If Dragon Ball was so successful, it's not only because of its story or its fights, but also because Akira Toriyama was a huge manga artist. His extraordinary sense of layout remains difficult to match even today, and his drawing style was very modern for the time. This results in a multitude of memorable panels, among which we offer you here a selection of 10 that we consider to be the best.
#1 The first panel of the manga
The first chapter of a manga is essential for laying the foundations of a universe and making readers want to continue the story. Toriyama achieves this from his very first panel. He reveals both the gentleness and strength of Goku, in an exotic setting that invites adventure: it is, in short, the whole spirit that we will find later in Dragon Ball.
#2 Goku bouncing Yamcha on a square
This panel may seem innocuous, but it is very representative of Toriyama's style from the beginning of Dragon Ball. The mangaka continues the legacy of the manga gag that he had perfectly mastered in Dr. Slump, by breaking the fourth wall and playing with the very structure of the panel.
#3 The appearance of Shenron
The balls he comes from give the manga its name, so it was only natural that Shenron would get his moment of fame. The second panel where he appears perfectly illustrates his gigantism and his presence. Faced with him, we immediately understand that we are in the presence of something exceptional.
#4 The end of the fight between Goku and Piccolo Daimao
In manga, it is common to use a clean background to reinforce the impact of a striking scene. One of the best examples is in Dragon Ball during Goku's final assault against Piccolo Daimao. It's a perfect conclusion to an intense fight and an incredible arc.
#5 Piccolo Says Goodbye to Gohan
The two panels illustrating Piccolo's sacrifice could have been included in this selection, but we preferred to highlight another powerful moment of this tragedy. Piccolo's face is unrecognizable.He is no longer filled with hatred, but with a deep love for Gohan. It's simple, but so moving.
#6 The first confrontation between Goku and Vegeta
Two legendary characters, two iconic poses... This page tells the story of Dragon Ball and the entire manga. From then on, many will try to recapture this moment of grace, but few will be able to even match it.
#7 Goku's arrival on Namek
Goku has already given us unforgettable entrances, such as against Piccolo Daimao or the Saiyans, but the one on Namek is the most memorable. By dedicating an entire page to the hero's arrival, Toriyama sends a clear message: this is not the same Goku anymore. Without moving, simply standing, he gives off a striking impression of power.
#8 Goku's look at Frieza
This look has been analyzed many times. After defeating Frieza, Goku watches him silently, revealing a multitude of emotions. We can see rage, disappointment, relief, even regret... It's a miraculous panel, almost impossible to reproduce, even in the official works of Dragon Ball.
#9 The Father and Son Kamehameha
The passing of the torch is orchestrated throughout the Cell arc and reaches its climax in this panel. This moment has been revisited many times, notably by Toyotaro, who recently redrew it with Goku Ultra Instinct and Gohan Beast to announce new features around Dragon Ball Super.
#10 The Last Thumbs Up
What better way to conclude the manga's final confrontation than with Goku's famous thumbs-up? Even though he gives it to Vegeta, what's different is that the protagonist is looking directly at us this time, a way of saying that this adventure is truly coming to an end.
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