NEWS
20.10.2022
Dragon Ball-ism Toriyama Showcase #18: Dragon Boy!
Dragon Ball-ism Toriyama Showcase #18: Dragon Boy!
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 going back in time before Dragon Ball to check out its spiritual predecessor, Dragon Boy!
Dragon Boy
Published in Fresh Jump 1983, August Issue.
Dragon Boy is a one-shot manga that Toriyama created during the serialization of Dr. Slump, his primary series prior to Dragon Ball. When speaking on its origins, Toriyama said, "I love Kung-Fu movies, and after letting that slip to Torishima (his editor at the time) I ended up creating this. (laughs)"
As you might've guessed from its title, Dragon Boy is one of the factors that helped lay the groundwork for the eventual creation of Dragon Ball.
★The Kung-Fu Kid Tangtong & the Princess' Grand Adventure!
The story is set in a land of reclusive masters, where the protagonist, a young warrior named Tangtong, is undergoing the strict training of his wizened teacher.
Boasting such incredible strength that he can reduce boulders to rubble with a kick, Tangtong is much like Goku in his early days!
Dragon Boy's picturesque Chinese-inspired setting is also very much like the first locations we visit in Dragon Ball!
("Dragon Ball" Tale 1)
One day, Tangtong's master charges him with the mission of escorting a princess back to her homeland.
Wait a second, is that Kintoun he's riding?!
Tangtong's master is actually a lot like Kamesennin with the way they're both a little goofy in spite of being powerful warriors.
("Dragon Ball" Tale 13)
When Tangtong eventually meets the princess whom he's been tasked to protect, we find out that although cute on the outside, she's somewhat spoiled and self-centered... Almost like a certain blue-haired heiress in Dragon Ball!
And just like with Goku being bossed around by Bulma at the start of their journey, Tangtong ends up attending to the whims of the princess as they set off on an exciting adventure together.
("Dragon Ball" Tale 7)
Sometime after departing, the princess begins to cry out, "Water!! I need water!!"
Tangtong manages to find an old well with hopes of quenching her thirst, but what they pull up with the pail isn't a fresh drink but a water demon that intends on making a meal out of them instead!
Left with no other choice, Tangtong decides to use the Long-Pao that he received from his master!
The Long-Pao is a special orb that it's said one can use to call upon a dragon by channeling their Ki into it, kind of like the Dragon Balls that Goku and his friends use throughout their many mystical adventures!
("Dragon Ball" Tale 19)
Tangtong gathers his Ki and channels it into the orb, and then...!!
...A teeny tiny dragon appears!
But although it may resemble the great Shenron, it doesn't seem like this dragon will be any help in defeating the water demon!
Will Tangtong be able to vanquish the water demon and safely deliver the princess to her home?!
You'll have to read the comic for yourself to find out!
*All comic images are from the Japanese version.
This site includes machine-translated texts. Please be aware that you might find some unusual expressions that are difficult to understand.
Post
Confirm Post
Post the above comment?
Reply
Confirm Reply
Post the above comment?
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
Report successful
Post Unsuccessful
This user will be muted.
You will be unable to see comments from muted users in the comments area.
*To unmute users, navigate to the "Comments" area on MY PAGE.
Reply
Confirm Reply
Post the above comment?
Edit
Post
Post
Confirm Post
Post the above comment?
Edit
Post