Toriyama’s Forgotten F1 Collaboration
When the Akira Toriyama Archive posted a long‑lost sketch this week, the anime world got a nostalgic jolt. The drawing captures Goku, Bulma, Krillin and Gohan in vivid orange McLaren race suits, a nod to the 1990 partnership between Weekly Shonen Jump and the McLaren F1 team. Rather than a bland promotional flyer, Toriyama turned the concept into a lively tableau, complete with a champagne bottle ready to pop.
What the Draft Reveals
Unlike the original magazine cover, which hid parts of the scene behind other graphics, the newly shared draft displays every detail. Fans can now admire the crisp line work, the gleaming McLaren livery, and the characters’ expressive poses. The image was originally printed in the double issue No. 21/22 of Weekly Shonen Jump on April 24, 1990.
Other Motors‑Inspired Moments
1990 wasn’t the only year Toriyama mixed racing with Dragon Ball. A full‑color pull‑out poster in Issue 26 featured Gohan behind the wheel while Goku gave a thumbs‑up, and Bulma appeared as the resident engineer. Earlier, a 1988 cover of Dragon Ball Vol. 15 showed Krillin and Goku cruising in a Bugatti‑style car, proving the creator’s love for high‑speed motifs.
Why This Matters Now
The timing feels poignant. Akira Toriyama’s passing in March 2024 left a void, with Toyotarou steering the ongoing manga. After the Super Hero prequel one‑shot in February 2025, the series entered an indefinite hiatus, yet Toei Animation keeps the anime spirit alive by re‑releasing the “God of Destruction” arc as a remastered mini‑series.
These fleeting archive drops, available for just 24 hours, remind us how much treasure lies hidden in Dragon Ball’s history. For English‑speaking fans, VIZ Media still offers the classic series, ensuring the legacy endures.
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