Hidden Messages of Akira Toriyama

 

For many of us who grew up laughing and being moved by the adventures of Goku and other works of Akira Toriyama, March 1st, when this exceptionally creative mangaka passed away, was a day of sorrow. However, as we remember Toriyama, who made himself known as a master of humor and self-irony, there's no need to be sad, but instead, let's repeat after Master Roshi: 'Wisdom is a gift it's best to pretend to have when your strength begins to wane!'.

 

Toriyama, being on the pedestal as one of the fathers of modern manga, always remained an enigmatic figure, hidden behind the curtain of his endless imagination, rarely allowing himself to be known from a private side. Yet, there is a character that might just lift a corner of the veil on what Akira sometimes wanted to tell us.

 

 

Did you know that in Dragon Ball there exists a character that embodies the creator himself – Toriyama? That this character appears not only in DB but also in other works of Toriyama, like Dr. Slump, his articles, even in a video game? A character that, embodying an invisible observer, follows the lives of Goku and friends, and its unique features and observations are a commentary from the creator himself? Who is Tori-Bot, whom the master mangaka intricately wove into the fabric of his worlds?

 

Over the years, observing Tori-Bot in various situations, one could notice bits of a loner's personality, who, although rarely speaking out publicly, had much to say. In light of Toriyama's recent death, exploring the life and work of this master through the appearances of Tori-Bot takes on a new dimension. Today, I invite you to a journey following the traces of this most personal avatar, which subtly unveils the curtain behind which one of the greatest narrative geniuses of contemporary manga hid.

 

 

Who Is the Mysterious Tori-Bot?

 

Tori-Bot [トリボット (Toribotto)], at first glance, may seem like one of many humorous characters that brighten the worlds created by Akira Toriyama. It resembles a small robot with a characteristic spherical head, on which only two simple eyes and a smiling mouth are visible. It also appears 'dressed' in a gas mask, which on one hand adds a bit more comedic eccentricity, and on the other, perhaps slightly gives it a distance from the world it appears in.

 

This minimalist design contrasts with the often extravagant and complicated characters of the "Dragon Ball" universe, further emphasizing the unique role of Tori-Bot as the creator's alter ego. Its behavior is equally unusual – Tori-Bot often plays the role of a commentator, subtly pointing out the absurd or comedic aspects of the situations it finds itself in, while maintaining complete neutrality and impartiality.

 

 

Tori-Bot in Dragon Ball

 

 

▫ Tori-Bot in the Background of the "Dragon Ball" Manga

Situation: Akira Toriyama, as Tori-Bot, appears in the background of various scenes of the "Dragon Ball" manga, sometimes expressing dissatisfaction that he is not in Penguin Village, the setting of "Dr. Slump".

What it does: Its complaints can be heard, e.g., 'Penguin Village… this is not'.

Message: These appearances emphasize the meta-humor and self-critique of Toriyama, simultaneously connecting two different universes into one narrative.

 

 

▫ On the 'WANTED' Bandit Posters in "Dragon Ball"

Situation: Tori-Bot appears on a series of wanted posters, where it has the lowest bounty for its capture among all the criminals.

Message: This self-critical motif quickly became the character's trademark, highlighting Toriyama's humility and his sense of humor.

 

 

▫ Apologies for Repeating Comic Panels

Situation: In chapter 480 of the manga, Tori-Bot appears to apologize to its editor when Trunks breaks the fourth wall, pointing out the repetition of panels during the fusion dance between Trunks and Goten.

What it does: Tori-Bot asks its editor to lower its page salary as an apology for the repetition.

Meaning: This moment highlights both Toriyama's humility and his readiness to admit mistakes, simultaneously engaging readers in the creative process behind the scenes.

 

 

 

 

▫ Presence in Goku's Fight with Pikkon

Situation: In "Dragon Ball Z," during Goku's fight with Pikkon, Tori-Bot is visible in the crowd as one of the spectators.

Meaning: Its presence emphasizes that Toriyama is always watching his characters, adding a layer of meta-commentary to the action.

 

 

▫ Cameos in Video Games

Situation: Tori-Bot appears as a supporting character in "Dragon Ball Heroes," offering players assistance in boosting their power.

Meaning: This shows that even in the world of games, Tori-Bot plays an important role, connecting the various media through which the "Dragon Ball" universe extends.

 

 

▫ Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Game

Situation: Tori-Bot appears in the "Dragon Ball" game series, such as "Dragon Ball Z: Budokai" and "Dragon Ball Online," where it sometimes serves as a supporting character or simply appears in the background.

Meaning: This attests to the universality of the Tori-Bot character and how it is an important, though often hidden, element of the "Dragon Ball" universe.

 

 

▫ Tori-Bot as an Easter Egg in the "Dragon Ball" Anime

 

In the original "Dragon Ball" series, Tori-Bot appears as a background character in various episodes, sometimes as part of the audience watching the Martial Arts Tournament fights or as a character in various urban scenes. These cameos are brief and usually do not carry deeper meaning but constitute a fun play with fans.

 

 

▫ Tori-Bot as an Easter Egg in "Dragon Ball Z" Anime

 

During the Cell saga, in scenes depicting people's reactions worldwide to the threat posed by Cell, Tori-Bot can be spotted among the crowd as one of the spectators. This is a subtle indication of the creator's omnipresence in his world.

 

Another example is the scenario in which Goku and other warriors gather energy from Earth's inhabitants to create the Spirit Bomb needed to defeat Kid Buu. Among the crowd giving their energy, Tori-Bot can be noticed, which is a humorous reference to the support the series' creator might offer his characters.

 

 

▫ Tori-Bot as an Easter Egg in "Dragon Ball GT" Anime:

 

Although "Dragon Ball GT" is not directly created by Toriyama, Tori-Bot appears in some episodes of the series, e.g., in background scenes or as part of everyday items. These appearances aim to continue the tradition and maintain continuity with earlier series.

 

Tori-Bot in "Dr. Slump"

 

In "Dr. Slump," a universe full of humor and absurd adventures created by Akira Toriyama before the "Dragon Ball" era, Tori-Bot [トリボット (Toribotto)] occupies a unique place. Here, in Penguin Village, where science mixes with fantasy, and everyday life surprises with unexpected twists, the alter ego of Toriyama reveals another layer of his creative genius.

 

 

Character

Just like in "Dragon Ball," Tori-Bot in "Dr. Slump" maintains its characteristic appearance of a small, gray robot with a simple face resembling a gas mask. Its minimalist design stands out against the colorful and often chaotic world of Penguin Village, full of incredibly diverse characters.

 

 

 

 

The Role of Tori-Bot

In "Dr. Slump," Tori-Bot plays various roles, from an ordinary resident of Penguin Village to a direct participant or commentator on events. Its performances are often short and full of humor, sometimes serving as a tool to break the fourth wall, where it directly communicates with the reader or viewer, offering humorous thoughts on the situation.

 

 

Message

The appearance of Tori-Bot in "Dr. Slump" sheds light on a slightly different side of Toriyama as a creator. Here, in a world where creative invention knows no bounds, and logic often gives way to wit, Tori-Bot represents a connection between the author and his work. Its presence not only highlights Toriyama's love for experimenting with form and narrative but also his inclination for self-criticism and humorous distance from his own work.

 

Thanks to Tori-Bot in "Dr. Slump," we see Toriyama as an artist who values creative freedom and fun over strictly adhering to conventions. This is a space where Toriyama explores the limits of his imagination, often surprising and entertaining readers at every turn.

 

In summary, the presence of Tori-Bot in "Dr. Slump" is more than just a comedic element. It is a reflection of Toriyama's creative way of interacting with fans and commentary on the creative process. In every joke, in every breaking of the fourth wall by Tori-Bot, we can see a creator who is not afraid to experiment and who always places fun at the forefront.

 

 

 

Tori-Bot Fandom

 

Tori-Bot, despite its seemingly marginal place in the universe created by Akira Toriyama, has strongly marked its presence in the hearts of "Dragon Ball" and "Dr. Slump" fans. Its unique character and metaphorical role as Toriyama's alter ego have made it an object of special interest among the fan community.

 

Reactions

 

Fans appreciate Tori-Bot for its humorous contribution to the series, as well as for what it symbolizes – a direct connection with Toriyama himself. Many fans treat its appearance as a kind of Easter egg, the discovery of which on manga pages or anime frames always brings joy.

 

 

Examples of Fan Creations

 

Fan Art: Tori-Bot often appears in fan-made illustrations, where fans experiment by placing it in various situations both from "Dragon Ball" and "Dr. Slump." Some works feature it interacting with main characters, showing its unofficial role as part of the wider family of characters created by Toriyama.

 

Cosplay: Although less common due to the unique and minimalist design of Tori-Bot, cosplay of this character also appears, often at fan conventions for manga and anime. Such cosplayers emphasize the creativity and dedication of the fan community, wanting to embody even such an unusual character.

 

Fan Fiction: Fan fiction is also a place where Tori-Bot finds its niche. Authors of these unofficial stories utilize its character to explore "what if" scenarios, often giving it a more central role.

 

 

Bridge Between Toriyama and Fans

 

Tori-Bot serves as an effective bridge between Akira Toriyama and his fans. Its appearance is not only a humorous reference for seasoned fans but also a kind of creator's signature, signifying his presence and ongoing engagement in the worlds he created. For many, finding Tori-Bot in a new manga chapter or anime episode is like a personal greeting from Toriyama, a reminder that behind every story stands a man full of passion and humor.

 

Through this character, Toriyama not only shares a part of himself with us but also invites us into a world where the boundaries between creator and audience become less distinct. Tori-Bot, being both a witness and participant in adventures, crosses these boundaries, bringing with it a sense of community and closeness, which is one of the most valuable aspects of the fandom experience.

 

 

>> SEE SIMILAR ARTICLES:

 

Journey through the diverse worlds of anime: A compendium of genres and sub-genres