Dragon Ball Website Reveals Rare 1989 Summer Goku Illustration

The official Dragon Ball website has published a rare, full-color draft illustration of Goku from 1989 via its Toriyama Archives feature. Originally created for Weekly Shōnen Jump No. 36, the artwork depicts a beach-themed scene titled "Epic Jump Hero Battle! Watermelon Cutting Contest!" In the image, Goku is blindfolded by Bulma while Master Roshi, Yamcha, Gohan, and Puar watch excitedly. Krillin is shown buried in sand with half a watermelon on his head.

The publication highlights that these images originally featured two-color printing, making this full-color version a special opportunity for fans to see the characters in swimwear with slight tans. This release follows other recent archival drops, including winter gear illustrations and title pages from earlier issues. The archives continue to provide modern audiences with glimpses into Akira Toriyama's original drafts and unused concepts from the series' early years.