In the wake of Akira Toriyama’s recent passing on March 1st, fans worldwide have been pouring out tributes to the legendary creator of the iconic Dragon Ball franchise. Joining in this homage, Toonami, the beloved Cartoon Network offshoot now housed under Adult Swim, is set to host its own commemorative event this week: a marathon featuring the first eight episodes of Dragon Ball Kai.
For those unfamiliar with Dragon Ball Kai, it’s essentially a revamped version of the original Dragon Ball Z series. Condensed into a tighter narrative spanning 167 episodes compared to the original’s 291, Kai offers a streamlined experience, complete with HD remastering and a fresh voice cast featuring many of the original actors. According to announcements on Toonami’s social channels, the marathon is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, March 16th, at 2 a.m. Eastern Time, running until 6 a.m.
For many fans like myself, who may have drifted away from the series over the past two decades, the news of Toriyama’s passing stirred up nostalgic sentiments. While contemplating a rewatch of the series, the prospect of delving into Dragon Ball Kai presents an enticing opportunity to revisit the beloved saga while minimizing the time investment. And perhaps, following this journey through Kai, diving into Dragon Ball Super—a series I’ve only glimpsed through memes and viral clips—might be the next step.
Beyond the realm of anime, Toriyama’s creative influence extended into the world of video games. His character designs left an indelible mark on classics such as Chrono Trigger and the Dragon Quest series, while also contributing to smaller projects like Blue Dragon. Despite his passing, Toriyama’s legacy lives on through posthumous projects like the upcoming Sand Land RPG and the Dragon Ball Daima anime.
As fans prepare to honor the legacy of one of anime’s most influential creators, Toonami’s Dragon Ball Kai marathon stands as a fitting tribute to the enduring impact of Akira Toriyama’s visionary storytelling.
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