Masaki Sato: Artstyle Breakdown

Masaki Sato has garnered a massive fanbase over the decades for his role in shaping some of the biggest moments in Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. His spectacular character art has also attracted a lot of praise from many fans, including myself in the past but today let's take a closer look at the design elements behind it!
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[@youngdefiant8585]

This was the artstyle that made everything feel important

[@blackatem1174]

It's emotion conveyed with faces...none of the other art styles seem as intense facially

[@MrB-bg7qe]

I think the late DB and early Z artwork may just be Sato's best work. His later work is awesome too, but his work from the King Piccolo, Piccolo Jr., Saiyan Arcs, and Movies 1, 2, and 3 is super special. You can tell he really dug his pencil in deep on his drawning pad to create those extra thick black outlines/borders. His work look like panels ripped straight out of the manga!!! The gap between his animation studio/team vs. the other teams was at it's widest margin back then. Watching their episodes was a treat. I can't stop myself from constantly pausing and screenshoting those terrific frames.

[@santiagomoralesgarcia1802]

It is the best in those arc because his drawing was more expresive in those arcs, and it wasn't much real as feezer and cell arc. The funny part, akira toriyama's best drawing was in those arcs (king piccolo, 23th martial art tournament and saiya saga)

[@jyk011609]

💯

[@NappyVibes]

this is def my fav art style for dragon ball

[@santiagomoralesgarcia1802]

mine too

[@mechajay3358]

Sato's work in Dragon Ball and Early parts of Z were amazing. It was like seeing Toriyama's artwork come to life whenever he worked on a episode. His work on the first Z movies was the best Dragon Ball has ever looked at the time. Not to mention how detailed his line art can be.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Yeah it's a pity he didn't supervise those movies entirely instead of just being an assistant supervisor :(

[@jasonone8726]

Yeah, like the part in the original series, when Goku arrives to fight King Piccolo, those scenes were completely identical to the manga.

[@Xeno574]

I prefer Yamamuro's artstyle more(in Z atleast) but this artstyle was something I always managed to identify.

[@wormHD]

Even though overtime he started using less pentstrokes I like that he still uses it often because it makes things look grittier

[@ItsGiddo]

Sato's always had my favourite cuts from the original DB and early DBZ Again tho, great video!

[@joelnoel]

When you think of old school DragonBall. This should literally be the first on your mind

[@mekbudaanimations8887]

Man I love this man's artwork feels very defined but not too rigid. Without knowing I followed his use of facial structure in my own art work. Great video!

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thank you!!

[@IJC144]

Favorite DBZ Animator, Even when I binged watch The OG series I've seen his style and I knew it was him, after that the whole series went Upwards with grittyness (it was always good but that moment raised it) He can Replicate Toriyamas style so Good to the point he amazed other animators in the studio with Goku vs Piccolo Dimao Love this video bro definitely a Banger!!

[@mika9383]

Analyze Minoru Maeda's artstyle and artwork in general next!

[@cond.oriano9146]

This is my favorite dragon ball style he really inspired my style.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Same man, I think I developed a love for rough and gritty artwork thanks to him haha. His work has had a big impact on my style :)

[@Kandoken]

Sato is the reason I picked up the pencil. I love your breakdown videos, as it reminds me of when I was a kid, spending hours and hours studying the frames of his work. Surprisingly enough he followed me back on Twitter, truly One of the greatest artists ever. Keep up the awesome work!!

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thank you! Sato had a big influence on my style as well. And that's incredible getting a follow from the man himself.

[@nocontent3644]

I would like to see him back for an episode or 2 on the next db anime or if the movie is 2D have him supervise a section

[@derekstepan3888]

Dude, I never comment on KZbin and I have been following you since the beginning. Your videos are just the best!! I have been waiting for a huge Masaki Sato breakdown as he is my favourite animator and inspired me in my own animation career! Thank you! Your videos are the best out there!

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Wow that mean a lot man thank you! And also cheers for having stuck around for so long :)

[@derekstepan3888]

@@forgottenrelics1197 it's awesome to see how much your channel has grown. Definitely deserve the success.

[@gregorygrice5795]

To be honest, I think Sato and Masunaga are the right artists for Dragon Ball. They have a great balance between all sorts of themes.

[@ms.antithesis]

Oooh I love late og dragonball

[@Rationalific]

Man, I love the early DBZ art (and late DB art) so much more than the later DBZ styles. I like round eyes but straighter faces. Later art has straight eyes but rounder faces.

[@Waqas_Khan02]

He is very iconic in the Dragon Ball and in the early parts of Z whenever I though of Saiyan Saga or Freeza Saga his arts always came in my mind The best thing is that Sato captures Toriyama's arts so good to the point it feels like that manga has came to life. Such as his art of Super Saiyan Goku on Namek

[@akil5695]

Masaki Sato's old art and new makes yamamuro's new art look like a joke

[@belimbingpanas8724]

MASAKI SATO LETS GOOO

[@specialnewb9821]

When you break it down it does feel like a distinctive look especially the early Z.

[@Shambles456]

his art style is just so comforting/funny/adventurous

[@DankMayogetsnogirls]

Line width is probably my favorite aspect in Sato's art

[@Da4th4000]

I really love Sato's contribution to the series especially from the later part of Dragon Ball to the Frieza saga of DBZ. He's definitely one of the best draftsmen out of all the Dragon Ball animators! Some of the most iconic moments were done by him such as the scene when Goku first transformed to a Super Saiyan. He turn a very well drawn panel from the manga to a masterpiece.

[@shadow479]

Wow...so many great memories from these frames. This artist did some of the most memorable acts and most well done DBZ movies

[@jackko21]

Lets hope he returns to the series in the future just imagine what it could be like especially after seeing his modern artwork and how much more detailed its become looks awesome

[@ItsOver9000Productions]

Early DBZ personified right here.

[@Oatmeal_Games]

Newest vid so this is what ill comment on: Honestly super cool, the DBZ space on YT is huge, But man what a cool niche you have carved out here, expressing your views, opinions, and expertise on DBZ illustrations and movements within the Anime format is awesome. We can yell, talk, or marginalize DBZ VS WHATEVER all day long, But you are cracking the code on serious early innovations, Many would say DBZ is dated, Sure... But its the Steve Vai, The Randy Rhoads, The Van Halen, And gave birth to countless others who could finally go "Even further beyond" :) Like Naotoshi did and revolutionized it's self and others. Just tons of WOW. What a time to be alive.

[@darkboxartsandmedia]

Eyy! One of my favorite artist from Dragon Ball aside from Yuya Takahashi is finally here. Love his art and the intensity he brings to them.

[@ZARAHAnimation]

Absolutely love his art style! Great video as always man.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thanks bro!

[@ZARAHAnimation]

@@forgottenrelics1197 Anytime!

[@bopperart9470]

YASSSSSSSSS

[@PenaKULatta]

The form was sick

[@alexisnunez2877]

He is literally the reason I started drawing his style is so buttery smooth, the other artists are amazing too but he is my favorite😢

[@JustAsh001]

I love your channel man very interesting!

[@Solebinku]

I love this breakdown I’m definitely gonna use it in the future

[@MaximilianBieberGaming]

It would be great if we could see him again on an official production again.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

I was hoping he might pop up in the new film but that's doubtful now haha

[@MaximilianBieberGaming]

@@forgottenrelics1197 True. Let the CGI coping continue ^^'

[@lh889]

I would describe his art as simple and detailed at the same time

[@lh889]

He’s also quite accurate to the manga

[@jasonone8726]

@LH Except when Goku first went SSJ.

[@lh889]

Yeah I agree, I think he was the most accurate in the piccolo daimao arc ?to early Saipan arc ?

[@roughlysktch4542]

You should do street fighter design work like akiman

[@kingsarverjr502]

Just beautiful. I love Maeda and Sato's artwork.

[@creembo4437]

Thanks for making this great content

[@dusancurcic8250]

Loved the video 🙌

[@JohnSmithsu2006]

Sato and Maeda are my favorite artists for dragon ball

[@Gaming_Hub_UK]

Let's goo. The man and legend himself

[@JunJP02]

I like Sato's early directions. It was that style that defined DBZ for me.

[@nigelgonzalez6088]

Little late but your videos are great can't wait till your next video 🙂

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thanks :)

[@santiagomoralesgarcia1802]

Satou's late DB and early DBZ is the best in the franchise but I don't know why so many people don't use his style to draw DB characters?

[@metalizim2010]

I'm here

[@SSSolar]

nice

[@ferretace]

The least they could do was hire him again as an episode supervisor. Dragonball needs his corrections and attention to detail again.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

He was going to work on DBS Broly but had conflicting schedules so he had to decline.

[@ferretace]

@@forgottenrelics1197 Yeah I know, but he and Katsuyoshi's absents can be felt even after Cell arc IMO. They give the series that movie feel that hasn't been replicated in today's climate. I think they would have been able to do something great even with Yamamuro's stiff designs if they played a bigger part in the series..

[@fredricorosenfield9976]

It's him. The man that drew Recoome Vs Vegeta. Oh yeah!

[@akil5695]

Masaki sato A legend on the franchise indeed

[@ilikeit2331]

Man, I love your work, with animation breakdowns and proper given respect towards DB/DBZ/DBGT/DBS. Will be covering more anime animators from other Anime soon?

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Mannn I would love to talk about some of favourites like Yoshimichi Kameda, Chengxi Huang, Hiroyuki Imaishi and many more but covering anything outside of Dragon Ball always does poorly.

[@ilikeit2331]

@@forgottenrelics1197 I understand, I wish people would appreciate all of your videos the same way they appreciate your DBZ ones. You deserve more views, likes and subs for your channel, you're doing professional level content.💪👍

[@zeophantom-x7717]

More ppl gotta sub fr.

[@aagamer43]

Imagine sato with shintani sheets

[@hankosanko]

no that would be shit. shintani sux

[@lordraiden7397]

@@hankosanko no he doesnt.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

It almost happened although unfortunately due to conflicting schedules he couldn't participate in the movie :( Although he has mentioned that he worked with Shintani at one point and was really impressed with his work!

[@ahadsheik3481]

That's was my question

[@tylerh3378]

I love how this style had gravity. Great analysis.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thanks man :)

[@AlphaProto]

Yeah, I got all the artist mixed up. I still don't know them by name. I know that I really like the way this guy drew the characters.

[@alsimmonshellspawn6021]

Masaki sato is underrated he animated some of best fight scenes his goku ssj transformation remains legendary, too bad super don't use those directors anymore

[@TheCburg10]

When can we expect an video about the promotional art shown for the new movie : Super Hero

[@Matt-cn7kp]

Hey bro… can you talk about the 3D dragon ball trailer and the history on cg dragon ball.plz

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Honestly there isn't much to say that hasn't already been said, I'll probably wait until more info is out. Animeajay also did a good breakdown on it so I recommend checking that out if you haven't :)

[@aagamer43]

@ForgottenRelics Will you ever do a review on 3D dragon ball including the new dbs movie?

[@moro-og-739]

Sato’s Piccolo from the Cell Saga looks amazing He looks so muscular and demonic like he should look

[@gra9]

His modern art style reminds me of Yuskue Murata

[@jasonone8726]

Just wondering, has Toei asked Sato to come back, or has he just said no? I'll find it hard to believe that they haven't tried to bring him back. He was one of the top guys on the franchise, if not the best, he hasn't been on DB, since I think 1993, which was the first Broly film.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

He had a small cut within GT's opening but yeah movie 8 was his last major contribution. Although he was asked to work on DBS Broly but he unfortunately had to turn it down due to conflicting schedules :(

[@DennisTamayo]

His designs remind me of Craig McCracken's design on Dexter's Lab.

[@tyrannotherium7873]

The earlier days of Dragon Ball an early easy they looked a lot skinnier even piccolo looked Scary like

[@peacegaming9428]

can u please make yukio ebisawa art style, ireally like his art and masaki sato, pls make one

[@bladerbeast3396]

Hi

[@maxmatthews3443]

How do you feel about the new Dragonball movie going CGI or using CGI?

[@forgottenrelics1197]

I'm sure it will look great but I'm certainly not that excited about this approach 😅

[@Just-A-Bit]

Hey

[@lunarluxe9832]

That fact about his shading is exactly why I don't like Super's current art style

[@ThisHandleSystemCanGetNicked]

Did Sato not make it past the android arc or something?

[@johnaustin2836]

Yeah i think he left there

[@GeteMachine]

Definitely like Sato's characters in the later Saiyan and Namek arc, because of the distinct and easy to see facial features his angles give the characters. You can see where the forehead is, the cheek, the chin, etc and his noses are more consistent from the front and side profile. Especially in the Tree of Might examples. Something that always annoyed me with modern dragonball, is the characters not looking like they have much volume to them. Not much weight to their anatomy. Even an issue I had with the Super Broly movie. The characters looking a bit flat and bubbly in their features.

[@driederprinz]

I started the vid where is kim??

[@forgottenrelics1197]

On vacation, he should be back soon👀

[@hankosanko]

he was great. he had the best art, animation and chirography in db and dbz. imagine he stayed til the end of dbz. if he came back, he would be disappointed. especially now with majority of inconsistant episodes and that dbs broly movie, and cgi bit too. and this new movie teaser is disgrace to the db universe, why come up with this shit

[@forgottenrelics1197]

While his art was always quality his animated movement had a robotic feel and wasn't anything that out there, Hisashi Eguchi and Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru were far better in that area. And I don't believe he is disappointed at all, in regards to Shintani and DBS Broly he said quote "Shintani-kun helped me with my work once, and his talent caught my eye. I gracefully resign, as a relic from the past, and look forward to the future growth of him and the other young talents. I would like to watch DBS: Broly myself".

[@jasonone8726]

Why would he be disappointed in Broly? A lot of people, including many of the animators praised the look of that movie. Also, you've been barely seen anything of the new movie, wait for the damn official trailer, you haven't seen shit 😂

[@neonranger1192]

The destruction of dbz art style started from dbs

[@MrAlwaystekken]

The best in the old style db 😍 we want Sato ! No 💩ani 🤢

[@86Fallowcp]

I wish i liked it more, but the way he drew the chins just always turned me off. His piccolo drawings specifically in early dbz

[@supersubatomicsonicgenerat4688]

Honestly The only time i like his art style was in the first Broly movie

[@wesley5729]

That’s a unique opinion

[@wesley5729]

@Minh Le yes, probably due to his corrections. Maybe that’s the point though lol

[@wesley5729]

@Minh Le ah that’s interesting to hear

[@senormarston]

DBZ art style is so awesome and after watching DBS flat and awful overall art style and quality

[@riqopowpow]

Tfw no korean greeting

[@forgottenrelics1197]

죄송 해요

[@urbanyouths]

Easily the best animator on the show. I hate modern Dragon Ball with a passion, but his modern take I saw on social media was great, because he kept the brutish warrior aesthetic of the show, he didn't turn it into something weak looking or One Piece looking like what Super does. No wonder he's not working on nu-Dragon Ball.