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Akira Toriyama is considered a legend not only in Japan but also all over the world. Dragon Ball is one of the most popular franchises to exist, and from kids to adults, everyone has fantasized about having Goku’s powers. It wasn’t long before the franchise became a widespread phenomenon in the West.
Numerous mangakas and manga franchises have been inspired by Akira Toriyama’s talent as well asDragon Ball‘s plot. Listing these inspired series will create a huge list, as even major mangakas are in awe of the legend. However, there are two movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe that show elements inspired byDragon Ball.
Black Panther’s Killmonger is Similar to Dragon Ball’sVegeta
Back when Black Panther debuted in 2018, it had fans shouting “Wakanda Forever!” everywhere. Due to its huge popularity, it didn’t take long before fans could notice similarities betweenErik KillmongerandDragon Ball‘s Vegeta. Both the characters wear extremely similar outfits with a reinforced vest and tight blue clothing underneath it.
OMG!!!! i’m screaming!!!!!@michaelb4jordan#BlackPanther#ErikKillmonger#Tchallapic.twitter.com/LcDOOJOwMu
Both of their backgrounds are also extremely similar. Both were born as royals who were abandoned after their fathers’ deaths. Both of them go on a similar revenge spree as well.
“This looks insane”: Even Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra Has Better Graphics Than Black Panther’s T’Challa vs Killmonger Fight Scene
Michael B. Jordan, the actor behind Killmonger, himself commented on the similarity.During the promotion ofCreed II, the actor was asked if his Killmonger Garb was inspired by Vegeta, and his answer was:
Maybe, I’m not sure. Honestly, I really don’t know.
Jordan’s initial hesitation might come from the fact that he himself is an anime fan and might have noticed the similarity as well. However, he did not have a conversation regarding the topic with any of the film’s creators.
The Various Akira Toriyama’sDragon BallReferences inShang-Chi
Shang-Chi learns how to command the Ten Ringsin the movie. He charges up to create a massive attack . This charged attack resemblesDragon Ball‘s Kamehameha. In fact, Katy evencompares the blastto Goku’s Kamehameha in the movie, which strengthens the connection between the two franchises even more.
#ShangChiDRAGON BALL Z LIVE ACTION!!pic.twitter.com/h6x64OqMv8
While a chargeable attack is not exclusive toDragon Ball,the clear reference to the series makes it unmistakable. The scene isn’t coincidental and it was revealed during an interview with the filmmakers. Director Destin Daniel Crettonopened up about all the pop culture inspirationsinShang-Chiand one of them is Goku’s famous technique.
According to the director:
I grew up on Dragon Ball Z, and I used a clip of Goku-san doing the Kamehameha. I showed that [to Marvel] as one of the clips.
TheDragon Ballreference was a huge hit with fans as everyone realized that the world now consists of Goku-loving adults. In fact,even the orange and blue jacket of Shang-Chi is considered extremely similar to Goku’s garb. It is suggested that theShang-Chidirector threw in as manyDragon Ballreferences as possible in the movie.
“A gamechanger for the Asian community”: Before Shang-Chi and Everything Everywhere, Michelle Yeoh Was in a Movie That Revolutionized Asian Culture in Hollywood
Dragon Ballis available to read on Viz Media; the anime is currently streaming on Crunchyroll. BothBlack PantherandShang-Chiare available to stream on Disney+.
Aaheli Pradhan
Anime Content Writer
Articles Published :1558
Aaheli is an Anime Content Writer at FandomWire with 1300+ published articles. With five years of experience under her belt, she is a living, breathing encyclopedia for anime and manga. From Shonen and Shojo to the most niche anime, nothing escapes her radar. Her poisons of choice are Assassination Classroom, Gintama, Ouran High School Host Club and every Ghibli movie ever. She believes in living a slow life, surrounded by incomplete art projects and her beloved cats.
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Akira ToriyamaDragon BallErik KillmongerShang-Chi
