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Features Images courtesy of Toei Animation
The Red Ribbon Army Returns! The producer of Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO offers an update on the much-anticipated feature project. By Charles Solomon
D
ragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO, directed by Tetsuro Kodama, ranks among the year’s most eagerly awaited features. Akira Toriyama’s landmark blend of male bonding, martial arts training, slapstick comedy and all-out slugfests is even more popular now than it was when the broadcast series debuted in 1986. Originally scheduled for an April release, Toei announced SUPER HERO has been delayed to June 11 due to a ransomware attack on the studio in March. Producer Norihiro Hayashida discussed making the film in a recent interview conducted via email. Like much of the film’s audience, he grew up on the TV adaptations of Toriyama’s beloved comedy-adventure manga. “I watched it every week without fail. I couldn’t wait for Wednesday, which was the day of the broadcast,” he recalls.
A True Calling “I never thought I would be involved in the creation of a Dragon Ball film — it still feels strange to work with Goku and his friends,” Hayashida continues. “I think the key to success in the entertainment industry lies in how much you love the work you are in charge of.” SUPER HERO, which takes place after the events
The 21st Feature: The evil Red Ribbon Army reforms to seek revenge in the much-anticipated new Dragon Ball movie.
in Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018), brings back the Red Ribbon Army, which Goku destroyed in episodes 29 through 45 of the Dragon Ball anime series. It’s been rebuilt, and two formidable foes have been added: Gamma 1 and Gamma 2. Previous Dragon Ball films focused on Goku and his frenemy Vegeta; SUPER HERO centers on Goku’s son Gohan and his sensei, Piccolo. “Gamma 1 and Gamma 2 are self-proclaimed superheroes with a kind of good-old look, but they are incredibly strong,” Hayashida explains. “The difference between the personalities of Gamma 1 and Gamma 2 is well expressed in the animated move-
ments and voice acting. How will Gohan and Piccolo fight them? That’s one major point of the story.” At the annual Jump Festa exposition in Tokyo in December, 2021, voice actor Mamoru Miyano, who plays Gamma 2, could barely contain his enthusiasm: “I’m in Dragon Ball! When I was in elementary school, I watched the video of the Red Ribbon Army arc every day when I went home. Piccolo is my favorite character — it’s like I was raised by him. Gamma 2 is full of Akira Toriyama’s view of the world.” The first Dragon Ball series were made cheaply, and hardcore fans remain devoted to the original 2D look. The new film is consider-
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june|july 22
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