With only two chapters under his belt, Toriyama already begins to use his weekly author comments to complain about how over worked he is, a trend that would continue throughout the series’ serialization. However, the real work has only just begun for Toriyama. Early on in 1985, his editor Kazuhiko Torishima informs him that Dragon Ball is not faring well in their popularity polls, concluding that his protagonist (Son Goku) is just too plain to appeal to readers. Wanting to change this, Toriyama recalls that tournament events in Dr. Slump had always been popular, and decides to transition the story into a more tournament-like format. To accomplish this transition he withdraws the other characters, with the exception of Goku, brings back the martial arts master Kame-Sen’nin, and adds Kuririn as a new rival character. Taking a trip to Bali in mid-1985, mere weeks after concluding the initial hunt for the Dragon Balls, Toriyama uses the local atmosphere and architecture as inspiration to design the Tenka’ichi Budōkai grounds. As he notes in his Daizenshuu 2 interview, with these changes the series became extremely popular before he knew it.
In 1985, Weekly Shōnen Jump holds an annual average of 4.5 million copies in circulation, putting it over the 4 million mark for the first time in the magazine’s history and surpassing the previous year’s average by nearly 15%. Throughout the year Dragon Ball is the featured illustration on five issues, although the cover illustration from issue #19 has unfortunately never been reprinted in either Daizenshuu 1 or the Chōgashū. The series is also featured on foldout posters in both issues #13 and #31, and is the featured poster in Weekly Jump’s 1985 “Autumn Special” magazine. With roughly 40 chapters already published, Shueisha also releases the series’ first collected tankōbon volume in September 1985, which features new cover art drawn by Toriyama.
Weekly Jump Issues
CoverFist of the North Star
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #01/02
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 01 January 1985
- Issue Date
- 04 December 1984
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
There are tons of movies I want to see, but my dear sweet editor spoils the story for me before they open… <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverMultiple Series
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #03
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 08 January 1985
- Issue Date
- 11 December 1984
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
Recently, I finally watched that masterpiece Future Boy Conan, and it really impressed me. I want to make something like that. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverFist of the North Star
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #04/05
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 15 January 1985
- Issue Date
- 21 December 1984
- Sale Date
- ¥190 (no tax)
- Retail
This issue contains the “1985 JUMP Fist of the North Star Original Calendar”, in addition to a special sticker set and a sheet of various series-themed games.
During New Year’s I’m much busier with motorbikes, plastic models, and parties than I am with work. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverAll Current Manga Artists
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #06
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 22 January 1985
- Issue Date
- 04 January 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥190 (no tax)
- Retail
Ugh, it’s so cold. I hate winter. Hopefully we’ll cruise through spring and get on into summer pretty soon here. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverDragon Ball
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #07
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 29 January 1985
- Issue Date
- 12 January 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
It’s a big mistake to think the author is a pervert just like the perverted stories he writes! Though everyone around me says it’s true!! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverCaptain Tsubasa
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #08
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 04 February 1985
- Issue Date
- 22 January 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
My buddies and I visited a hot spring, like the old farts that we are. But the water was way too hot, so we ended up like hardboiled eggs. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverBakudan
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #09
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 11 February 1985
- Issue Date
- 29 January 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
I’ve just now started writing New Year’s cards for all my acquaintances. Hopefully they’ll receive them before the year is out… <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverKimagure Orange Road
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #10
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 18 February 1985
- Issue Date
- 05 February 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
Lately I’ve gotten to be able to drink alcohol! But it makes my face red as a tomato!! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverKinnikuman
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #11
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 25 February 1985
- Issue Date
- 12 February 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
There aren’t that many good TV shows anymore… But thanks to that, I’m getting lots of work done! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverMister Lion
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #12
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 04 March 1985
- Issue Date
- 19 February 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
Every day I run around with my dog in the cold. I bet you’re cold too, Tao, but hang in there over in Tokyo. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverCity Hunter
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #13
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 11 March 1985
- Issue Date
- 26 February 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
To commemorate being the magazine’s 850th issue, it contains a large “Thank You Very Much” fold-out poster of Dragon Ball.
Lately I’ve been getting tons of fan letters asking me for stuff. How about telling me what you think of the comic every now and then?! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverMultiple Series
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #14
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 18 March 1985
- Issue Date
- 05 March 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
This issue contains the 1st set of the “Kinnikuman Memorial Fight Seal” sheets.
I’ll be 30 in just a month. I wanna say I’m still young, but it’s probably time I start watching my hairline. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverFist of the North Star
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #15
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 25 March 1985
- Issue Date
- 12 March 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
This issue contains the 2nd set of the “Kinnikuman Memorial Fight Seal” sheets.
There are tons of movies I want to see. Can I possibly see them all?! It really bugs me… <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverCaptain Tsubasa
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #16
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 01 April 1985
- Issue Date
- 19 March 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
This issue contains the 3rd set of the “Kinnikuman Memorial Fight Seal” sheets.
I can’t cook, but I still love watching cooking shows. I start drooling before I know it. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverGinga -Nagareboshi Gin-
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #17
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 08 April 1985
- Issue Date
- 26 March 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
This issue contains the 4th and final set of the “Kinnikuman Memorial Fight Seal” sheets.
Spring is finally here! I love spring! I’m ecstatic… but for some reason I’m still stuck at my desk! I wanna go ride my motorbike. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverCity Hunter
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #18
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 15 April 1985
- Issue Date
- 02 April 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
It’s spring! I should be zooming around town on my motorbike… Yeah, this sucks… <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverDragon Ball
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #19
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 22 April 1985
- Issue Date
- 09 April 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
I’m too stingy to pay the barber, so I had my wife cut my hair, and now it looks awful! The weather’s great, but I can’t go outside like this! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverKinnikuman
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #20
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 29 April 1985
- Issue Date
- 16 April 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
My room was so messy, it took me three whole days to clean it! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverFist of the North Star
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #21
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 06 May 1985
- Issue Date
- 23 April 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
Right now I’m having fun taking my motorbike apart and repainting it. I’m in love with this craftsmanship! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverSakigake!! Otokojuku
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #22
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 13 May 1985
- Issue Date
- 27 April 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
The final volume of Dr. Slump comes out on May 10th. By all means, take this opportunity to collect the whole series!! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverWING-MAN
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #23
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 20 May 1985
- Issue Date
- 04 May 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
Whenever I have spare time, I go down to the motorbike mod shop. It’s so fascinating watching them work! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverThe Flying Classroom
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #24
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 27 May 1985
- Issue Date
- 14 May 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
I finally get a break for the first time in who knows how long, but instead of relaxing I’m busy running all over the place. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverSHAPE UP RAN
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #25
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 03 June 1985
- Issue Date
- 21 May 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
When my parents go on a trip, it’s my job to water their 500 Bonsai plants. Pathetic. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverCaptain Tsubasa
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #26
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 10 June 1985
- Issue Date
- 28 May 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
Whenever I draw Kame-Sen’nin, people tell me I’m just like him: a big pervert. How rude!! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverHigh School! Kimengumi
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #27
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 17 June 1985
- Issue Date
- 04 June 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
One of my readers sent me some panties. I’ve happily hung them up on my wall. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverFist of the North Star
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #28
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 24 June 1985
- Issue Date
- 11 June 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
Next week I’m going to Bali. I bet it’ll feel great to zoom along the beach on my motorbike. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverKinnikuman
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #29
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 01 July 1985
- Issue Date
- 18 June 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
I’m so old, I can’t even pull all-nighters anymore. I wake up and find drool all over my manuscript… <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverDragon Ball
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #30
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 08 July 1985
- Issue Date
- 25 June 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
The quail chick I bought from the shop stand is growing up nicely. When he gets big I’ll eat him. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverFist of the North Star
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #31
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 15 July 1985
- Issue Date
- 02 July 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
I ought to know better, but whenever the weather’s nice I’ll go outside. I get more work done in the rainy season. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverBLACK KNIGHT BAT
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #32
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 22 July 1985
- Issue Date
- 09 July 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥180 (no tax)
- Retail
The movie Witness, my trip to Bali, the lifestyle of simple people — for some reason, all this moves me to tears. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverSakigake!! Otokojuku
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #33
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 29 July 1985
- Issue Date
- 16 July 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
My house is by the river. From now on, whenever there’s a typhoon I have to worry about flooding! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverKimagure Orange Road
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #34
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 05 August 1985
- Issue Date
- 23 July 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
The area around my house is infested with pit vipers, so if I’m careless it could cost me my life. Just the other day I barely got away from one. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverCaptain Tsubasa
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #35
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 12 August 1985
- Issue Date
- 30 July 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
I’m naturally afraid of lightning! Whenever I hear it, I instinctively take off my glasses and can’t go on working. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverCity Hunter
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #36
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 19 August 1985
- Issue Date
- 06 August 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
My phone’s been outfitted with a fax machine, for sending copies of my manuscripts. Now I won’t be able to slack off anymore! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverFist of the North Star
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #37
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 26 August 1985
- Issue Date
- 13 August 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥180 (no tax)
- Retail
Summer in Nagoya is hot!! Going to the pool and eating yakisoba and shaved ice is sheer bliss! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverKochiKame
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #38
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 02 September 1985
- Issue Date
- 20 August 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
Katsura-kun came over to visit and brought some peanuts with him. You can really tell which of us is the bigger bumpkin, can’t you? <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverWolf KISS
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #39
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 09 September 1985
- Issue Date
- 27 August 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
I want to get a cat, but my assistant hates them. So unless I’m OK with him not showing up for work anymore, I guess I’m out of luck!! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverShōri!!
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #40
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 16 September 1985
- Issue Date
- 03 September 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
I’m finally buying a Famicom, to help me understand the way children think. That’s the excuse, anyway. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverRoad Runner
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #41
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 23 September 1985
- Issue Date
- 10 September 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
For my first break in a while, I took a road trip to Nagano. Autumn on the highlands felt great!! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverDragon Ball
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #42
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 30 September 1985
- Issue Date
- 17 September 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
I got a letter from Wayan-kun, a friend I made in Bali. That was really fun!! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverCaptain Tsubasa
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #43
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 07 October 1985
- Issue Date
- 24 September 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
I only bought that Famicom on a whim, but now I’m totally addicted and my fingers hurt. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverKinnikuman
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #44
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 14 October 1985
- Issue Date
- 01 October 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
People keep asking me who’ll win the tournament, and what will happen after that, but it’s really all I can do just to think up the story for next week. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverDragon Ball
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #45
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 21 October 1985
- Issue Date
- 08 October 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
For my first break in a while, I took my family on a road-trip to a hot spring in Shinano. The open-air bath felt really good! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverFist of the North Star
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #46
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 28 October 1985
- Issue Date
- 15 October 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
Even when I just go someplace nearby, I still take the car or my motorbike. I’d better work out my legs more. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverCaptain Tsubasa
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #47
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 04 November 1985
- Issue Date
- 22 October 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
I finally went to Disneyland! Even my editor came with me and raised some hell! It was a good experience! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverCity Hunter
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #48
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 11 November 1985
- Issue Date
- 29 October 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
It’s thrilling to goof off while my editor has his back turned, but also exhausting… <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverGinga -Nagareboshi Gin-
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #49
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 18 November 1985
- Issue Date
- 05 November 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
They didn’t find anything wrong in my physical exam this year, but they told me to cut down on cigarettes! Ack!! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverKinnikuman
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #50
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 25 November 1985
- Issue Date
- 12 November 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
Now that it’s gotten cold, I sit at the kotatsu while I work. It’s nice and warm, but I keep falling asleep. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverLove & Fire
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #51
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 02 December 1985
- Issue Date
- 19 November 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
I got to be one of the judges for the Akatsuka Award. Seeing these young people’s work has really inspired me. <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page
CoverChōkidōin Vander
Weekly Shōnen Jump 1985 #52
Softcover | JIS B5 (18.2 × 25.7 cm)
- 09/16 December 1985
- Issue Date
- 26 November 1985
- Sale Date
- ¥170 (no tax)
- Retail
I’m thinking up the plot developments for after the tournament. It should be interesting, so look forward to it!! <Akira>
Chapter (No. / Title)Page