Dragon Ball Returns to Goku’s Manga Origins With First Look at Exclusive New Release
Image by Charlotte DavisBandai is bringing back one of its most memorable Dragon Ball anniversary figures, unveiling an exclusive new version of young Goku riding the dragon from Akira Toriyama’s iconic first-volume manga cover.
The “S.H.Figuarts Son Goku & Dragon -DRAGON BALL STORE Exclusive Edition-” reworks the commemorative set originally released for the franchise’s 40th anniversary in 2025, introducing revised colors and a specially designed display base for the world’s first permanent Dragon Ball store.
Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1984, Dragon Ball follows the adventures of a young Son Goku, who encounters Bulma and sets off on a journey to collect seven mysterious Dragon Balls capable of granting a wish.
The series initially focused on comedy, martial arts, and adventure before developing into the action-packed battles that helped establish Dragon Ball as one of the world’s most influential manga and anime franchises.
Toriyama’s original artwork has remained central to Dragon Ball’s popularity, with illustrations from the manga frequently inspiring official figures, anniversary merchandise and other special releases.
The cover of its first collected volume depicts a cheerful young Goku riding a twisting green dragon, holding his Power Pole as the creature flies through the clouds.
Bandai first recreated the illustration through the “S.H.Figuarts Son Goku & Dragon -40th Anniversary Edition-“, a special release offered through a V Jump magazine application campaign to celebrate the manga’s 40th anniversary.
The original set combined a 7.5 cm articulated Goku figure with a sculpted dragon and cloud-shaped supports, recreating the scene as a three-dimensional display inspired by Toriyama’s artwork.
Goku also came with interchangeable expressions, hands, hair, and accessories, including his Power Pole, providing additional display possibilities outside the original cover scene.
For the newly revealed edition, Bandai has retained the earlier sculpt while making a series of adjustments to the coloring of both Goku and the dragon.
The changes include revised green tones across the dragon’s scales, along with adjustments to its whiskers, horns, and back, while Goku’s orange outfit and belt have also received updated colors.
The original 40th-anniversary display base has been replaced with a version featuring the DRAGON BALL STORE logo, linking it directly to the store where it will be exclusively sold.
Bandai has not yet confirmed whether the new edition will include all the interchangeable parts and accessories supplied with the 2025 version, with further details expected to be announced at a later date.
DRAGON BALL STORE TOKYO officially opened in November 2025 as the franchise’s first permanent merchandise store, forming part of the celebrations marking 40 years since Akira Toriyama’s manga began serialization.
Located inside Tokyo Station First Avenue, the shop offers a wide selection of exclusive products, including merchandise featuring specially commissioned artwork from throughout Dragon Ball’s history.
Visitors are greeted by a large Goku-and-dragon statue based on the same first-volume illustration, which serves as one of the store’s defining attractions and makes the new S.H.Figuarts release a particularly fitting addition to its exclusive merchandise lineup.
The location also features several other impressive statues of Goku in his various Super Saiyan transformations, alongside special displays and decorations inspired by the franchise.
The “S.H.Figuarts Son Goku & Dragon -DRAGON BALL STORE Exclusive Edition-” will be released exclusively through DRAGON BALL STORE TOKYO, located on the first floor of Tokyo Station First Avenue, approximately one minute from the Yaesu North Exit.
Bandai has not yet announced the figure’s price or release date, with additional information expected in the near future.
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