Recently, the main character of Dragon Ball, Goku, was mentioned in The Elusive Samurai anime. This historical show takes place during the late Kamakura and early Muromachi periods. Throughout the years, Goku, a well-known Shonen protagonist, has been referenced in various forms of media. However, this particular reference is one of the most obvious, as it even includes Goku using his iconic move, the Genkidama.
Since the death of author Akira Toriyama on March 1 of this year, there has been an outpouring of tributes to his series. One of the most obvious tributes can be seen in this CloverWorks production, but other series like Gintama and MAPPA’s Oblivion Battery have also taken similar approaches.
Please note: This article contains spoilers for the series.
The Elusive Samurai: Goku’s Cameo Appearance
Despite The Elusive Samurai series having a more serious tone compared to other anime that make references to Dragon Ball, it still manages to include one of the most well-known references in the medium’s history. This is due to a character performing the Genkidama, a famous attack from the franchise, and the resemblance to Goku is striking.
Akira Toriyama’s series, as authored by the famous author, has had an immense impact on the battle shonen genre. Toei Animation’s anime adaptation from the 80s and 90s can be credited with propelling the medium to global recognition, solidifying its position as a timeless classic.
Undoubtedly, Akira Toriyama’s passing has sparked numerous tributes and commemorations of the writer’s enduring impact, not only through Dragon Ball but also other works like Dr. Slump. While it can be argued that the nod to The Elusive Samurai is particularly blatant and comical compared to other instances, it certainly contributes to the everlasting legacy of the franchise.
Reactions to Online
The Dragon Ball reference was clearly noticed by many. One notable aspect that has been pointed out by numerous individuals is that the creators of this CloverWorks production did not try to conceal the character’s identity as Goku, instead showcasing his signature hairstyle.
Some individuals even pointed out that the Dragon Ball reference in this scene was not only obvious, but also shared similarities with Gintama, a popular comedy anime. The art style used by the studio in this reference makes it easy to see the connections between the two shows.
“I know it’s The Elusive Samurai, but this reminds me so much of Gin Tama,”someone said.
“goku if he was high on drugs instead of fighting evil or goofing around,”another person said.
“lore accurate goku,”someone else said.
This is not the only instance where a Dragon Ball reference of this kind has been featured. The studio MAPPA’s adaptation of the baseball anime Oblivion Battery also showcased Goku’s famed Super Saiyan scene against Frieza. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Gintama, renowned as the ultimate comedy anime, has also incorporated numerous nods to this popular franchise.
“I’ve been loving The Elusive Samurai, the db reference just further proved how goated it is!”someone said.
“They put my boy in this is why people want dragon Ball super anime to return,”another person said.
The Dragon Ball reference was both entertaining and well-received, providing additional publicity for The Elusive Samurai series.
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