Dragon Ball is still in an internal crisis

Since its first publication in 1984, the "Dragon Ball" franchise has been one of the most profitable and popular names in the entertainment industry globally. With multiple anime adaptations, blockbuster movies, and hit video games, Akira Toriyama's creation continues to be an unstoppable force, generating huge revenues. However, the franchise has faced recent challenges due to the death of Akira Toriyama in March 2024, which has led to uncertainty around the future of the rights to the series and a series of internal disputes between the key players who manage the legacy of "Dragon Ball".

The impact of Toriyama's death and Akio Iyoku's departure

One of the main problems arose in May 2023, when Akio Iyoku, former director of the "Dragon Ball Room" in Shueisha, decided to become independent and found his own company, Capsule Corporation Tokyo, along with several subordinates. This company, whose name is inspired by a fictional organization within the "Dragon Ball" universe, was created with the aim of handling creative activities and managing intellectual property rights, a move that caused controversy within the industry.

Iyoku, who had worked closely with Toriyama since his appointment in 2016, was moved in 2022 to a new apartment in Shueisha, prompting his discontent. During his tenure, he was criticized for his condescending attitude towards animation studios and television networks, as well as not following proper procedures when approving projects, such as the film "SAND LAND" without the consent of his superiors. These conflicts, coupled with his reassignment, led Iyoku to break off his relationship with Shueisha and form his own company.

Disputes over the rights to "Dragon Ball"

With Iyoku's departure and Toriyama's death, the rights to "Dragon Ball" are in an uncertain situation. Shueisha, who manages the rights to the manga, Bandai Namco, responsible for the franchise's successful video games, and Iyoku, who acted as Toriyama's spokesman, have been embroiled in complex negotiations to determine the future of the "Dragon Ball" legacy. According to a report by Toyo Keizai, Iyoku's departure and lack of clear leadership have created tensions within the industry, with Shueisha even fearing losing the rights to the work due to the dissatisfaction Toriyama showed following Iyoku's reassignment in 2022.

Despite efforts to resolve the conflict, including a personal visit by Shueisha president Marue Horiuchi to Toriyama's residence in Aichi Prefecture, no agreement was reached, which has left the future of the franchise up in the air. Meetings between Shueisha and Iyoku's representatives, which initially included Toriyama's own participation, have continued after his passing, but the disputes have yet to be resolved.

The future of the franchise: unknowns and expectations

With the death of its creator and internal disputes over the rights, the future of "Dragon Ball" is at a crossroads. Bandai Namco, which has made huge profits from the franchise's video games, is seeking clarity on who will retain intellectual property rights, while industry executives are looking to Toriyama's family as a possible solution to define the way forward.

Despite these difficulties, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. The next anime in the series, titled "Dragon Ball Daima," is scheduled to premiere in October 2024 on Fuji TV's new nightly programming block. Anticipation for this new project remains high, although the backdrop of legal disputes and the absence of its creator could affect future creative direction.

In the meantime, the question remains in the air: who will take the reins of "Dragon Ball" and ensure that the legacy of this iconic franchise continues to thrive for years to come? What is clear is that, despite the conflicts, "Dragon Ball" remains one of the most valuable properties in global entertainment, and both fans and those involved in its production will be attentive to the decisions made in the coming months.

Source: Toyo Keizai