There is little doubt that Akira Toriyama is a true legend with several successful manga titles to his name. However, the Dragon Ball creator has ceased illustrating, choosing to write or outlining his recent works. So what's the real reason behind Toriyama's refusal to draw more manga? The mangaka revealed that the loss of a specific tool has made him go into some form of retirement.
Akira Toriyama continues to be active and is involved with Dragon Ball Super which has been serialized on V Jump. Although he outlines the manga, it is illustrated by Toyotarou who is also doing an excellent job with the art.
So why has Akira Toriyama chosen not to continue drawing manga? The mangaka revealed to Dragon Ball: El manga legendario magazine that it all started when he lost his favorite pen holder (via Anime Senpai).
"Sand Land was finished by scanning the inked paper manuscript into a computer and using software to apply solid colors to my own tones. I probably hardly slept at all..." Toriyama explained. "After finishing all the episodes, I lost my beloved wooden pen holder that I'd been using since before my debut."
The mangaka continued by explaining that the pen holder has a certain sentimentality.
"It was a pen holder that had become familiar to my hand for a long time, being carved and worn down with a knife and sandpaper...I bought a new pen holder and tried sharpening it this way and that, but it just didn't feel right. Since then, I have used it as an excuse for hardly drawing any manga," Toriyama said with a laugh.
It's unfortunate that Toriyama lost his favorite pen holder and we understand why he doesn't feel right working without it. Although it is unlikely, we're hoping that pen holder turns up and the mangaka can go back to drawing his own mangas.
The Sand Land anime film adaptation is co-produced by Sunrise, Kamikaze Douga and Anima and will be released in August 2023.
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