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Dragonball Evolutionremains the biggest single stain on the legacy of Akira Toriyamas iconic series.
The root ofEvolutions problems lay inbehind-the-scenes creative struggles.
The film went off the rails largely due to a lack of creative control from Japan.
That decision leftDragonball Evolutionentirely in Hollywoods hands.
Once marketing costs were factored in, the movie likely didnt even break even.
Toriyamas own reaction at the time of release spoke volumes.
He didnt hold back when talking aboutDragonball Evolution.
While hed given some advice during production, it was pretty clear Hollywood didnt really listen.
According toV-Jumpmagazine, he issued a handwritten note to the team: Bring back true Dragon Ball!
The production committee took that to heart, triplingEvolutions marketing budget and commissioning Toriyama to revise 17 character designs.
Even the theme song topped charts for over a month, provingDragon Ballcould still dominate when done right.
He personally oversaw key creative elementsinsisting on child-sized versions of the characters and providing direct input throughout production.
Custom image by Ana Nieves
Now, with its original creator gone,the future ofDragon Ballstands at a crossroads.
AlthoughDaimahas concluded its run, the brand itself remains strong.
Would any of this have happened if Toriyama had walked away after the live-action debacle?
In the strangest twist of fate,Dragonball Evolutionmay have kicked off the real evolution ofDragon Ball.
Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan.
It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide.
These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together.
