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What Does Akira Toriyama Think Of Dragonball Evolution?

The Dragon Ball creator speaks.

A lot of us are bowing our heads in shame trying to figure out what is happening to the Dragon Ball franchise with the movie will soon hit us in a couple of months.  After seeing the different trailers and images, I, for one, have been wondering what the creator, Akira Toriyama must be thinking.  Often the rights are sold off and the actual creator has very little say in the outcome.  This is clearly the case as things just seem so far off.  Even the name has been changed to one word instead of two separate. 

I found a mention of what Toriyama posted on a trailer for the movie at ComicBookMovie.  Apparently the actual comment has been translated from Japanese and can be found HERE somewhere.
"As the original creator, I had a feeling of “Huh?” upon seeing the screenplay and the character designs, but the director, all the actors, the staff, and the rest are nothing but “ultra” high-caliber people. Maybe the right way for me and all the fans to appreciate it is as a New Dragonball of a different dimension. Perhaps, this might become a great masterpiece of power! Hey, I look forward to it!!"
"Huh?" indeed.  Looking at is as a "different dimension" is a good way to think about it.  I do have to wonder if he's just trying to give public support so it doesn't die at the box office.   As I've stated before, I am curious to see how it turns out.  I've never been an absolute huge Dragon Ball fan but I did enjoy the show and have recently started reading some of the mangas.  I won't be crushed or irrate if the movie simply fails.  I do hope for the best though.

Do you get the impression that Toriyama is just trying to be polite in his comment?
Sonata moderator on Feb. 9, 2009 at 11:33 a.m.
Poor Toriyama, I think his soul is tearing apart but hes trying to be optimistic. As soon as we saw the trailer this movie already has one foot in the grave.
LordAndrewon Feb. 9, 2009 at 11:41 a.m.
I get the sense that he's not telling us how he really feels. He's probably thinking what we're all thinking, but is to polite to say it. :(
Kiriskaon Feb. 9, 2009 at 12:06 p.m.
Yeah, I'm with the masses that say that Toriyama is just utilizing that age old Japanese politeness. He's probably crying on the inside.
Devillyon Feb. 9, 2009 at 12:58 p.m.
Kiriska said:
"Yeah, I'm with the masses that say that Toriyama is just utilizing that age old Japanese politeness. He's probably crying on the inside."
indeed as we all are doing
Agent_Loston Feb. 9, 2009 at 1 p.m.
Kiriska said:
"Yeah, I'm with the masses that say that Toriyama is just utilizing that age old Japanese politeness. He's probably crying on the inside."
yep, that about right
Void_Wizardon Feb. 9, 2009 at 3:10 p.m.
He's bracing for it to be a huge flop.
Devillyon Feb. 9, 2009 at 4 p.m.
Void_Wizard said:
"He's bracing for it to be a huge flop."
Poor guy T_T (keep him away from hights and sharp edges after the movie)
transgojoboton Feb. 9, 2009 at 5:08 p.m.
I'm sure Akira Toriyama's "soul-crushing angst" will last about as long until he sees his bank balance again.
Ruby_Alexandrineon Feb. 9, 2009 at 5:49 p.m.
Its seems like he's being too polite to express his opinions about the upcoming film.  He can't really do anything about it because the film is done and slated for release soon.   What a shame!
MackGyveron Feb. 9, 2009 at 6:57 p.m.
Another example of let the people who created the franchise have a say in what happens next. No one knows how things will turn out in different hands. But from what we all have seen, it's not necessarily for the better. I hope it turns out great though. DRAGON BALL RULES!!!!!!!!!!!
Kiriskaon Feb. 9, 2009 at 7:25 p.m.
I wonder if he'll end up disliking it as much as GT?
Kyleon Feb. 13, 2009 at 10:52 p.m.
I doubt he's really hiding any kind of anger. At this point, I'm sure he's had just about all he can take of his creation. While it's obvious he's not thrilled (and who would be, quite honestly), it wouldn't surprise me at all that he would be rather apathetic. It would be one thing if nobody new about Dragonball and suddenly this movie was ruining his reputation or something, but seriously, we all know. Who cares. He doesn't.  : P
BeyondBirthdayon Feb. 14, 2009 at 7:08 p.m.
I have to wonder if FOX is paying him money to not say anything pessemistic about this movie...
whathappenedon Oct. 8, 2009 at 5:44 p.m.
i think that is some crap!!!!! why would they do something like that? they are so selfish. keep being optimistic please!!!!! and continue making great episodes of dragon ball gt please. don't let your fans down just because of some stupid brats.
FLCL1on Oct. 28, 2009 at 9:26 a.m.

a month later the movie turned out to be bull shit
nginsmallon Feb. 3, 2010 at 10:56 p.m.
Well there's always Dragonball 2...(psst) not really because that's going to suck too.  Well at least there's Kai to kinda-sorta fix some of the mess left behind from Evolution.  But yes hes totally just trying to be a nice guy in that comment, I doubt he was seriously cool with Hollywood messing up one of the best things hes known for.
John_Martoneon Feb. 4, 2010 at 12:39 p.m.
aww, we need to do a follow up piece and see how he felt after the release.
Kelleth moderator on Feb. 4, 2010 at 12:45 p.m.
@John_Martone: He died inside most likely.

Dig Deeper into Dragon Ball

Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball franchise is about the adventures of Goku and his friends from his early childhood to his death and beyond. It begins with a young Saiyan boy named Goku after falling of a cliff and losing his memory, and leads on to an adventure of a lifetime!

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