In the latest Toriyama Archives feature (early 2026 update), a historic treasure has been unveiled. These are the original colored pages from chapter 404 titled “Goku Surrenders,” first published in Weekly Shonen Jump issues 3/4 of 1993 (released December 1992). This chapter marks a pivotal moment when Goku declares his withdrawal, passing the spotlight to his son Gohan to face Perfect Cell.
Watercolor Masterpiece: Gohan’s Ki Shakes the World
What makes chapter 404 special is that Akira Toriyama personally colored all the pages instead of the usual black and white. Using his signature watercolor style, the artwork depicts Gohan channeling his inner energy (Ki) as he prepares for a life-or-death battle.
The page layout is considered one of Toriyama’s smartest designs. On the right side, supporting characters react: Vegeta sweats nervously, terrified by the hidden power of a child. Yamcha, Trunks, and Krillin are shocked to the point that Gohan’s energy blows Trunks’ hair back. Piccolo stands silently, stunned by his pupil’s dramatic power surge.
Meanwhile, in a larger panel, Goku remains calm and unshaken. He smiles proudly, his golden hair gently flowing in the wind, a clear sign of his absolute faith in the plan. On the left, Gohan stands tall in a massive frame, composed yet commanding, fully controlling the roaring Ki around him.
Many fans of Toei Animation’s Dragon Ball anime mistakenly believe Goku is the strongest at the end of Dragon Ball Z. However, according to Akira Toriyama’s original manga, Gohan is truly unmatched among characters who don’t use fusion.
Although Gohan’s strength dipped early in the Buu Saga due to laziness, he reclaimed the top spot after Old Kai unlocked his potential. Ultimate Gohan is so powerful that he doesn’t need to transform into a Super Saiyan to easily overpower Super Buu. Even in the final battle against Kid Buu, when Goku gathered the Spirit Bomb, he admitted that Gohan’s energy contributed to its enormous size.
From Cell Games to Dragon Ball Super: Beast Gohan Reclaims His Throne
For 35 years, the story of Goku pushing his son into danger has sparked debate. But looking at Goku’s confident smile in this colored draft, it’s clear he wasn’t taking a gamble. Goku knew without a doubt that Gohan was the only one strong enough to finish Cell, and he was right.
While Dragon Ball Super has at times elevated Goku and Vegeta to the top with godly powers, Gohan’s Beast form in the Super Hero movie and the latest 2026 storyline officially restore him as the strongest hero. This is likely the greatest hope for the Z Fighters as they prepare to face the looming threat of Black Frieza.
Toriyama Archives’ rare draft not only rekindles glorious memories of the Cell Games but also reminds us of Gohan’s limitless potential. After all, Akira Toriyama’s legacy lives on, and Gohan stands as the perfect symbol of that inheritance.