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Fans of Dragon Ball are treated to a nostalgic glimpse of a rare illustration featuring Goku and Gohan, capturing them in a uniquely significant moment.
Recently revealed in the latest installment of the Toriyama Archives, this classic artwork was originally created for a special bonus insert. The illustration, which you can view below, portrays Goku and Gohan in almost mirror-image poses and framing, symbolically positioning them as equals.
First published in December 1989 for the 1990 edition of Weekly Shonen Jump No. 1/2 Double Issue, the artwork has been republished by the official Dragon Ball website. The accompanying description from the Toriyama Archives states, “This illustration was specially drawn for a bonus Carddass Jump Super Heroes insert included in this double issue of Weekly Shonen Jump. It features the father-son duo of Goku and Gohan in identical poses, creating a heroic yet touching image.”
Dragon Ball Releases Rare 37-Year-Old ‘Heroic’ Art Starring Goku & Gohan
Image via Shueisha
The art was originally printed in December 1989 for the 1990 Weekly Shonen Jump No. 1/2 Double Issue. The Toriyama Archives post from the official Dragon Ball website republished the art with a description noting, “Here we see an illustration drawn specially for a bonus Carddass Jump Super Heroes insert included in this double issue of Weekly Shonen Jump. It depicts the father-son duo of Goku and Gohan striking an identical pose, in a heroic yet heartwarming illustration.”
The son of Goku and Chi-Chi, Gohan was first introduced in 1988 in chapter 196 of the original Dragon Ball manga, “Kakarot.” Over the years, Gohan has gone from a diminutive child to one of the most capable heroes in the entire Dragon Ball franchise. Gohan is also arguably more powerful than his father by way of his sheer potential, even if that purported strength has never truly been maintained in any meaningful way throughout the original series.
In mid-March, the Toriyama Archives offered fans a look at another classic piece of art by the late, great Akira Toriyama, specifically art showcasing an unfinished draft page from 1994’s Weekly Shonen Jump No. 3/4 Double Issue. The art features Gohan in a partial Great Saiyaman outfit and standing alongside Goku and Vegeta while confronting the dreaded Babidi.
Currently, fans are looking forward to seeing Goku and Gohan get back into action in the upcoming Dragon Ball Super: Galactic Patrol anime. The new series will adapt the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Saga from the Dragon Ball Super manga, set just after the events of the Broly Saga.
Dragon Ball Super: Galactic Patrol is just one of several new Dragon Ball projects that were announced in January during the Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri event. Among others were Dragon Ball: Beerus, which will serve as a remaster and partial remake of the first Dragon Ball Super anime saga.
Meanwhile, although the Dragon Ball Super manga currently remains on hiatus, fans were recently offered a ray of hope from official artist Toyotarou, who will be publishing a brand-new Dragon Ball one-shot chapter. The manga is set to be revealed as part of a “history book,” released alongside a new collection of SH Figuarts figures, currently available for pre-order until the end March.
- Created by
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Akira Toriyama
- First Episode Air Date
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April 26, 1989