Dragon Ballis one of the most popular and influential manga series ever created. With its intense battles and unforgettable characters, Akira Toriyama crafted something that changed the shōnen genre, inspiring numerous movies, spin-offs, video games, and merchandise. For many fans,Dragon Ballis synonymous with Toriyama himself.
Despite its widespread success and global impact,Dragon Ballisn’t the work that Toriyama personally preferred. While he has spoken fondly of the series, he had also revealed that it was one of his lesser-known works that brought him the most joy. Through a mischievous feline with supernatural powers, Toriyama created a gag manga that became his favorite.
Akira Toriyama’s Most Famous Work Wasn’t His Favorite
Dragon Ball Is Iconic, but It Wasn’t His Favorite
WhileDragon Ballremains Akira Toriyama’s most celebrated work, it wasn’t the series he enjoyed creating the most.In an interview on Kanzenshuu, the legendary mangaka shared which of his works is his personal favorite. Although he says he has the most memories withDragon Ball, it wasn’t the one he had the most fun working on.
“You probably aren’t familiar with the title, but my favorite out of all my work is probablyNeko Majin(“Cat Genie” or “Cat Demon”). But becauseDragon Ballis my longest work–it’s 42 volumes long–I have more memories ofDragon Ballthan of anything else.”
It might come as a surprise tofans who grew up onDragon Ball, but Toriyama’sNeko Majinstood as a refreshing contrast to the long-running series. Being short, self-contained, and full of absurd humor and creative spontaneity,it’s clear that Toriyama felt free of expectations, allowing him to capture the playful spirit that defined his earliest works.
Neko Majin Captures Toriyama’s Signature Style of Storytelling
Neko Majin Turns Into a Self-Parody of Dragon Ball
Neko Majinstarted as a one-shot gag manga, but it didn’t take long for Toriyama to start playfully referencing his most famous work. As the series progressed, familiar elements appeared, from energy blasts to martial arts tournaments and even Saiyan-like transformations. The shift was deliberate, turningNeko Majininto a loose, loving parody ofDragon Ball.
With familiar faces showing up and attacks named afterDragon Ball’smost iconic move, “Nekohameha,” Toriyama happily broke his own rules.Neko Majinwas used to poke fun at power scaling and fan expectations.It became a space where the creator could parody his legacy without ever diminishing it.
ThroughNeko Majin, Toriyama found a way to celebrate and mock his own creation at the same time. Its tone and chaotic humor reveal him at his very best, with humor reminiscent of his early work. Though it’s far less known thanDragon Ball, it stands as a personal and playful reflection of everything he’s built.
