Reprints of Akira Toriyama’s renowned works, including Dragon Ball, Sand Land, and Dr. Slump, are currently in production. However, the overwhelming demand has resulted in shortages of stock in some cases.
As announced by the Shonen Jump News (@/WSJ_manga) account on X (formerly Twitter), Japanese bookstores will be receiving reprints of Toriyama’s creations in the first half of April.
The reprinted titles encompass a wide range of beloved series, such as Dragon Ball, Sand Land, Dr. Slump, Jaco the Galactic Patrolman, Kajika, Akira Toriyama’s Manga Theater, Cowa!, and more. Additionally, art books like Akira Toriyama – The World will also be reprinted.
According to a few Japanese bookstore clerks, it seems all Akira Toriyama works will be receiving reprints exclusively during the first half of April.
These include series ('Dragon Ball', 'Dr. SLUMP') and short works: 'Jaco', 'Cowa!', 'Kajika', 'SAND LAND', Manga Theaters, etc. pic.twitter.com/BKA0I41Tpk
— Shonen Jump News (@WSJ_manga) March 28, 2024
This surge in demand for Toriyama’s works has led to a rearrangement of release schedules, with series like Mashle: Magic and Muscles and Haikyuu!! being pushed to the second half of April to prioritize Toriyama’s library.
Japanese bookstore managers have been hustling since early March to set up dedicated sections for Toriyama’s works following his passing on March 1.
However, Viz Media, the English manga distributor responsible for several of Toriyama’s series, including Dragon Ball Z and Sand Land, has not announced any additional printings for North American readers at present.
These exclusive reprints will also include art books like 'Akira Toriyama THE WORLD'.
As such, series in need of reprints like 'MASHLE' or 'Haikyu!!' will be pushed to the second half of the month, according to these same bookstore employees. pic.twitter.com/7MhqImxLua
— Shonen Jump News (@WSJ_manga) March 28, 2024
Meanwhile, the Dragon Ball Super manga, co-created by Toriyama and artist Toyotarou, is currently on hiatus due to Toriyama’s passing. However, before the hiatus, the manga concluded its adaptation of the Super Hero anime movie in a chapter that serves as a heartfelt farewell to Toriyama.
Toyotarou shared on X that Toriyama’s final directive to him was to adjust the final page of Chapter 103 to depict Piccolo bidding farewell to Pan’s teacher before departing with Goku and the others.
This poignant alteration holds deep emotional significance, as the panel of Piccolo waving goodbye appears to be a farewell from Toriyama himself. Given that Piccolo was Toriyama’s favorite character in Dragon Ball, this final page in Super feels like a personal farewell from the creator to his readers.
Moreover, an earlier scene featuring Goku expressing his relief that the Earth will be well protected when he’s gone is interpreted by many as Toriyama symbolically passing the torch to Toyotarou.
Fans can enjoy the Dragon Ball anime TV series and movies, including Dragon Ball Super, on Crunchyroll. Additionally, Dragon Ball Daima is set to premiere in Fall 2024.
