dragon ball, known for its long history, has remained one of the most successful franchises in the history of entertainment. From the Dragon Ball anime to its manga and various video games, the brand covers practically every aspect of the world of entertainment. However, according to a new report, the rights to the anime could be in limbo following a reorganization at Shueisha.
The news comes directly from Japan thanks to Bunshun Online, and fans were quick to analyze the report. It turns out that Akio Iyoku, a major figure in the Dragon Ball anime, has resigned from his position at Shueisha’s “Dragon Room.” For those unfamiliar, the Dragon Room was created a few years ago and functions as a think tank (ideas laboratory) for Dragon Ball. Iyoku was the head of the group, but has now left Shueisha to form his own company called Capsule Corporation Tokyo.
Iyoku reportedly wants Shueisha to continue holding the rights to the Dragon Ball manga, but argues that Capsule Corporation Tokyo should handle other media such as anime, video games, and more. As you can imagine, Shueisha is not very willing to part with the additional rights to Dragon Ball, since Goku’s popularity generates great income for the company. Bunshun Online claims that Shueisha is reluctant to give up any rights to Dragon Ball, and negotiations between the companies are ongoing. So far, the only thing Shueisha will confirm is Iyoku’s departure from the company, as far as we know up to that point.
If you’re wondering what Akira Toriyama thinks about the issue, the franchise creator has been cagey about it. He admitted that he can only comment on the situation through Shueisha, so the creator prefers to keep his opinions on the matter private. However, Toriyama claimed that Iyoku’s new company had nothing to do with him and that Iyoku chose the company name on his own. Since the name of the company comes from the franchise itself, it seems that Iyoku is determined to manage the affairs of Dragon Ball, but Shueisha would be willing to fight so as not to lose Goku without a fight.
Uncertainty surrounds the rights to the Dragon Ball anime amid these tensions between the parties involved. Fans will be on the lookout for future news regarding the fate of this iconic franchise.
Fountain: Bunshun Online
