David Bridges
Exploring the Impact of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero on Iconic Characters Like Piccolo and Gohan
In 2022, Toei Animation released Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, a movie that not only introduced a striking new art style but also showcased beloved characters like Piccolo and Gohan, also known as his son. This film aimed to elevate the status of these characters among fans, particularly focusing on Piccolo as a central figure. If you found yourself enamored with either character after enjoying the movie, it’s clear that this was the intention behind the creative direction. The film successfully revitalized interest in these characters, reminding audiences of their significance in the Dragon Ball universe and the rich storytelling that underpins the franchise.
Insights from Akio Iyoku on Elevating Piccolo in the Dragon Ball Series
During a recent radio show commemorating the 40th anniversary of Dragon Ball, executive producer Akio Iyoku shared valuable insights regarding the series’ evolution and upcoming projects. According to translated notes from Twitter user peraperayume, Iyoku expressed a desire for Piccolo to be recognized as a formidable force on par with Goku and Vegeta. These two characters have undergone tremendous growth throughout the Dragon Ball Super series and the Broly movie, while Piccolo had not received similar attention, a concern echoed by many fans. Iyoku, being one of those fans, was determined to rectify this oversight and bring Piccolo into the spotlight.
Collaboration with Akira Toriyama: Crafting the Vision for Super Hero
In his quest to enhance Piccolo’s role, Akio Iyoku consulted with the legendary creator Akira Toriyama for guidance on how to elevate the Namekian warrior. Their collaborative discussions ultimately inspired Toriyama to develop the storyline for Super Hero. This narrative choice deliberately sidelined Goku and Vegeta, allowing Piccolo and Gohan to shine as they confront the revived threat of the Red Ribbon Army. Throughout the film, audiences witness the duo unlocking new forms, with Piccolo’s transformation into a striking new Orange mode, which Toriyama regarded as his first significant upgrade. This strategic focus not only highlights character development but also enhances the overall excitement of the film.
Happy New Year!🐉
Yesterday on January 1st, Akio Iyoku talked at the “All Night Nippon – Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary Special” radio show for about 20 minutes about various DB things, including Daima and what may be coming👀
Translated some bits🔽Source:https://t.co/X40t6ECrUR pic.twitter.com/I12WCPxl2W
— Andy 案太郎 🇩🇪 (@peraperayume) January 2, 2025
Anticipating Piccolo’s Future Appearances in the Dragon Ball Franchise
Although Piccolo is currently featured in the Dragon Ball Daima anime, his new Orange form has yet to appear in this series or in last year’s fighting game, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. However, it’s worth noting that this exciting transformation was included as downloadable content (DLC) in Xenoverse 2. The success of the Super Hero movie has undoubtedly reignited interest in Piccolo, leading fans to crave more content centered around him. The challenge now lies in how Toei Animation balances this growing demand for Piccolo with the continued popularity of other fan-favorite characters, especially in light of the recent passing of Akira Toriyama, which has added an emotional layer to the franchise’s future.
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