Dragon Ball has released an old full-color cover illustration drawn by Akira Toriyama. The artwork features both an adult Goku and the menacing threat of the Androids, drawn in an unmistakable '90s style.
The official Dragon Ball website recently revealed the Weekly Shonen Jump 1992 Issue 3/4 Double Issue page, featuring a colored version of Androids 16, 17 and 18, with a stern Goku in the background in far more muted tones. First released over 30 years ago on Dec. 18, 1992, the image forms part of the Toriyama Archives, a regular column where old and often rare Dragon Ball art is unearthed for 24 hours only. Readers can check out the image below.
The page comes with the official description: "Celebrating seven years of publication, this full-color opening page features the androids, who showed off unbelievable superior strength in their fights against Vegeta and Trunks! The juxtaposition with Goku in monochrome in the background makes for a dramatic composition."
Dragon Ball's Android 16, 17, and 18 Are an Integral (and Continuing) Part of the Story
The Toriyama Archives connects the past and present, with many long-time Dragon Ball fans able to recall the threat of the Androids when they were first introduced. CBR's 20 Dragon Ball Villains Ranked From Weakest To Most Powerful see the trio and Dr. Gero's other creations fare decently. While Android 16 passed away, 17 and 18 eventually became some of the Z Fighters' closest friends and allies, with 18 even marrying Krillin. Other recent Toriyama Archives picks include a nearly color illustration of Goku and the series' first named shapeshifter and a Dragon Ball Shonen Jump calendar, both aged around 40 years old.
VIZ licenses Dragon Ball in North America, describing the series: "Meet a naive young monkey-tailed boy named Goku, whose quiet life changes when he meets Bulma, a girl who is on a quest to collect seven "Dragon Balls." If she gathers them all, an incredibly powerful dragon will appear and grant her one wish. But the precious orbs are scattered all over the world, and Bulma needs Goku's help (and his super-strength)! With a magic staff for a weapon and a flying cloud for a ride, Goku sets out on the adventure of a lifetime..."
Source: Dragon Ball official website
