Welcome back to Dragon Ball-ism: Toriyama Showcase—the series where we discuss Akira Toriyama's various short stories and one-shot works. This time, we're taking a look at the tale of a curious little being from above the clouds named Hyowtam.

"Hyowtam"

Weekly Shonen Jump and V Jump collaborated on a compilation titled eJump, which was a special issue published digitally on January 18, 2000.

"ELECTRIC+EXCITING+ENTERTAINING" was the catchphrase for this special eJump issue, which kicked off with this 8-page, full color one-shot manga by Toriyama. Not only was it in full color, but the coloring was done digitally, which was quite rare at the time.
Toriyama's process of scanning the pages that he had drawn in pen and coloring them digitally was also outlined in the same publication, which drew a lot of attention.
If you ever get the chance to read this rare manga for yourself, we're sure you'll enjoy how the bright and vivid colors add to the incredibly odd and mysterious world that only someone like Toriyama could conceive of.

★ The Thrilling Everyday Adventure of the Mysterious Hyowtam!

Our story starts with a strange and mysterious being called Hyowtam touching down on a small island.

As it turns out, Hyowtam came all the way from a world hidden above the clouds in search of an egg he accidentally dropped, which landed somewhere in the land below.
The fact that he traveled so far to find one egg must mean it's important, and astute Dragon Ball fans will no doubt be wary of what that egg might give birth to!