Decoding the Saiyan Prince: Why Did Akira Toriyama Initially Dislike Vegeta?
Akira Toriyama, the mastermind behind the global phenomenon that is Dragon Ball, is a man known for his quirky humor and often surprising creative decisions. One of the more intriguing aspects of his work is his complex relationship with the Saiyan Prince, Vegeta. The answer to why Toriyama initially disliked Vegeta lies in the character’s original conception as a pure villain and Toriyama’s personal aversion to characters who embody traits he finds disagreeable. He created Vegeta with the specific intention of making him someone he intensely disliked, a stark contrast to the more relatable and ultimately heroic Goku. However, the undeniable popularity of Vegeta among fans forced Toriyama to reconsider his stance, leading to the character’s evolution from a ruthless antagonist to a complex and, at times, even endearing anti-hero. This shift wasn’t born out of personal affection but rather a pragmatic decision to cater to audience demand.
Vegeta’s Villainous Genesis
Vegeta’s initial purpose was clear: to be a formidable and irredeemable villain. He represented the worst aspects of Saiyan pride and ruthlessness, a stark contrast to Goku’s Saiyan heritage, which had been tempered by his upbringing on Earth. Vegeta’s arrogance, his desire for power at any cost, and his willingness to inflict suffering on others made him a character easily despised. Toriyama intentionally amplified these negative traits, crafting a villain that was both powerful and unlikeable. This dislike stemmed from the character being a deliberate embodiment of traits Toriyama personally found distasteful. The intention was never to create a character for the long haul, but rather a compelling antagonist for the Frieza Saga.
Fan Demand and Character Evolution
The unexpected surge in Vegeta’s popularity after the Frieza Saga threw a wrench in Toriyama’s plans. Fans were captivated by Vegeta’s pride, his relentless pursuit of power, and his surprisingly compelling rivalry with Goku. They wanted to see more of him. Realizing the character’s potential and recognizing the importance of fan service, Toriyama made the difficult decision to keep Vegeta around. This decision, however, didn’t necessarily translate into personal fondness. Instead, it meant finding ways to integrate Vegeta into the narrative in a way that maintained his character’s core essence while allowing for gradual development.
A Love-Hate Relationship?
While Toriyama may not have initially liked Vegeta, his willingness to keep him around demonstrates a certain level of respect for the character’s impact on the story and its fans. Vegeta’s presence added a layer of complexity to the Dragon Ball universe, challenging Goku’s ideals and providing a compelling foil. Over time, Vegeta evolved from a one-dimensional villain into a more nuanced character, grappling with his past, forming relationships (most notably with Bulma and Trunks), and even exhibiting moments of genuine heroism. This evolution, driven by both narrative necessity and fan demand, may have softened Toriyama’s initial dislike, though it’s unlikely Vegeta ever became a personal favorite. He was more of a necessary, albeit occasionally frustrating, element in the overall Dragon Ball tapestry.
The Pragmatic Creator
Ultimately, Toriyama’s decision regarding Vegeta reflects his pragmatic approach to storytelling. He’s a creator who understands the importance of audience engagement and is willing to adapt his plans to cater to fan desires, even if it means compromising his initial vision. Vegeta’s story is a testament to the power of fan influence and the complex relationship between creators and their creations. Even if Toriyama never truly loved Vegeta, he certainly recognized his value and allowed him to become the iconic character he is today. If you’re interested in learning more about the role of games and interactive media in learning and society, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Akira Toriyama’s favorite character?
Toriyama has mentioned several characters as favorites at different times. He has mentioned Piccolo as his favorite, particularly in relation to Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. He has also mentioned Tien Shinhan, Future Trunks, Krillin, and Mr. Satan at other times.
2. Was Vegeta inspired by Tetsuo from Akira?
There is some speculation that Vegeta’s hairstyle might have been inspired by Tetsuo Shima from the manga and film Akira. The timing of Vegeta’s debut in the Dragon Ball manga (1988) coincides with the release of the Akira film, suggesting a possible influence.
3. Who designed Broly?
The character of Broly was created by Takao Koyama and designed by Akira Toriyama.
4. Who is Vegeta’s mother?
Vegeta’s mother has never been mentioned or shown in the Dragon Ball series, so her name and backstory remain unknown.
5. Why did Bulma end up with Vegeta?
Bulma and Vegeta’s relationship developed gradually over time. While Vegeta initially possessed villainous tendencies, he softened over time. Bulma was attracted to his strength, his Saiyan pride, and the potential she saw within him. Their relationship is a complex mix of opposites attracting and mutual respect.
6. Did Vegeta purposely become Majin?
Vegeta allowed Babidi to invade his mind and draw out the hidden evil within his heart, transforming him into Majin Vegeta. He did this to gain the power necessary to surpass Goku, even if it meant succumbing to Babidi’s influence.
7. What are Akira’s powers in Akira?
In Akira, Akira possesses immense psychic abilities, including telekinesis, teleportation, and the ability to manipulate matter and energy. His powers are so vast that he can even create alternate dimensions.
8. What is Akira’s backstory in Akira?
Akira is a young orphan who was recruited by the government for a secret parapsychology project. The project forced him to develop powerful psychic abilities, making him a dangerous and uncontrollable force.
9. Who won Vegeta vs Goku (Majin Vegeta vs Goku)?
The fight between Majin Vegeta and Goku was interrupted before a clear winner could be determined. However, Vegeta managed to knock Goku unconscious before the fight was stopped.
10. Why did Akira Toriyama stop drawing manga (temporarily)?
There are stories floating around, and the reliability is unconfirmed, but supposedly Akira Toriyama took a break from drawing manga because he lost his favorite wooden pen holder, which he had owned since he was 14 years old.
11. Who is Vegeta’s forgotten brother?
Vegeta has a younger brother named Tarble. He was exiled from Planet Vegeta by King Vegeta due to his lack of fighting ability.
12. Why did Tetsuo’s hair grow in Akira?
Tetsuo’s hair grew longer as a result of his acquired psychic powers and the radiation associated with them.
13. How did Tetsuo lose his arm in Akira?
Tetsuo lost his arm when it was blown off by the SOL satellite weapon. He then used his technopathic abilities to create a prosthetic arm.
14. Why is Broly’s hair green?
Broly’s hair turns green when he accesses the power of the Great Ape form while remaining in his human form, a state known as Wrathful.
15. Why did Broly originally hate Goku?
Broly’s hatred for Goku stemmed from their shared nursery on Planet Vegeta. Goku’s constant crying as an infant disturbed Broly, who possessed immense power from birth. This created a deep-seated resentment that manifested into a lifelong rivalry.