#Senbei Norimaki

[painted-soldier]

[duhragonball]

Dragon Ball Super 069 (nice)

This is Super’s Driver’s Ed episode, basically.

All right, I still haven’t read/watched Dr. Slump, so a lot of these callbacks are lost on me.  Fortunately, there aren’t that many characters to keep track of in this episode.   Dr. Senbei Norimaki, aka “Dr. Slump” is heading to West City to participate in an award ceremony for inventors.  Arale and the Gatchans are excited to go along, but he tells her to stay put and mind the house while he’s gone.  Big mistake.

Bulma’s family is also attending the award ceremony, although we never find out just what her invention was that got her nominated.  It can’t be the time machine, since Beerus destroyed it last episode, so it’s kind of badass that Bulma knocked out at least one other game-changing invention off-screen while the last three or four sagas were going on.

Mr. Satan is the emcee for this thing, and he got Goku a job on the security detail.  He had to wear a suit and fix his hair, but neither of these things last very long, so Goku just gives up and leaves his post.

Senbei is surprised when he wins, almost like he only went to this thing for the free food, but he proudly shows off his prize-winning invention, Reality Machine #2.  It can walk and talk, by the way.  Basically, you direct your thoughts to the machine and it creates your fondest desire, something you’re so passionate about that you’d die for it.

You know, like girlie mags!

Or figurines of yourself!  I feel like the characters in this show lack imagination.

Then Dr. Mashirito, apparently Senbei’s arch-rival, shows up to object to his receiving the award.  Senbei consults the Dr. Slump comics and confirms that Mashirito died years ago.  And he’s right.  Mashirito has returned as a ghost.  In the dub, he even says he broke out of the “Home For Infinite Losers” to protest this ceremony, and how wild is it that we get an HFIL mention in 2016?

But before he came to West City, Dr. Mashirito paid a visit to Penguin Village, where he fed Arale and the Gatchans a secret elixir called “Playtime X”, which makes them even more hyperactive than usual.  His plan is to use Senbei’s own android daughter to wreck the whole place and ruin his big day.  Mr. Satan tries to defuse the situation and gets his ass kicked, so he asks Vegeta to intervene. 

Meanwhile, Goku’s sleeping out on the grounds like a dog.  Goku, you’re the laziest man on Mars.

The Vegeta/Arale fight leads outside, and for a moment it seems like Goku and Arale recognize each other, but they don’t.  Vegeta continues to fight, but Arale beats him like a drum.  Vegeta concludes that this is because she’s a character from an 80′s gag manga, which means her powers aren’t constrained by the laws of physics. What, like Vegeta’s powers are based on reality or something?  I mean, sure, compared to Dr. Slump, Dragon Ball might as well be a documentary, but still.

The best he manages to do is to kick off Arale’s entire head, which horrifies the boys, but Arale’s a robot, so it doesn’t matter.

Anyway, Vegeta gets wrecked because of course he does.  This isn’t even the worst humiliation he’s experienced while fighting a female android. 

Goku and Arale finally remember each other, and Goku’s basically like “fuck it, let’s just fight.” He goes Super Saiyan Blue and they shoot energy blast at each other.

I guess the Gatchans just sort of wore themselves out?  I completely forgot they were in this thing, but I guess it doesn’t matter.

Senbei manages to buy some time by using Reality Machine #2 to make some poop, which Trunks tosses onto the battlefield to distract Arale.  This won’t keep her busy for long, but it’s a start.

This gives Bulma a chance to execute her own plan.  She had tried contacting Whis to get help from Beerus, but Beerus is taking a nap, and Whis refuses to wake him.  So Bulma speaks with the live television audience and tells them to focus their thoughts on Reality Machine #2.  Wait, why is this being covered live?  And how many people are watching a show like this, anyway?  Well, I guess Mr. Satan’s in it, so that might explain its popularity. 

Anway, Bulma has everyone imagine their most favorite food, and the Reality Machine combines all those thoughts to produce a single, supremely delicious treat.  It looks like the coffee-flavored jawbreaker from the Buu Saga.  Has Vegito returned?

Whatever it is, the aroma is so enticing that Beerus smells it from over a kajillion light years away.  He wakes up and makes Whis take him to Earth immediately, and picks up the treat.   Dr. Mashirito is annoyed to see this newcomer, and starts confronting him...

... so Beerus destroys him.  Apparently even ghosts can be destroyed, so I assume this is the last we ever see of this character, dead or alive.

Then Arale annoys him while he’s savoring his treat, and he prepares to destroy her too, until...

... I don’t know for sure, but it seems like Beerus suddenly got diarrhea.  He forgets his divine wrath and demands that Whis take him back home immediately. 

No one is sure what just happened, but Trunks suspects that Beerus got sick from eating food that came out of a device that previously had poop in it.  Sure.

Anyway, Playtime X wears off just in time for Senbei to return home, so the crisis is over. 

Meanwhile, Vegeta sulks from the branch of a tree. 

This was easily the best episode of Dragon Ball Super until the part where Goku fought Kefla, so I’ve been looking forward to it since I started this thing.  This whole series has sort of been screwing around, so it’s about time they started screwing around seriously instead of the half-assed stuff they’d been doing before. 

[video320]

Draw All of Dragonball!!

More from over a year ago.

134 - Arale Norimaki, the Most powerful character in the universe. 100% Wholesome

135 - Senbei Norimaki, The main guy. Conceited but a good dude. I think.

136 - Tarou Soramame, Seems like the resident cool guy, i dunno

[pinkumiilku]

The Birth Of Arale, Dr. Slump, by Akira Toriyama.

February 4th, 1980.

[drilanime]

[bunnziebobcat]

Fan Art Friday - Dr. Slump

EN: This week's #FanArtFriday features Arale and Senbei Norimaki, from one of Akira Toriyama's best-loved series, Dr. Slump. Happy heavenly birthday to the creator behind Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z and the character designer behind Apple Pop, who would've been sixty-nine, today.

JP: 今週の #FanArtFriday は、鳥山明の最も人気のあるシリーズの 1 つである Dr.スランプに登場するアラレと則巻千兵衛を特集します。 今日は、『ドラゴンボール』と『ドラゴンボール Z』の���者、そして『アップル ポップ』のキャラクター デザイナー、今日は 69 歳になるはずでお誕生日おめでとうございます。

[celticcatgirl2]

“That’s the story isn’t it…the kids get an iPad an iPhone and me? Well iPaid….”

[mutenromu]

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A post shared by Follet Tortuga (@follet_tortuga_)

[hozonkai1]

[painted-soldier]

[amyminori]

No joke, these are some of my fave snacks, just can't eat too many or I'll spoil my lunch also it's pretty carb-y. #snacks #japanesesnacks #norimaki #ricecrackers #senbei #tasty #yummyyummyinmytummy #foodies #snackies https://www.instagram.com/p/CosmF1GyOUu/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[video320]

Draw All of Dragonball!!

After these there are about 7 More Dr. Slump ones…

146 - Sourman 2 - In his civies.

147 - Senbei 2 - also in his civies

148 - Turbo Norimaki - Some psychic Super baby. love the name though.

149 - Midori Norimaki - Senbei's wife. I wonder if she's a real character or is she like Bulma's mom.

[deusvervewrites]

Dragon Ball is possibly one of the most narratively convenient settings, as no matter what weird idea you have there's multiple ways to justify it in-universe.

Weird stuff on Earth? Dragon Balls (in fact we're straight-up told that the world government was established by some guy wishing himself king, and Pilaf tried it multiple times), or a literal wizard did it, or one of the mad scientists did it (we have Doctor Brief, Bulma, Gero, Frappe, Vomi, Gedo, Senbei Norimaki, Turbo Norimaki, Mashrit, Mashrit jr., Tsuruten, and Tokunoshin Omori... That we know of).

Weird guy on Earth? Maybe he's an alien, or they learned magic, or maybe King Piccolo spat out a mutant with some specialized skill.

Weird stuff or guys on other planets? There's at least two other sets of Dragon Balls around (three counting the Black Star set), aliens capable of using magic, and the creator god had all his teachers killed early in his instruction and may have screwed up.

We do not talk about the Black Star Dragon Balls.

Anyway yeah one of the reasons I prefer earlier Dragon Ball over Z is the fact that weird shit happens and nobody bats an eye. Puar is a cat who talks and went to Shapeshifting Kindergarten with Oolong. That's just a thing.

[drilanime]

[cooledtured]

Beyond Dragon Ball - Exploring Akira Toriyama's Legacy

Akira Toriyama was a widely famous and talented creator known for his dynamic artwork, inventive storytelling, and iconic character designs within anime. His contributions have left a lasting mark on the industry, shaping the landscape for generations of artists and fans alike.

Dragon Ball, created by Toriyama, is a well recognizable and adored manga and anime series. It follows Goku and the others as they travel through numerous worlds, fighting great challengers and collecting their Dragon Balls. Dragon Ball Z’s combination of action, humor, and unique characters has captured fans worldwide, leaving an enduring influence on popular culture, no matter your age.

While Dragon Ball remains Toriyama’s most well-known work, his contributions extend beyond just this legendary series. Exploring his lesser-known works, such as Dr. Slump, provides an insight into Toriyama’s diverse talents and his broader contributions to design and art overall.

On April 5, 1955, Akira Toriyama was born in Nagoya, Japan’s Aichi Prefecture. He developed a strong interest in manga and drawing from an early age and studied advertising and design at a technical school after high school, topics that would later inspire his artistic approach.

When Toriyama started sending manga to several magazines in the early 1970s, his professional career truly began. His breakthrough was the Shueisha Tezuka Award he received in 1978 for his one-shot manga, “Wonder Island.” This resulted in his first series, “Dr. Slump,” which started appearing in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1980 and became very well-known very fast. His captivating narratives and endearing character designs have set standards for upcoming artists. Dragon Ball transformed the shonen genre by making themes like character development, power increases, and fierce battles more widely accepted.

Dr. Slump

Akira Toriyama produced the absurd sci-fi comic “Dr. Slump,” which follows Dr. Senbei Norimaki, a quirky inventor, and his robot creation, Arale, through an imaginary Penguin Village. The themes of “Dr. Slump” center on friendship and the absurdities of ordinary life. The characters are colorful and unusual, ranging from the super-strong Arale to the strange Penguin Village residents. The manga’s settings and charming characters address themes of acceptance and the quest for happiness, making it one to be enjoyed by all.

“Dr. Slump” laid the groundwork for many elements that would also later appear in Toriyama’s Dragon Ball. It introduced his blend of humor and action, as well as his knack for creating memorable characters. Additionally, certain characters from “Dr. Slump,” such as Arale, have made cameo appearances in Dragon Ball, furthering the connection between the series.

Jaco the Galactic Patrolman

Jaco the Galactic Patrolman” was a manga series written and illustrated by Toriyama. It was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2013 and serves as a prequel to Dragon Ball, both located in the same universe. The story follows Jaco, an alien member of the Galactic Patrol, as he arrives on Earth to avoid a tragedy. Although “Jaco” is an independent series, it has many connections with the Dragon Ball universe. Particularly, the character of Jaco appears in Dragon Ball Super and interacts with characters from the main series. Additionally, the events of “Jaco” serve as the foundation for certain plot points in Dragon Ball, offering backstory and context for fans of the franchise. While not as well-known as Toriyama’s other works, it is nonetheless a popular addition to his bibliography, providing fans with extra insight into the DBZ universe’s lore.

Sand Land

Akira Toriyama produced “Sand Land” as a one-shot manga, published in 2000. Set in a post-apocalyptic future where water is scarce, the story follows Sheriff Rao and his young sidekick, Beelzebub, as they set out to find a new supply of water and preserve their drought-stricken location.

Themes of environmentalism and cooperation are heavy in “Sand Land.” Toriyama investigates the consequences of environmental degradation and the significance of conserving natural resources. The manga additionally explores themes of redemption as the protagonists face ethical dilemmas and personal struggles along the way. Toriyama’s “Sand Land” is similar to his earlier works because of its emphasis on adventure and companionship, but it stands out for its distinct setting and tone. Unlike the cheerful humor of Dragon Ball or Dr. Slump, “Sand Land” has a more serious and philosophical tone, demonstrating Toriyama’s versatility as a writer.

Video Games

Toriyama has worked frequently with game developers, bringing his creative talents to a wide range of projects. His work on the Dragon Quest series is especially valuable, providing character designs and artwork for multiple episodes. His impact on game design and storytelling is noteworthy, with his bright character designs and creative world-building influencing the visual identity of many games. Toriyama’s involvement frequently increases the appeal of games, drawing fans with his distinct art style and intriguing storytelling.

Notable video game endeavors include the Dragon Quest series, where Toriyama’s character designs have become associated with the franchise. He has also contributed to titles like Chrono Trigger, Blue Dragon, and Tobal №1, creating a lasting impression on the gaming industry.

Exploring beyond Dragon Ball is essential to fully appreciate Toriyama’s contributions to manga and anime. His lesser-known works offer insights into his range as an artist and enrich our understanding of his profound influence on the medium.

His innovative storytelling and iconic character designs continue to influence aspiring manga artists, shaping the next generation of creators.

The legacy of Dragon Ball and his lesser-known works persists, continuing to captivate audiences and leaving an enduring impact on the entertainment industry. His work remains relevant and continues to be adapted into various forms, including anime, video games, and merchandise, showcasing its enduring appeal.

Even though Akira Toriyama has recently passed, his creative genius and iconic contributions to manga and anime will continue to resonate deeply with those who grew up with his works. His legacy will be fondly remembered by his fans, evoking cherished memories of childhood and inspiring future generations of storytellers.