I was very surprised by the news of Akira Toriyama's passing; with all its highs and lows, it's undeniable Dragon Ball (And Dragon Ball Z in particular) has heavily influenced several artists from all around the world: Series like Naruto, Hunter x Hunter and One Piece wouldn't have existed without Dragon Ball.
"Kosuke and Rikimaru" is medium-length animation, notorious for being the only work of Toriyama as director, featuring a history very similar in tone to the early arcs from the first Dragon Ball series: Not only the main character has plenty in common with Goku, the overall tone feels has the same light-hearted playfulness of Dragon Ball on its veginning, with a group of villains heavily reminiscent of the Red Ribbon Army.
In many ways, this feels like Dragon Ball would have been if Goku was a samurai and had a little brother.
Without being anything extraordinary, the story is rather entertaining and has some neat background and mechanical designs. I also appreciate the ecological undertones from the plot.
Despite the obvious similarities with Dragon Ball, I think this would have been another nice series by Toriyama.
May he rest in peace.
"Kosuke and Rikimaru" is medium-length animation, notorious for being the only work of Toriyama as director, featuring a history very similar in tone to the early arcs from the first Dragon Ball series: Not only the main character has plenty in common with Goku, the overall tone feels has the same light-hearted playfulness of Dragon Ball on its veginning, with a group of villains heavily reminiscent of the Red Ribbon Army.
In many ways, this feels like Dragon Ball would have been if Goku was a samurai and had a little brother.
Without being anything extraordinary, the story is rather entertaining and has some neat background and mechanical designs. I also appreciate the ecological undertones from the plot.
Despite the obvious similarities with Dragon Ball, I think this would have been another nice series by Toriyama.
May he rest in peace.
