The passing of Akira Toriyama in March 2024 left a huge void in the Dragon Ball universe. Now, the pressure on his successor Toyotarou has grown even more intense as he faces sharp criticism from veteran editor Kazuhiko Torishima, who worked alongside Toriyama to build the Dragon Ball empire from the very beginning.
The latest controversy centers on the cover of Dragon Ball Super Volume 24. The illustration features some of the franchise’s most powerful characters, including Ultra Instinct Goku, Ultra Ego Vegeta, Gohan Beast, Broly, and Piccolo. While the artwork received widespread praise from fans and generated massive engagement on social media, Torishima had a very different opinion.
At JUMP Festa, he bluntly questioned Toyotarou’s artistic choices:
“Where are these guys looking? Who is supposed to be the main focus? Images without clear intention lack strong impact. Toyo, you need to focus on the essence of the manga.”
According to Torishima, a beautiful drawing is more than just cool poses, it must have “visual intent” that guides the viewer’s eye and adds depth to the story. He believes Toyotarou is focusing too much on flashy images and neglecting the storytelling skills that bring the manga to life.
This is not the first time Torishima has publicly criticized his successor. Back in September 2025, he also reproached the Dragon Ball Super editorial team for lacking fundamental knowledge of panel layout, eye flow, and camera angles.
Fans have reacted with mixed opinions. Supporters of Toyotarou argue that his style brings a modern touch and honors Toriyama’s legacy. They see his ongoing leadership of Dragon Ball Super during this sensitive period as a commendable effort.
Those who side with Torishima feel Toyotarou is fortunate to receive honest feedback from the only person in the world qualified to “correct” Akira Toriyama. They believe these critiques come from a place of love for the brand and hope Toyotarou can break free from his predecessor’s shadow.
What’s next for Dragon Ball Super after Toriyama?
Currently, the Dragon Ball Super manga remains on indefinite hiatus following Toriyama’s death. Although Toyotarou has expressed his desire to continue the story, the absence of the original creator means every move he makes is scrutinized under a microscope.
Torishima’s criticism at JUMP Festa 2026 has reignited the debate about the future direction of Dragon Ball. Will Toyotarou develop the “visual intent” needed to win over the demanding editor, or will the series forever be seen as a copy lacking the soul of the original?