It has been over a year since the world lost legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama, but theDragon Ballfandom just got an unexpected gift. A rare piece of his artwork, long buried in the archives ofWeekly Shonen Jump, has resurfaced, showing Goku like fans have never quite seen him before: decked out in a full space suit.
The illustration hails from 1989, according tothe officialDragon Ballsitewhere it was posted, when theDragon Ballmanga was first preparing to launch into its legendary “Namek” saga.At the time, Gohan, Krillin, and Bulma were about to visit Planet Namek, and the magazine wanted an explosive visual to match.Toriyama delivered, crafting a sci-fi-inspired Goku that would set the tone for one of the franchise’s biggest arcs.
Toriyama’s 1989 Draft That Took Goku to the Stars
Unveiling a Forgotten Sci-Fi Twist on Dragon Ball
Uncovered in the Akira Toriyama Archive, the newly revealed art features Goku in full astronaut gear, ready for interstellar travel. Originally a draft forWeekly Shonen Jump’s1989 Issue No. 47, the design was created to match the chapter “Planet Namek, Cold & Dark.” It captures the anticipation of venturing into the unknown.
Rather than the usual orange gi, Goku sports a bold space suit that mirrors the retro-futurism of the era. According to the officialDragon Ballsite, the cover illustration carried the slogan, “Take off to space! Earth heroes!” The goal was to amplify the excitement around the heroes’ first trip to Namek, which was a pivotal turning point in the story.
This is not just a nostalgic curiosity. It is a window into Toriyama’s creative mind during one ofDragon Ball’smost formative years. Though only a draft at the time, the art still radiates the charm, energy, and imaginative flair that made the series an international icon.
Toriyama’s Legacy Lives On in Every Rediscovered Sketch
A Tribute to the Imagination That Built Dragon Ball
Toriyama’s death in 2024 marked the end of an era. But finds like this remind fans that his influence continues in every brushstroke. The release of this space Goku piece is a rare glimpse at a “what if” version of the character, equal parts classic and futuristic.
As theDragon Ballfranchise turns 40, the release ofDragon Ball Daimaand new manga one-shots like“The Birth of Saiyaman X”show that creators like Toyotarou are keeping the spirit alive. But it is the original art, still uploaded weekly on the Akira Toriyama Archive, that keeps fans connected to the source.
For longtimeDragon Ballfans, seeing Toriyama’s hand-drawn vision of Goku in space gear is not just a novelty, it is a reminder that even decades later, his art can still surprise and inspire.
With only a 24-hour viewing window for each release, this rediscovery feels even more special. For longtimeDragon Ballfans, seeing Toriyama’s hand-drawn vision of Goku in space gear is not just a novelty, it is a reminder that even decades later, his art can still surprise and inspire.
Dragon Ball
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
