, at least in the nerd community, resulting in a successful 40-plus-year franchise that’s still going strong to this day.
Not just known forDragon Ball, Toriyama also tried his hand at designing for game franchises such asDragon QuestandChrono Trigger, to say nothing about his other series inDr. SlumpandSand Land, and of course, the still unfinishedDragon Ball Super.
Jorge Jiménez Pays His Respects to Akira Toriyama in New Dragon Ball Art
Fanart Design by DC Comics Artist Jorge Jiménez (@JorgeJimenezArt)
A DC Comics artist who has worked on everything fromBatmanwith James Tynion IV and Chip Zdarsky toSuper Sonswith Peter Tomasi to DC’s flagship title inJustice Leaguewith Scott Snyder, Jorge Jimenez is the go-to artist when it comes to illustrating epic stories that need a realistic yet unabashedly comic book look about them, withJorge’s upcoming Batman redesignbeing a perfect example of his artistic talents. Recently whipping up a tribute image shared on X,Jorge expresses whatDragon Ball’s creator meant to him with a Super Saiyan Goku piece that would make Toriyama proud.
Despite Recent Oscar Loss, Dragon Ball’s Studio Is Ready to Expand Its Reach In the U.S.
Although Toei Animation, the studio that created Dragon Ball, did not receive an Oscar this year, the company still has ambitious plans for 2025.
An image divided into three panels, this sketch is an impressive feat on its own, yet in the context of why it was made, it’s less about what Goku looks like in Jorge’s instantly recognizable art style and expressing the love he has forToriyama as a creatorand fan. Captioning “Thanks for everything, Toriyama-sensei!!!” above Goku as he sheds a tear for his creator, Jorge illustrates Goku closing his eyes as more tears fall, and as Goku’s power levels skyrocket, Jorge draws Goku transforming into a Super Saiyan proper, golden aura, yellow spiked hair, and all.
Jorge Jiménez Gives Super Saiyan Goku a Comic Book Makeover That Does Toriyama’s Art Style Justice
Jorge Jiménez Is One of DC Comics’ Best Current Artists
Noting how he sometimes thinks of Toriyama “no matter what day it is,”Jorge goes on to callDragon Ball’s creator “The master of masters”and rightfully asks, “How many people in the world today make comics, manga, or something related to drawing thanks to Goku and Akira Toriyama?” highlighting just how important Toriyama was even outside of his chosen medium. The lives thatDragon Ball’s Akira Toriyama has touched can’t be quantified, especially now that he’s gone, but at least forDC Comics' Jorge Jiménez(@JorgeJimenezArt), the gratitude held for such a man can always be expressed through art.
