Dragon Ball Releases "Dashing and Playful" Self-Portrait of Akira Toriyama

Dragon Ball has released a self-styled portrait of legend Akira Toriyama, with the manga creator's "dashing and playful" side on clear display for fans.

The official Dragon Ball site recently released a new edition of the Toriyama Archives, a daily column where "from manga to character design to interviews, we showcase one rare, hard-to-find image every other day! Each image can only be seen for 24 hours after its release, so be sure to stop by whenever you can!" The March 27 edition features Toriyama in his typical self-depiction, Robotoriyama. The avatar, dressed in Goku's orange gi and holding a pen saying "2013," can be seen below.

Akira Toriyama's Robotoriyama Self-Portrait Was Released for Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods

Simply titled, "Akira Toriyama Self-portrait," the official description reads, "Released in 2013. This self-portrait was posted on the official website for the Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods movie along with comments from Akira Toriyama himself. Dressed to match Goku and wielding the favored weapon of the manga artist, the pen, this self-portrait manages to be dashing and playful at the same time."

Toriyama's playful side was highlighted by those who knew him well following his passing. One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda said in VIZ's March 24 Mangaka Musings, "Right now he’s got a halo on his head and he’s saying 'Sure is tough to be a mangaka' while building models without a care in the world. I salute you." He previously delved into his relationship with Toriyama in his official statement following his death, recounting the day he was first called by name, being called a friend alongside Naruto's Masashi Kishimoto and his last conversation with the creator. "With respect and gratitude for the creative world he has left behind. I pray for his soulful rest in peace. May heaven be the joyous world he envisioned," Oda concluded.

The Toriyama Archives have previously resurfaced Vegeta concept art and rare illustrations of Mr. Satan from Dragon Ball GT. A recent coloring page also reintroduced the long-lost name of Bulma's mother, with the page first created nearly 37 years ago on Sep. 15, 1987.