Fresh Toriyama sketches steal the spotlight
More than two years after Akira Toriyama’s passing, fans are getting another little gift: previously unseen drawings of the main character from Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams. The pieces were put on display at the Dragon Quest the DIVE event, giving attendees a rare chance to see Toriyama’s original linework up close.
Close-ups reveal details we hadn’t seen before
A fan on X shared photos of the exhibit that quickly made the rounds. Unlike earlier teaser images that only showed the character in profile, these sketches show the hero from the front, with clear details of his outfit, shield and sword. There’s even a crouching, over-the-shoulder view that adds personality to the design.
Why some fans doubted the design — and how that was settled
Toriyama’s style is so iconic that even a rough sketch is unmistakable, but initial reactions to the hero’s reveal included skepticism and nitpicking. Some doubted whether the master had actually drawn the character. Square Enix eventually confirmed Toriyama’s involvement, and these newly shared originals seem to put those doubts to rest.
Dragon Quest XII’s long development and a fresh name
The game’s path to release has been a bit rocky: years in development, a near-complete reboot, and a rebranding to Beyond Dreams. The team restarted work during the series’ 40th anniversary, and the title is expected to arrive for the Nintendo Switch 2, keeping Toriyama’s character designs and a soundtrack from Sugiyama.
Is this a final bow from a legend?
For many fans, every scrap of Toriyama art now feels especially precious — like a little farewell note in ink. Whether you see these sketches as a peek behind the curtain or a last tribute, they’ve certainly stoked excitement for the game. Want to see more rare Toriyama sketches before Beyond Dreams launches? You’re not the only one.
