Dragon Ball Reveals 34-Year-Old Original Concept Art for Burter from the Ginyu Force

Unearthing the Past: Burter's Original Design

The Dragon Ball franchise continues to captivate fans with its rich history. Among the latest treasures unearthed is a fascinating 34-year-old concept sketch of Burter from the Ginyu Force, revealing Akira Toriyama’s original vision for the character. This discovery has been shared by the Akira Toriyama Archive, offering a glimpse into the creative process behind one of the series' most recognizable mercenaries.

The Original Concept

As detailed on the official Dragon Ball website, this archival sketch presents a version of Burter differing notably from what viewers encountered in the anime. Toriyama's initial design featured Burter with two antennas protruding from his head—an element that was later omitted in favor of his streamlined look. In addition, Burter's body armor initially included briefs similar to Nappa’s, rather than the long pants that were eventually adopted. These differences highlight the iterative nature of character design in manga and anime creation.

The Ginyu Force's Legacy

Introduced in Chapter 1 of the "Ginyu Saga" published on July 10, 1990, the Ginyu Force quickly became synonymous with their unique styles and flamboyant poses. As mercenaries under Frieza’s command, they bring both comic and dramatic moments to the series. Burter is particularly memorable for his speed-based attacks and cooperative moves with other team members. The saga also saw early teamwork between Goku and Vegeta, setting a precedent for their eventual partnership. You can read more about the Ginyu Force's impact here.

Toriyama's Influence

The Akira Toriyama Archive has previously shared other concept artworks, such as the original sketches of Frieza's "Hover Pod". These releases provide fans with an insightful exploration into Toriyama's creative journey, illustrating how pivotal concepts evolved over time. The Archive's dedication to preserving Toriyama’s legacy ensures that the nuances of his artistry continue to inspire new generations.

Continuing the Dragon Ball Saga

Despite Akira Toriyama's passing earlier this year, his successors are devoted to keeping the Dragon Ball series vibrant and active. While the Dragon Ball Super manga is currently paused, fans remain eager for its return with promises of new story arcs. Concurrently, Dragon Ball Daima provides a nostalgic journey through its storyline set post-"Buu Saga", filled with adventures in the Demon Realm. This series blends familiar elements with fresh twists, reinforcing Toriyama’s foundational narrative style. Find out more about Dragon Ball Daima here.

Both Dragon Ball Z and its preceding and succeeding series such as Dragon Ball Super are accessible in English through VIZ Media. Fans can also explore the latest series, Dragon Ball Daima, available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix, continuing the global appeal of this iconic franchise.

For continual updates and exclusive content from the world of Dragon Ball, keep checking the official Dragon Ball site.