Four stories featured in the series –Pink,Young Master Ken'nosuke,Soldier of Savings Cashman, andGo! Go! Ackman – were adapted into shortanime films. The three volumes were re-released with the suffixKai (改, "updated" or "altered") added to the title as part of theShueisha Jump Remix imprint between June 2003 and 2004. TheManga Theater series has been released in several European countries, including France and Italy.Viz Media licensed the anthology for North American release as a single hardcover volume on December 7, 2021.[1][2]
The original Japanese title of the series translates to "Akira Toriyama's ____piece Theater", andAkira Toriyama wrote that readers can fill in the blank with whatever they want. In the second volume, the author revealed that while he has created a number of one-shots, he begs to get out of doing anything more than 15 pages, so their page-counts are lower than the standard amount and therefore it takes time to compile enough to fill a volume.[3]
After quitting his previous job, 23-year old Toriyama entered the manga industry by submitting a work to a contest held byWeekly Shōnen Jump magazine in order to win the prize money.[3] While it did not win,Kazuhiko Torishima, who would become his editor, contacted him and encouraged him to keep drawing. The result wasWonder Island (1978), which became Toriyama's first published work, although it came in last place.[3]Wonder Island 2 includes parodies ofDirty Harry andUltraman, in addition tokaiju and science fiction movies.[4] Although Toriyama had planned to quit manga after getting paid, becauseWonder Island 2 was also a "flop," he said his stubbornness would not let him and he continued to draw failed stories for a year; claiming around 500, including the publishedToday's Highlight Island. He said he learned a lot during this year and when Torishima told him to draw a female lead character, Toriyama hesitantly createdTomato the Cutesy Gumshoe (1979), which had some success. Feeling encouraged, he decided to draw another female lead and createdDr. Slump.[3]Dr. Slump would later feature many characters similar to the ones seen inToday's Highlight Island.[4]
Within roughly six months of creating the popularDr. Slump in 1980, Toriyama wanted to end the series but his publisherShueisha would only allow him to do so if he agreed to start another serial for them shortly after.[5][6] So he worked with Torishima on severalone-shots forWeekly Shōnen Jump and the monthlyFresh Jump, but none were particularly successful.[7] In 1981, Toriyama was one of ten artists selected to create a 45-page work forWeekly Shōnen Jump's Reader's Choice contest. Used to doing 13 to 15-page chapters, he struggled with the deadline and so drew it all with an "autograph pen." Nonetheless, his mangaPola & Roid took first place.[3] January 1982'sEscape was created in two days and designed to resemble American comics.[8] Toriyama was selected to participate in the Reader's Choice contest again in 1982 and submittedMad Matic. In addition to his assistant Hisuwashi, he also utilized amecha expert named Tanigami for the manga.[3] It was inspired by the Australian filmMad Max 2, which was released the previous year.[9] Toriyama said thatPink (1982) was created at a time when he was no longer afraid to draw girls, and wanted to experiment with the girlish side of the title character.[4]
Selected to participate inWeekly Shōnen Jump's Reader's Choice contest for a third time, Toriyama had the bad luck of drawing the first slot and had to work over New Year's on 1983'sChobit.[3] The title character was created based on the American television showI Dream of Jeannie.[4] Angry that it was unpopular, he decided to try again and createdChobit 2 with his assistant Matsuyama.[3] The sequel was influenced bySpaghetti Western films, which Toriyama enjoys.[4] Torishima suggested that, as Toriyama enjoyedkung fu films, he should create a kung fushōnen manga.[10] The artist was inspired byHong Kong martial arts films such asBruce Lee'sEnter the Dragon (1973) andJackie Chan'sDrunken Master (1978).[11][12][13] This led to the two-partDragon Boy, published in the August and October 1983 issues ofFresh Jump. It follows a boy, adept at martial arts, who escorts a princess on a journey back to her home country. Toriyama's wife was fond of China and he used materials she had as reference, in addition to having her help draw the backgrounds.[4]Dragon Boy was well-received and evolved to become the serialDragon Ball in 1984.[5][14] 1983'sThe Adventure of Tongpoo also features elements that would be included inDragon Ball, such as "capsules."[4]
BecauseDragon Ball has a Chinese feel, Toriyama gave 1987'sYoung Master Ken'nosuke (1987) a Japanesejidaigeki setting.[4] Toriyama said he createdThe Elder (1988) because he wanted to draw aSuzuki Jimny. Although he enjoys drawing old men, the author said that the car is the protagonist.[15] 1988'sLittle Mamejiro was initially planned to be a sequel toYoung Master Ken'nosuke, but ultimately turned into an original work.[16] Toriyama blendedjidaigeki and modern elements for the setting of 1989'sKaramaru and the Perfect Day, which was created for the commemorative 1,050th issue ofWeekly Shōnen Jump.[17]
The first installment,Akira Toriyama's Manga Theater Vol. 1, was published on July 8, 1983.[18] Re-released under the Shueisha Jump Remix imprint in June 2003.[19]
Wonder Island (ワンダー・アイランド,Wandā Airando)
After being stuck on Wonder Island for 35 years, former World War IIkamikaze pilot Furusu (古巣) enlists P-Man (ピーマン) to help him finally leave. Toriyama's debut work,[20] published inWeekly Shōnen Jump issue #52 of 1978.[21]
Wonder Island 2 (ワンダー・アイランド2,Wandā Airando Tsū)
Twounnamed policemen and their chief enlist the help of Detective Herring (ハリー・センボン,Harī Senbon), sending him to catch a criminal on Wonder Island. Published in the January 25, 1979 bonus issue ofWeekly Shōnen Jump.
Tomato the Cutesy Gumshoe (ギャル刑事トマト,Gyaru Keiji Tomato)
Police officer Slump is paired with the incompetent, 18-year-old rookie Tomato Akai (赤井十真都), who apprehends the criminalKenta Kuraaku. Published in the August 15, 1979 bonus issue ofWeekly Shōnen Jump.[22]
Pola & Roid
Pola hires space taxi driver Roid and the two end up fighting the evil emperor Gaganbo (ガガンボ). Published inWeekly Shōnen Jump issue #17 of 1981.[23] Toriyama's winning entry in the magazine's Reader's Choice Award.[20]
Mad Matic
An unnamed man and his flying dog meet Nivea (ニベア) and Muhi (ムヒ), the lone survivors of a village, and help them combat the Gungun Army (グングン軍). Published inWeekly Shōnen Jump issue #12 of 1982.[24] Toriyama's second entrance in the magazine's Reader's Choice Award.[9]
Chobit
The small alien Chobit (チョビット) lands on earth and aids Mugifumi Yamano (山野麦文), the young police officer of Tonton Village, with her supernatural powers. One-shot published inWeekly Shōnen Jump issue #10 of 1983.[25] Toriyama's third entrance in the magazine's Reader's Choice Award.
Chobit 2
Chobit and the Yamano family move to Tan Tan Town where she helps Mugifumi capture a wanted criminal. Published in the June 1983 issue ofFresh Jump.[26]
The second installment,Akira Toriyama's Manga Theater Vol. 2, was published on March 10, 1988.[27] Re-released under the Shueisha Jump Remix imprint in July 2003.[28]
Today's Highlight Island (本日のハイライ島,Honjitsu no Hairai-tō)
While eating lunch at school, Kanta (カン太) gets a toothache and is taken to see the island's doctor. Published in the April 20, 1979 special issue ofWeekly Shōnen Jump.[29]
Escape
On the planet Umekobucha in the year 2070, a young female is being pursued. Published in the January 1982 special issue ofWeekly Shōnen Jump.[8]
In a land plagued by a drought, a young girl named Pink makes a living as a bandit stealing water. Published in the December 1982 issue ofFresh Jump on October 23, 1982.[30]
Dragon Boy (騎竜少年,Doragon Bōi)
A young boy adept in martial arts named Tangtong (唐童) escorts a princess on a journey back to her home country. Two chapters published in the August and October 1983 issues ofFresh Jump.[31]
The Adventure of Tongpoo (トンプー大冒険,Tonpū Dai Bōken)
Tongpoo, a cyborg who emergency lands on an alien planet, and Plamo (プラモ,Puramo), a young girl who crashed on the same planet two years ago, attempt to steal a spaceship to get home. Published inWeekly Shōnen Jump issue #52 of 1983.[32]
Mr. Ho (Mr.ホー)
A former soldier agrees to help a young boy fight off the Chai (チャイ) gang. When the boy's sister is kidnapped by the gang, Mr. Ho heads to her rescue. Published inWeekly Shōnen Jump issue #49 of 1986.[33][34]
Young Master Ken'nosuke (剣之介さま,Kennosuke-sama)
After agreeing to go on a date, kindergartner Ken'nosuke has his friend Shinobimaru (忍丸) teach him what one is. Published inWeekly Shōnen Jump issue #38 of 1987.[35]
The Elder (そんちょう,Sonchoh)
Elder Tetsunoshin Kataiwa (硬岩鉄之進), who patrols Ponpon Village for anything amiss, pursues a fellow motorist after seeing him litter. Published inWeekly Shōnen Jump issue #5 of 1988.[36]
The third installment,Akira Toriyama's Manga Theater Vol. 3, was published on August 4, 1997.[37] Re-released under the Shueisha Jump Remix imprint in June 2004.[38]
Little Mamejiro (豆次郎くん,Mamejirō-kun)
Angered by his father, six-year-old Mamejiro Kintoki (金時豆次郎) decides to become a juvenile delinquent and asks his friend from the city to teach him how. Published inWeekly Shōnen Jump issue #38 of 1988.[39]
Karamaru and the Perfect Day (空丸くん日本晴れ,Karamaru-kun Nihonbare)
Young ninja Karamaru travels to town to sell mushrooms for his sick grandfather and meets a thief proclaiming to be a ninja. Published inWeekly Shōnen Jump issue #13 of 1989.[40]
Soldier of Savings Cashman (貯金戦士 CASHMAN,Chokin Senshi Kyasshuman)
After crash landing on earth, alien police officer Diora (ジオラ) impersonates a local police officer while secretly acting as the superhero Cashman (キャッシュマン), who saves people in exchange for money, with the goal of saving up enough to buy fuel for his spaceship. Three chapters published inV Jump on December 12, 1990, June 26, 1991 and November 27, 1991 when it was still only a special issue ofWeekly Shōnen Jump.[41] A remake, written byTakao Koyama, illustrated by Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, and supervised by Toriyama, was serialized inV Jump from June 1997 to December 1998.[41]
Dub & Peter 1
Dub and his technically advanced car Peter 1 (ピーター1,Pītā Wan) rescue a girl from thugs and race them. Four chapters (all but the second one created in full color) published in the November 22, 1992, December 30, 1992, February 21, 1993 and April 4, 1993 issues ofV Jump.[42][43]
A demon child named Ackman combats his angel nemesis while harvesting souls for the Great Demon King. Eleven chapters published inV Jump between July 1993 and October 1994.
Jonathon Greenall ofComic Book Resources wrote thatManga Theater proves there is far more to Akira Toriyama thanDragon Ball. "In fact, it displays how much range Toriyama has as he can create fascinating worlds and memorable characters within a few short pages." Greenall citedPink as a highlight of the collection and describedWonder Island 2 as a "reference-packed romp full of pop-culture parodies".[44]
Anime News Network had both Christopher Farris and Rebecca Silverman review the single volume English release ofAkira Toriyama's Manga Theater.[45] Giving it a 4.5 out of 5 rating, Farris wrote that while the different manga cover a "pretty wide net" as far as their content and appeal, most feature the comedic sensibilities that made Toriyama famous withDr. Slump. He enjoyed seeing how the author's comedy evolved alongside his art and his anecdotes on creating the stories. Farris noted how impressed he was to see how strong Toriyama's comedy chops "always were" and at the "balance" he had achieved by the time ofGo! Go! Ackman.[45] Silverman gave the collection a 3 out of 5 rating and speculated that how much a reader enjoys the book is likely to be determined by how much they enjoy Toriyama's signature "goofy science-fiction, potty humor," and unintelligent characters. She explained that while he does all of that quite well, the works span a large period of his career but do not show an impressive range in terms of storytelling variety. Silverman criticized the female characters as poorly written and suggested the book be read in moderation because the stories and gags start to feel repetitive after a while.[45]
In 2008, Shueisha released a two-volumebunkoban series of Toriyama's short works, entitledAkira Toriyama Mankanzenseki (鳥山明満漢全席, lit. "AnEmperor's Feast of Akira Toriyama"). This version includes the two-chapterAlien X Peke (1996), published after the end ofDragon Ball, as well as the full-colorseinen mangaLady Red (1987), which is read left-to-right. The second volume also includesThe Anime and Me (1989), a full-color autobiographical strip from the firstDragon Ball Z Anime Special magazine, as well as a new afterword by the author. The first volume was published on August 8, 2008,[46] and the second on September 18, 2008.[47]
In 2014, a release collecting Toriyama's collaborations withMasakazu Katsura was published. BothSachie-chan Good!! (2008) andJiya (2009–10) were written by Toriyama and illustrated by Katsura.Katsura & Akira Short Stories (桂正和×鳥山明 共作短編集 カツラアキラ,Katsura Masakazu × Toriyama Akira Tomosaku Tanpenshū KatsuraAkira) was published on April 4, 2014 and includes an interview with the two authors.[48][49]
Mankanzenseki Volume 1
Lady Red
Lady Red is a former office worker who quit her job to fight crime, however, she does not have any money or strength and is taken advantage of sexually. Published inSuper Jump issue #2 on April 10, 1987, when it was still only a special issue ofWeekly Shōnen Jump.
Go! Go! Ackman
Dub & Peter 1
The Elder
Young Master Ken'nosuke
Mr. Ho
Mad Matic
Pola & Roid
Wonder Island
Dragon Boy
Mankanzenseki Volume 2
Alien X Peke (宇宙人ペケ,Eirian Peke)
Alien Peke plans to take over Earth, but suffers an accident. Three months later, he is still trying to find his spaceship and starts working as a bodyguard for a human family. Two chapters published inWeekly Shōnen Jump issues #37/38 and 39 of 1996.[50][51]
Soldier of Savings Cashman
Karamaru and the Perfect Day
Little Mamejiro
The Adventure of Tongpoo
Chobit
Escape
Pink
Tomato the Cutesy Gumshoe
Today's Highlight Island
Katsura & Akira Short Stories
Sachie-chan Good!! (さちえちゃんグー!!,Sachie-chan Gū!!)
Sachie, a junior high student and descendant of a ninja clan, and martial artist Zarido (ザリド) are recruited by aliens to defeat galactic criminals terrorizing their planet. Published in the May 2008 issue ofJump SQ on April 4.[52] Published in English inViz Media's freeSJ Alpha Yearbook 2013, which was sent to annual subscribers ofWeekly Shonen Jump Alpha in December 2012.[53]
Jiya (JIYA -ジヤ-)
Galactic Patrolman Jiya challenges a vampire and his giant flea army that are terrorizing Earth. Three chapters published inWeekly Young Jump between December 10, 2009 and January 7, 2010 for the magazine's 30th anniversary.[54]
