Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, also played a key role in the Dragon Quest series as its character designer. To mark the 35th anniversary of Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen, a rare illustration of the game’s protagonist drawn by Akira Toriyama was shared on the Yubo & Mashirito’s KosoKoso Broadcasting official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Rare Dragon Quest IV Illustrations Resurface
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Dragon Quest IV, a rare illustration of the game’s protagonist by Akira Toriyama was showcased on Yubo & Mashirito’s KosoKoso Broadcasting official X account.
This artwork provides a nostalgic look at Toriyama’s vision, highlighting his signature character design style that played a crucial role in shaping the Dragon Quest series’ visual identity. Toriyama’s signature art style may remind Dragon Ball fans of Yamcha and Bulma, but these characters are the male and female versions of Dragon Quest IV‘s protagonist.
In a follow-up post, the account shared two of Akira Toriyama’s official art books:
- Akira Toriyama Dragon Quest Illustrations – a book containing Toriyama’s artwork for the Dragon Quest series, including character designs, monsters, and promotional illustrations from various Dragon Quest games.
- Akira Toriyama: The World – Jump Comics Deluxe – a book compiling Toriyama’s iconic illustrations, including work from Dr. Slump, Dragon Ball, and Dragon Quest.
In yet another follow-up post after fans reacted positively to the first illustration, they shared another illustration with the words “This Toriyama-sensei illustration is also amazing!”
Toriyama’s Role in Dragon Quest
Toriyama began working on Dragon Quest in 1986 when game developer Chunsoft and publisher Enix (now Square Enix) sought his help to create a unique look for their RPG. His designs gave the series a recognizable style, mixing fantasy elements with expressive, lively characters. His work on monsters, heroes, and NPCs helped define the Dragon Quest aesthetic and contributed to its success.
Following Dragon Quest IV, the series continued to evolve, with each installment improving its storytelling and mechanics. Toriyama remained an integral part of the franchise, designing characters for every mainline game up to Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (2017). The upcoming Dragon Quest XII has been announced, though details remain limited.
About Dragon Quest IV
Originally released in 1990 for the Famicom, Dragon Quest IV was a groundbreaking entry in the series. It introduced a chapter-based story structure, allowing players to experience different perspectives before the characters united.
Toriyama’s character designs for the protagonist and supporting cast helped bring the game’s world to life. The game also introduced key gameplay mechanics, such as the wagon system and an AI-driven battle system for party members, both of which were well received by players.
Dragon Quest IV later received enhanced remakes, first on PlayStation (2001) and then on Nintendo DS (2007). While these versions updated the graphics, they remained faithful to Toriyama’s original art, which continues to be beloved by fans.
About KosoKoso Broadcasting
The KosoKoso Broadcasting show is a gaming and manga-focused program hosted by Yuji Horii, the creator of Dragon Quest, and Kazuhiko Torishima (also known as “Mashirito”), a former Shonen Jump editor who played a big role in shaping Akira Toriyama’s career.
This program features exclusive discussions about Dragon Quest and other influential works, as well as appearances by notable industry figures such as Hironobu Sakaguchi, Hisashi Eguchi, and Masakazu Katsura. The show airs monthly on #J-WAVE and #MaadSpin, with additional content available on YouTube and podcast platforms.
Toriyama’s Legacy
Akira Toriyama, who left an undeniable mark on anime, manga, and gaming, sadly passed away in March 2024. His influence on Dragon Quest and Dragon Ball, among many other contributions, has inspired and continues to inspire fans worldwide. His artwork, including these rare Dragon Quest IV illustrations, serves as a testament to his unparalleled legacy.
Dragon Ball DAIMA anime, for which Toriyama wrote the original story, is currently ongoing. The latest episode of Dragon Ball DAIMA officially reintroduced Super Saiyan 4 Goku, a form that was previously exclusive to Dragon Ball GT and considered non-canon in the main continuity.
Source: Yubo & Mashirito’s KosoKoso Broadcasting Official X
©Akira Toriyama/Square Enix
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