Dragon Ball Editor Confirms Fan Theories About Dragon Ball GT

<p>The enduring legacy of Dragon Ball has recently sparked some concerns over the franchise’s future. Creators find themselves in a quandary as discussions around the potential conclusion of the beloved series gain traction. An editor has opened up about the much-debated Dragon Ball GT, shedding light on its somewhat contentious place within the Dragon Ball continuity.

Longtime anime enthusiasts are well aware that GT is not held in the highest regard among fans. Originally, the legendary creator Akira Toriyama envisioned the series concluding with Gohan’s victory over Perfect Cell, yet that vision never materialized.

Airings of GT took place from 1996 to 1997 and marked a departure from the more intense narrative seen in Dragon Ball Z. The series adopted a lighter, more child-friendly comedic tone, a shift that has led many viewers, even decades later, to question its merit. The sentiments extend to its creators, who seem to share in the uncertainty surrounding GT’s contribution to the franchise.

The Origins of Dragon Ball GT: Not a Passion Project

Insiders have revealed that Dragon Ball GT was not initially a creative endeavor driven by Toriyama’s passion, but rather a result of external pressures from its broadcast network. The rationale was simple: why would a network want to conclude a hit series when it could continue capitalizing on its success?

Manjuub looks at his hand in Dragon Ball GT — Crunchyroll

In a revealing segment on the Japanese podcast Torishima, three former editors of the Dragon Ball manga discussed the roots of GT. Kenji Shimizu, who currently presides over Fuji Television, famously remarked, “Dragon Ball can’t end. It just can’t, ” during a celebration at the time Z was believed to be reaching its conclusion.

This hesitance to provide definitive endings stems from the executives’ reluctance to let go, ultimately giving rise to GT.

The series title, GT, was originally intended to stand for “Gran Turismo, ” but over time, it became the subject of ridicule. Many critics decried it for its failure to resonate, resulting in some fans derisively dubbing it “Goku Time” due to its heavy focus on the character of Goku, sidelining numerous other beloved characters. In a gesture of contrition, the Japanese audience even expressed their dissatisfaction by apologizing to Toriyama with the phrase, “Gomen, Toriyama-sensei, ” acknowledging the series’ perceived shortcomings.

Interestingly, this narrative aligns with Toriyama’s long-held sentiments about his manga career. He initially entered the world of manga not out of passion, but out of a need for financial sustenance. In fact, the initial development of Dragon Ball almost never occurred due to a missed deadline with Weekly Shonen Magazine—only a later invitation rekindled his project. His perspective on the burden of creativity and commerce was further articulated in a speech made years prior to his passing.

Goku in Dragon Ball looking surprised at the camera — Toei

While current perceptions of GT have softened somewhat, the series has yet to achieve a status of widespread acclaim. Even Akio Iyoku, a prominent executive producer within the franchise, acknowledged that GT has played a role in shaping the series’ latest iteration, DAIMA. The intent behind DAIMA is to resonate with the now-adult audience who once grew up alongside GT, indicating that, despite criticisms, there remain nostalgic ties to the series.

For those interested in exploring both GT and DAIMA, the entire Dragon Ball franchise, including its various adaptations, is readily accessible for streaming on Crunchyroll.

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