Dragon Ball Z Side-Stories

To supplement the Dragon Ball manga and TV series, there have been a wide variety of products and special features produced in Japan. Some of these items are of the typical (and quite expected) variety: movies, manga adaptations, commercials, and more. There are three very special (and genuinely “rare”) supplemental stories that expand upon the original story, however, that even Japanese fans have not readily had access to. These “side” stories take three characters (Piccolo, Vegeta, and Trunks) and go deep into their very minds and actions to create stories that Akira Toriyama never would have gone into such depth with. The Weekly Shōnen Jump Special Edition: Dragon Ball Z Anime Special contained an original story about Piccolo (“Ma Junior”, if you will) written by Takao Koyama (series composition and screenplay for the anime), while the illustrations were done by Minoru Maeda (chief animator, animation director, and character designer for the anime). The Dragon Ball Z Anime Special II showcased a story about Vegeta, once again done by the team of Takao Koyama and Minoru Maeda. The third story, however, appeared in a different place, and was completed by a slightly different team. Appearing in the “Film Anime Comics” adaptation of the first DBZ TV special, The Lonely Future Warrior!! Trunks was written this time by Aya Matsui (scenario supervisor for the anime), but was once again illustrated by Minoru Maeda. (Source: Kanzenshuu)