This feature has been in the works for a long time now, and I think it is finally time to unveil it for your viewing pleasure. This feature is a completely accurate list of the release dates for all of the Weekly Shounen Jump issues while DragonBall was in serialization. It contains background information about Weekly Jump, issue cover images, a bonus high-quality scan, and a surprising shocker to myself... Did you know that the final chapter of DragonBall was released in June 1995, and not May 1995? Anyway, I hope that this will be a valuable resource for everyone, especially since this information can't be found anywhere else.

So, I'm proud to announce the release of our newest site feature; "Weekly Jump Release Dates".

A new book containing one-shot manga by Akira Toriyama, entitled "Akira Toriyama Man-Kan Full-Seating 1" (鳥山明 満漢全席 1), was released today. It appears that this is the first volume of a new line of Toriyama's one-shot manga collection. This volume contains 10 one-shot manga titles on 336 pages, and will set you back about $6.20, or 680 yen.


At first glance, this appears to merely be a reprinting of one of Akira Toriyama's Manga Theater volumes. However, with closer inspection you'll see that some of the manga included has never been released outside of Weekly Jump. Here is a break-down of what's actually in the book:

#) One-shot Title - first appearance (tankoubon release)

1) Go!Go!Ackman - 11 one-shots from 1993 (Akira Toriyama's Manga Theater Vol. 3)
2) Dub & Peter 1 - 4 one-shots from 1992 (Akira Toriyama's Manga Theater Vol. 3)
3) Mister Ho - One-shot from 1986 (Akira Toriyama's Manga Theater Vol. 2)
4) Lady Red - 3 one-shots from 1987 (Not yet released outside of Weekly Jump)
5) Sonchoh - One-shot from 1987 (Akira Toriyama's Manga Theater Vol. 2)
6) Kennosuke-sama - One-shot from 1987 (Not yet released outside of Weekly Jump)
7) Mad Matic - One-shot from 1982 (Akira Toriyama's Manga Theater Vol. 1)
8) Pola & Roid - One-shot from 1981 (Akira Toriyama's Manga Theater Vol. 1)
9) Wonder Island 1 & 2 - 2 One-shots from 1978-1979 (Akira Toriyama's Manga Theater Vol. 1)
10) Dragon Boy Chp. 1 & 2 - 2 One-shots from 1983 (Akira Toriyama's Manga Theater Vol. 2)

I think I might have to pick this up; 336 pages for only 680 yen (~$6.20). That's like 2 yen a page, or less than 2 cents a page.

Links: Amazon Japan

The first two discs haven't even been released yet and Toei has already posted the final cover art for their next set of DragonBall Movies individual discs. Well take a look at that, the main villains of the movies are actually on the covers?! The two films, "Super Decisive Battle for Earth (DBZ Movie 03)" and "Super Saiya-jin Son Goku (DBZ Movie 04)", are set to be released on September 12, 2008. Don't forget that you can still order any of the previously released discs or any of these discs from Amazon Japan.


Toei has also created yet another site for the DragonBall Movies release, which I believe brings their total to three. The title suggests it is a campaign site for the releases, but it unfortunately doesn't give us any new information. However, it is very flash oriented... so pretty. Also, for those of you interested, the Jumpland DVD site has been updated with a screen saver for the frist two individual discs. If you want it, be sure to go grab it before they put up the new one!

Edit: Updated with higher quality images!

Links: Amazon Japan Pre-orders, DVD Guide, DragonBall: The Movies Website, Jumpland DVD Website

For our final day of Daizenshuu 4, we have the fourth issue of the Shenron Times. For anyone that is into art and drawing manga, this issue is for you. In "Akira Toriyama's What I'm Up To Nowadays", he discusses the various equipment he used to draw the DragonBall manga. It appears that a TV, tobacco, and an earpick are a necessity to become a successful mangaka. This issue also includes the "DragonBall Fans Roundtable", an interview with Toshihiro Suzuki (Bandai), Emi Tounosu (DB fan), and Hokoto Masumoto (DB fan). They discuss their love for the series and their favorite scenes and characters. However, near the end of the interview, they discuss the final chapter of the series, which helped inspire our newest feature.

For a long time now, fans have been divided over the ending of DragonBall. Some love it, some are simply disappointed, and others have their own idea of how they would have done it. So after all these years, I wanted to know if today's fans still feel let down, or if they have learned to enjoy the original ending? So check out "Feature #4 ~ Fans Thoughts" to find out what some of our good friends thought of the ending. As always, a huge thanks to everyone that participated!

Links: Daizenshuu 4: World Guide, Shenron Times #4, Feature #4 ~ Fan Thoughts

For our third day of Daizenshuu 4, we have the "Machines" and "Technology & Supernatural" sections, along with "Akira Toriyama's Best". First we have the "Machines" section, which provides classifications for all machines used in the DragonBall World, along with Akira Toriyama's comments on each machine. Though it doesn't quite fit, we're also given a special look at Mister Popo's Magic Carpet and Kinto-Un in the "Wonder Selection". Next is the "Technology & Supernatural" section, which details the different types of technology, including Bulma's Inventions, Dr. Brief's Inventions, Scientific Items, Weapons, Defensive Gear, Robots, Androids, and Supernatural Items. Finally we have "Akira Toriyama's Best", which includes some fun Q&A's with Akira Toriyama about different aspects of the series. Enjoy, and be sure to come back tomorrow, when we'll dive into the Shenron Times of Daizenshuu 4!

Links: Daizenshuu 4: World Guide, Machines, Technology & Supernatural, Akira Toriyama's Best

For our second day of Daizenshuu 4 translation, we have the "Field" section and the only two parts of the "Grapple" section of the daizenshuu. First we have the "Field" section, which is divided up into "Places Besides the Earth" and "The Earth". Each part details the places that characters have visited throughout the series, and is accompanied by a map drawn by Akira Toriyama himself. Next up, we have the "Classification of Attacks" which uses a classification tree to organize attacks into three major categories: ki manipulation techniques, physical martial arts techniques, and unique techniques. Last but not least, we have the "Competition" section, which details all of the Tenkaichi Budoukai that are showcased in the manga. Until tomorrow...

Links: Daizenshuu 4: World Guide, Field, Classification of Attacks, Competition