Summary
Akira Toriyama’s name has been inextricably tied to theDragon Ballfranchise for decades, due to the monumental commercial and critical success it enjoyed across the world during and after its run. However, the late artist’s body of work includes a host of other manga such as the hugely popularDr. Slumpseries, alongside arange of contributions to video games, anime, and other forms of media.
Even within the realm of manga alone,Toriyama distinguished himself as an exceptionalvisual storyteller and character designer, whose mastery of paneling and comedic timing has influenced innumerable manga artists in the years since. Beyond justDragon BallandDr. Slump, Toriyama also worked on several one-shots and short series and here are a few among them that are yet to receive an anime adaptation.
October 1982 to March 1984
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Published In
Fresh Jump
Co-created with game designer Akira Sakuma,Akira Toriyama’s Hetappi Manga Kenkyujo(Akira Toriyama’s Clumsy Manga Laboratories) is one of the more unconventional entries on this list by virtue of being an educational series. As a step-by-step guide on the intricacies of drawing techniques, character design, storyboarding, crafting narratives, and editing, the series consists of four parts: Hetappi Manga Institute, Bird Mountain Manga School, Hetappi Manga Report, and a Bonus Part.
The first part includes a detailed look into the technical side of the craft. Next, the second part contains insights into Toriyama’s own beliefs about the art of drawing and writing manga, as well as a deep dive into his process as seen through Sakuma’s eyes. Following this, the third part features a pedagogical section whereToriyama reviews the work of amateur manga artistsand gives them feedback. Finally, the last part holds instructions on how to draw fiveDr. Slumpcharacters. Renowned manga artist Yusuke Murata later worked on a remake of the series, which ran from 2008 to 2011 and featured interviews with other reputed artists.
June 30, 2025 to July 16, 2025
Weekly Shonen Jump
Toriyama’s penchant for drawing stories filled with action and adventure is central toKajika’sappeal, as it follows the journey of its titular protagonist, as he attempts to undo a curse and revert his appearance back to normal. A member of the Kawa Tribe, Kajika is innately strong and wields special abilities, but his mischievous nature in the past proved to be the source of his misfortune, as he was turned into a fox-man after killing a defenseless fox.
Given the task of saving 1,000 life forms by the spirit of the dead fox, Gigi, in exchange for being turned back into a regular boy, Kajika struggles to fulfill this lofty goal, and spends five years bringing the numbers down to a meager ten more lives. It is then that he encounters a girl named Haya, who begs him to help in her quest to return a rare Dragon egg to its nest. The manga distills many ofToriyama’s signature traits as an artistand storyteller, providing a truly enjoyable experience that is easy to follow nearly every step of the way.
Weekly Shonen Jump, Monthly Shonen Jump
Toriyama’s fondness for self-referential humor and crossovers is at the forefront of this fantasy comedy, which sees him poke fun at his own work onDragon Ball. Published over a six-year period,Neko Majinrevolves around a group of eponymous cat-creatures that are fond of martial arts and pranks. For the most part, the series is a gag manga filled with satirical digs at Toriyama’s most successful project.
This becomes even more evident in the latter half of the series, which is namedNeko Majin Z, just like the latter half of the originalDragon Ballmanga was marketed asDragon Ball Zwhen adapted to anime. By the end of the series, manyDragon Ballcharacters make appearances, including Goku, Vegeta, Majin Buu, and Kuriza (the son of Frieza). All in allNeko Majinis a thoroughly amusingexploration of Toriyama’s impeccable skillin the art of satire.
Following its titular protagonist Jaco, an extraterrestrial policeman who travels to Earth to stop the arrival of a dangerous alien threat,Jaco the Galactic Patrolmanwasone of Toriyama’s first serialized titlesafter a lengthy break following the publication ofSan Land. In the very beginning of the series, Jaco crash lands on Earth on his way to complete his mission, proceeding to befriend a retired scientist Omori, and a young woman named Tights, who aspires to become a science fiction writer.
Although the initial chapters of the story appeared to be part of a self-contained universe, the final chapter is effectively a lead-in to the start ofDragon Ball, making subtle additions to the series' world-building and lore in the process. Jaco has even appeared in some parts ofDragon Ball Superas a supporting character, confirming his place in the franchise’s canon.
1997 – 1998
Cowa!is reworked and expanded version of a one-shot that Toriyama had developed following the conclusion ofDragon Ball, namedBubul of Demon Village. At a time whenToriyama wanted a break fromserialized manga after having worked on bothDr. SlumpandDragon Ballfor over a decade without missing any issues, this series was drawn with more breaks in between, with his old editor Kazuhiko Torishima overseeing the process.
Drawn almost entirely on his own without the involvement of assistants,Cowa!is the story of three child monsters known as Paifu, José, and Arpon, who travel with the human Maruyama to find a medicine that can cure a deadly flu in their village. Able to dish out equal doses of laughter and wisdom,Cowa!at its core, is a fable of acceptance and understanding that can appeal to readers of virtually any age.
