Dragon Ball Creator On His Favorite Franchise TV Special

02/21/2017 04:26 pm EST

Over the years, the Dragon Ball franchise has become a force to be reckoned with. Housing everything from anime series to video games, Akira Toriyama unwittingly created one huge legacy when he brought Son Goku to life back in the 1980s. Today, Toriyama still remains involved with the franchise as he consults with Toei Animation over Dragon Ball Super. Since the creator has a say in the new anime, fans have flocked to the show given its canonical status, but there are some non-canon titles which Toriyama would recommend you watch.

UP NEXT: Dragon Ball Super: Could Goku Become a Villain?

Fans of Dragon Ball often come down decisively on their personal head-canons, and plenty of wars have been waged online about the merit of the franchise's specials. Both films and TV miniseries have been criticized as much as they have been praised. But, in a previous interview, Toriyama did admit he's rather fond of the first Dragon Ball special.

In the sixth volume of Daizenshuu, the creator was asked if he had a favorite Dragon Ball film or special. Here's what Toriyama had to say:

"I really like the story of Bardock, Goku's father. It's quite dramatic, and the kind of story "I absolutely wouldn't draw" if it were me," Toriyama admitted. "It was like watching a different kind of Dragon Ball in a good way, so I thought it was nice."

Sorry, Broly. It looks like a different Saiyan managed to snag Toriyama's heart!

If you are not familiar with Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of Goku, you should know the TV special aired back in October 1990. The special is focused on a Saiyan named Bardock who becomes Goku's father. As a lowly member of Freeza's army, Bardock complies with his orders until he learns Freeza has plans to destroy the Saiyan race. Unable to convince his brethren, Bardock faces off with Freeza alone, and their ensuing battle ends up destroying Planet Vegeta and all its inhabitants.

This month, Dragon Ball Super's story arc kicked off the 'Universal Survival' saga. You can check out the brief synopsis for it below:

"At Goku's request, the Omni-Kings' "Tournament of Power" martial arts tournament between universes now begins! …But this also proves to be the beginning of universal destruction. What awaits the victors of this tournament, and the vanquished…?! How will these intense team battles between the elites of each universe turn out…?!"

As for the saga's start date, the new arc premiered on February 5, 2017. The "Universal Survival" saga is part of the recent simulcast agreement that sites like Crunchyroll and Funimation have scored. Dragon Ball Super airs on Crunchyroll Saturdays at 7:15 p.m. CST. Toonami will begin airing the English dub on Adult Swim Saturdays at 11:30 p.m.

[HT] Kanzenshuu

Dragon Ball SuperSunday at on Fuji Television Network

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