On November 20th, 2024, Dragon Ball will officially celebrate its 40th anniversary since it first began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump! To commemorate this monumental occasion, we’re diving into the iconic illustrations Akira Toriyama has drawn over the years for past anniversaries, along with heartfelt messages from the creator himself. So come join us in celebrating four incredible decades of this legendary series!
Dragon Ball Covers Celebrating Milestones Over the Years!
Dragon Ball ran for over ten years in Weekly Shonen Jump, consistently ranking near the top of the magazine’s popularity surveys. As a result, Goku and his friends frequently graced the magazine’s cover. Let’s take a look back at some memorable covers that marked significant milestones in the series!
Weekly Shonen Jump 1989 No. 1/2 Double Issue
For the 200th chapter, Toriyama treated us to a charming illustration of Goku and his family enjoying a peaceful sleigh ride in the snow. However, things were far from serene in the story itself, as Goku was engaged in a life-or-death battle with Raditz, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what would happen to their hero.
Weekly Shonen Jump 1990 No. 3/4 Double Issue
To mark the 250th chapter, we see Goku’s family once again—this time dressed in festive Santa outfits! Released just around Christmas, this playful cover features presents wrapped in Dragon Ball-themed paper, showing off Toriyama’s fun side.
Weekly Shonen Jump 1992 No. 8
For Dragon Ball’s seventh anniversary, Toriyama captured the essence of the lucky number 7 with a joyful illustration of the entire cast, dressed to impress, celebrating the special occasion. There’s even a cake with all seven Dragon Balls on top, making the phrase “Make a wish” truly come to life.
Weekly Shonen Jump 1993 No. 2
After reaching the 400th chapter, Toriyama created a powerful image of Goku, filling the page with his iconic, beaming smile. What’s even more special is Goku’s dual presence on the cover—depicted both as his young self and as a Super Saiyan. This moment coincided with the dramatic final arc of the Cell Games, where Gohan prepared to face off against the villainous android, Cell—an unforgettable time for readers!
Weekly Shonen Jump 1995 No. 7
For the 500th chapter, Toriyama created a jaw-dropping deluxe fold-out cover, depicting the intense battle between Goku, his sons, and the terrifying Majin Buu. This epic spread was a fitting tribute to the series’ massive popularity. This issue also marked Dragon Ball’s tenth anniversary, and the magazine was packed with special, full-color content celebrating the milestone!
Memorable Anniversary Illustrations & Messages!
Even after the manga’s conclusion, the Dragon Ball universe continued to thrive through anime, games, and movies, with Toriyama still gifting fans with exclusive artwork and messages. Let’s highlight some of the standout pieces and heartfelt words he’s shared over the years!
V Jump October 2005 Edition
For Dragon Ball’s 20th anniversary, Toriyama revisited the series’ roots with a lively illustration featuring the original characters: Kid Goku, Bulma, Yamcha, and others. They’re as full of energy and charm as ever, showing that the spirit of Dragon Ball is timeless!
30th Anniversary – Dragon Ball Super History Collection – SUPER HISTORY BOOK
To celebrate Dragon Ball’s 30th anniversary, Toriyama contributed a touching self-portrait and a heartfelt message of thanks to the fans. The book also included a special “behind-the-scenes” manga created by Toriyama himself, offering an intimate glimpse into the creative process behind the series.
And Now… The 40th Anniversary!
As we celebrate four decades of Dragon Ball, there’s so much more to look forward to! With exciting projects on the horizon, including the new anime series Dragon Ball DAIMA, the journey continues. So, don’t miss out on the adventure—tune in and celebrate this amazing legacy with us!
