Two years after the world lost the genius creator Akira Toriyama in 2024, fans have finally seen the last main character design from his career. This closing chapter doesn’t come from the Dragon Ball universe but from another iconic creation of his: the beloved Dragon Quest role-playing game series.
Beyond being a legendary mangaka, the late Akira Toriyama served as the core character designer for the Dragon Quest franchise for over four decades, starting in 1986. Thanks to his enduring creativity, the artistic legacy he left behind has allowed both Dragon Ball and Dragon Quest to keep unveiling new character designs over the past two years. Now, that journey has officially come to an end.
A Bittersweet Moment at the Dragon Quest Anniversary
During the live broadcast celebrating Dragon Quest’s 40th anniversary on May 27, Square Enix released a new teaser trailer for the highly anticipated Dragon Quest XII. The highlight of the video was the reveal of the new protagonist, personally designed by Akira Toriyama.
While the character’s design is striking, fans experienced mixed emotions. This is the final protagonist the world will receive from Toriyama, marking the end of his more than 40-year legacy in both gaming and manga.
Not long before this, Toriyama’s last Dragon Ball universe sketches were unveiled through the game Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3. There, he left two player avatars and a new character named Brett, who is believed to be a descendant of Goku and a key ally in the game’s story.
Controversial Design with Artistic Intent
Dragon Quest XII’s new protagonist shares some stylistic traits with Tapion from Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon. However, upon release, some fans criticized the design, saying the character’s face looks overly tired and sleepy.
This distinctive look is a deliberate artistic choice by Toriyama, reflecting the story’s context. According to revealed details, Dragon Quest XII follows a young man facing serious troubles connected to his dreams. A lizard-like creature shown in the trailer is rumored to be his manifestation within a dream world. Therefore, the sleep-deprived appearance perfectly matches the psychological pressure the character endures.
Whether loved or disliked, one fact remains clear: this is the last time we will see a character brought to life from Akira Toriyama’s original hand.