The ending of Ultra Instinct Goku and Beast Gohan’s epic fight in Dragon Ball Super‘s manga contained an emotional moment that now feels even more profound after Akira Toriyama‘s passing. While the world continues to mourn the loss of the Dragon Ball creator, manga chapter #103 provided a perfect ending for the Dragon Ball Super series. Although the series is to be continued, the chapter provided a touching passing of the torch not only from Goku to Gohan but also from Akira Toriyama to his successor, Toyotaro.
Gohan’s role in the Dragon Ball franchise has always seemed primed to be the main character. So when he and Goku had their epic battle with their most powerful forms in chapter #103, it was a battle that was incredibly entertaining on several narrative levels. However, when it did end, Goku’s words to his son, “I can rest easy knowing the Earth’ll be safe once I’m gone,” landed an emotionally heavy blow on readers after Toriyama’s tragic passing.
Goku’s words to his son are impactful on many levels. Besides the obvious re-installment of trust Gohan has earned from his father in their battle, the words also work as a touching message to Dragon Ball Super‘s illustrator and Toriyama’s successor, Toyotaro, who, like Gohan, has proved capable of taking things from here.
Goku’s Statement To Gohan Works As A Touching Good-Bye From Toriyama
Akira Toriyama wrote and illustrated the Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z manga series. However, the sequel, Dragon Ball Super, began its manga publication in 2015, and instead of being drawn by Toriyama, Toyotaro was hired to work closely with the legendary mangaka due to his ability to replicate Toriyama’s revolutionary art style. After years of working together, Toyotaro’s work and influence on the story and its characters have continued to improve. Much like Gohan, Toyotaro’s talent has reached the point where his teacher can rest easy.
Toyotaro has been illustrating the DBS manga since it began. Like many long-time fans, he’s been following the franchise and Toriyama’s work since childhood. After years of drawing Dragon Ball characters and even creating his fan comic, Dragon Ball AF, he was officially hired by Dragon Ball‘s publisher, Shueisha. While he began with drawing a promotional manga titled Dragon Ball Heroes: Victory Mission for the popular trading card game, Toriyama officially appointed Toyotaro as his successor and his work on the DBS manga began. Now, the future of the series seems to be the successor’s capable hands.
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While it’s a tragic coincidence, the scene in chapter #103 feels like Toriyama saying goodbye through Goku’s declaration to Gohan. It works as a compelling and emotional send-off and passing of the torch to Gohan and Toriyama’s successor, Toyotaro. Akira Toriyama’s work on the upcoming Dragon Ball Daima anime (releasing Fall 2024) might be his final adventure with Goku. Still, Toyotaro and fans will be keeping Dragon Ball Super and its universes alive and well for generations to come.
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Dragon Ball Super
Dragon Ball Super is a sequel to the original Dragon Ball series as well as the fan-favorite Dragon Ball Z anime. Dragon Ball Super takes place ten years after Majin Buu is defeated and follows Goku and his friends on all-new adventures. Much like its predecessors, Dragon Ball Super was praised throughout its 131 episodes.
