The Dragon Ball Super manga artist has disclosed Akira Toriyama's final contribution to the series before his unfortunate passing on March 1, 2024. Chapter 103, titled "A Legacy Toward The Future," draws on themes of passing the torch to the next generation of heroes, with Goku trusting Earth's defense to newer warriors. This sentiment is reflected in a sparring match featuring prominent characters like Goku, Gohan, Broly, Vegeta, Goten, and Trunks.

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In a touching tribute, the ending of the chapter, which was adjusted based on Toriyama's last suggestion, shows Piccolo waving goodbye to Pan's kindergarten teacher, Janet—a moment that poignantly mimics Toriyama's own farewell to his readership and honors Piccolo, his favorite character. Fans have taken to social media to express their appreciation for Toriyama's work and the bittersweet farewell encapsulated in the chapter.

What does Akira Toriyama's final suggestion for the Dragon Ball Super manga signify?

Toriyama's last recommendation for Dragon Ball Super Chapter 103 was to have Piccolo bid farewell to Pan's kindergarten teacher, signifying a meta-narrative goodbye from Piccolo and Toriyama to the readers. It illustrates passing the baton to the next generation and adds a personal touch to Toriyama's final involvement with the series.

Akira Toriyama is widely celebrated for creating the Dragon Ball series, which debuted in 1984 and became a cornerstone of both manga and anime culture globally. It expanded into an extensive multi-media franchise, including numerous anime series like "Dragon Ball Z" and "Dragon Ball Super," films, video games, and a vast array of merchandise. Bringing together elements of action, comedy, and science fiction, the series has played a significant role in popularizing Japanese anime around the world. Toriyama's storytelling and iconic character designs have left an indelible mark on the industry, influencing countless creators and earning a passionate fanbase that spans generations.