See what the 1st drawn version of Goku from ‘Dragon Ball’ looked like

The creative journey behind pop culture icons is often marked by challenges and unexpected twists. An example of this is the famous character Goku, from the anime and manga series ‘Dragon Ball‘.

Surprisingly, the first conceptual drawing of the iconic hero was initially rejected, revealing a fascinating story about the creative process and the transformations an idea can go through before becoming a global phenomenon.

Goku character sketches

Goku is the protagonist of the manga and anime franchise ‘Dragon Ball’, created by Akira Toriyama. He is known for his optimistic nature, unwavering courage, and his constant quest for self-improvement and protection of the Earth.

He is a Saiyan warrior, endowed with extraordinary powers, including the ability to fly and launch powerful energy attacks, such as the famous Kamehameha.

Despite today being one of the most famous characters in the world, especially in the anime universe, his creation process was not so simple and required some adjustments.

Initially inspired by the legendary figure of the Monkey King, from the Chinese classic ‘Journey to the West’, creator Akira Toriyama conceived a Goku similar to this mythological character.

However, such an approach was promptly discarded for its excessive proximity to the original, marking the beginning of a significant transformation process.

First version of Goku – Image: Cine Geek Tech/Reproduction

Under the influence of Toriyama’s wife and the original editor, Kazuhiko Torishima, Goku’s second draft was restructured, aiming to establish a deeper connection between the protagonist and readers.

The change to a more human Goku and the adjustment to the female character, later known as Bulma, were attempts to achieve this emotional link.

Although science fiction elements were introduced, Goku’s signature energy was still not fully present, resulting in more challenges and rejection.

Second drawing of Goku – Image: Cine Geek Tech/Reproduction

However, on the third and final attempt, the real Goku emerged. Toriyama retained the tail as a distinguishing feature and refined Bulma’s personality, renamed Buruma.

The final design was shaped by the editor’s influence, achieving the charisma and identity that transformed Goku into a globally recognized icon, thus marking the triumph after a long development process.

Third and definitive drawing of Goku – Image: Cine Geek Tech/Reproduction