Masaki Sato: Dragon Ball Z's Legendary Animator

Today we look at Masaki Sato! The legend behind the Super Saiyan transformation and many more classic Dragon Ball moments . As well as leaving his mark in other popular series such as Slam Dunk, Initial D and Fist of the North Star. Join me today as we go over the work of an absolute legend of the series!
►Instagram: / d.bz_arts
►Twitter:// zadoxz
►Credits: Music by Shunsuke Kikuchi
►Reference material: www.kanzenshuu.com/animation-...

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Small correction his first input into the franchise was actually in episode 89 which aired in 1987 not movie 3 as that released later in 1988 :)

[@moahammad1mohammad]

first

[@maxfordgaming9278]

I always loved the gritty art style in dragon ball brought more intensity when things got serious.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Same man hope it returns some day!

[@realamericannegro977]

Looks like it's working it's way back to that based off that current Broly movie.

[@ignorantmisanthrope]

Goku in Masaki sato style is the most badass look to give a saiyan. The eyebrows, the body everything

[@Linkinsaiga]

Masaki Sato's designs have always been my favorite look in Dragon Ball Z and I am so happy that Shintani's style is slowly looking like Sato's especially on the promo art he did with all of Goku's forms.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Yep have to agree with you there!

[@songoku4lac168]

Oh god Takahashi fans begone

[@songoku4lac168]

The art in dbz is good but the way it moves is stiff as fuck that's why the broly movie looks good not stiff art and animation

[@emotionalguidanc3205]

Can I get a link to that promo art?

[@alsimmonshellspawn6021]

Shintani style look nothing like sato

[@addeemmanuel8665]

What I love most here is that he replicates Toryiyama's style beautifully

[@Arteaga4K]

His work from the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai arc up until the end of the Freeza arc is some of my favorite work in the show.

[@mechajay3358]

This is the type of video I never see Dragon Ball Animation KZbinrs try to do so awesome work on this. Sato is one of the few who managed to perfectly capture the style of Toriyama's early work in the manga. I hope you'll do more like this.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thanks man if I do I reckon it will be on Yamamuro focusing on his better work :)

[@akil5695]

Masaki sato is incredible

[@MartinCampos]

So happy you did this video man! I remember being a kid and already noticing the extra quality of Masaki Sato's work. It was frustrating 'cause no one around me seemed to be aware of it. So I'm always happy to find more people who appreciates it :)

[@SSJFutureGohan62093]

I think he might be the best animator of the entire series. Those thick lines get me every time.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Same man the quality of his line work looks so good.

[@AfroZander5360]

The shintani style is very flexible so we might see this gritty look again hopefully

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Yep I wouldn't suprised considering his work takes a lot of inspiration from the manga!

[@Bloodgaze]

It is so easy to miss old Z. Just a few shots of certain scenes really bring back the power it had then. I still watch now, but we will never get something like the Ginyu force fight. Sure there are oodles of great fights in all of DB, but just think. We had a villain who was sort of working with our good guys fighting a team of other villains while the main villain was villaining. Children getting their necks broken, dire situations, tenuous alliances at best, the entire Namek saga was a gold mine if you really watch it through. But that one fight had so much, and I honestly cant compare it to anything Super gave us. Beerus was broken, Frieza was less than the original by at least 5 minutes, Black was two on three but was just a mess, and the tournaments were all tournaments. They all kind of ended up being mostly single fights or with two on two fights now and then. No real risk the namek saga brought. And that is just me thinking of the Ginyu force fight. The fight that didnt even include their boss, Ginyu, now his boss, Frieza. We had something great from what was essentially the trio de danger, but in super they were just three fights in a ring. While in Z, well, things only got better from there (unless you were namekian. things almost certainly always got worse if you were namekian).

[@HH-cs5uo]

the way he adapted the penstroke shading was sooooo god

[@superexclusive452]

Literally brought the manga to life cause he goes the extra mile

[@foxyspriter-meninoakaisenp8374]

Masaki Sato: *_"The man behind the slaughter."_*

[@LowellLucasJr.]

it's funny how I have used his art as reference and never knew his name! Thank you for putting the spotlight on this fantastic animator!

[@forgottenrelics1197]

No problem!

[@fuckyoutubehandles1]

I always liked Toriyama and by extension Masaki Sato's transition to more realistic style. Both the goofy rounded and serious angular artstyles fit the tone that series is going for at a given time. Same with Eichiro Oda and One Piece.

[@Neo-Midgar]

Sato was one of Z's best, along with Keisuke Matsunaga & old-school Yamamuro. He was particularly great at drawing Piccolo. His work on World's Strongest, 112 & 142 is IMO the best the character ever looked. He drew the best noses in all of DragonBall.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Yeah his character art for me is still the best in the entire series both modern and old-school

[@AlphaProto]

I love the gritty line work. Its return in Super Brawly was a sight to behold. When it started to phase out in the Cell Saga I was disappointed. I love the moments in the anime that are just black and white. Like when Vegeta got hit with the spirit bomb, and when Piccollo got in front of Nappa's blast to protect Gohan. It really captured the intensity of the manga. It was like seeing the manga move. I really miss those moments. Super is too clean looking. I want to see the linework in the animation. Thanks for giving some props to Maski Sato. Now more people will know this name and associate him with great moments in the Dragon Ball anime.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

No problem! I hope more fans come to know his work. And 100% agree with the clean look that became standard as the series progressed , that's not to say it's bad but going for the feel in the manga is a great way to add some depth and intensity .I really hope to see the return of that gritty feel to the series one day :)

[@epicsheep9004]

Ok let me just say, that Broly pun was perfect

[@Shoyotheninja]

The amount of research that you do for videos like these is just mind blowing! Man....your videos are outstanding and informative! Have a good day!! Looking forward to your future videos!

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thanks man glad it shows! It really took an insane amount for this one :)

[@fadingaway...]

This is quickly becoming one of my favourite channels. Keep it up, my dude.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thanks, will do!

[@kassimhamidjuma627]

Well I most certainly enjoyed the video, Masaki Sato has been one of my favorite animators since I've relived watching Dragon Ball Z after six an a half years of not watching the series, six an a half years since I first saw it on Cheez TV. too bad he didn't stick around for the Buu saga.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thanks glad you did! And yep it definitely would've been great if he stuck around but he was originally going to come back on do some work on dbs broly but couldn't in the end which was a real missed opportunity.

[@kassimhamidjuma627]

@@forgottenrelics1197 yep

[@kassimhamidjuma627]

@@forgottenrelics1197 I have to agree, It most certainly is a major missed opportunity. we sure do wish he'd come back for Dragon Ball Super Season 2.

[@tomaturtle7790]

So this is the person I have to thank for that art style is some episodes I've watched while drawing. That's cool! What's even funnier is he has the last name of a character I made since high school. Something I didn't even plan, honestly.

[@adamjeffs5930]

Fantastic video, man. Sato is a beast! Always loved his art style.

[@skylean7268]

Imagine if Sato drew the Ultra Instinct transformation.

[@randaljr.8581]

Nice analysis! I didn't know he did the Cooler movie. Def one of my favorites! Make sure you rest and take it easy.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thank you! I didn't either before making this video 😁 And will do

[@mojoman1175]

Fantastic video,Sato is by far my favorite

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thanks man!

[@MannyloAnimeSquad]

Great video bro!

[@ferretace]

You can FEEL his absence in the Buu Saga and onwards...

[@black2785]

That is the best video I’ve seen from you. I hope Sato watches this!

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thanks man! I really tried to step up the quality for this one so I'm glad it shows :) And that would be great if he saw this!

[@ryanstrumpfler8115]

Your videos are super awesome, fun, and informative. Can’t wait for you to tackle The Evolution of Goku’s art style part 3, but no matter what you post, I’ll be watching!

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thank you that's great to hear! And it still might be a while with doing the part 3 as I am feeling a little burnout lately but I will get to it :)

[@ryanstrumpfler8115]

@@forgottenrelics1197 Take your time! Stay sane, I hope you and your loved ones are safe during this time.

[@user-eq3yd3gc7b]

I was so sad that he couldn't work in Dragon Ball Super : Broly because of his schedule.

[@novabeans5319]

i feel exactly the same way. great video man appreciate the work you put in!

[@mookabooka2164]

I'm loving the analysis and direction of your videos, good shit. I was wondering what release the screenshots of DBZ are from, they look incredible. I don't think I've ever seen DBZ look that sharp before. If you could help me out or point me in the right direction I'd really appreciate it.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Cheers man! It really is a mix for the screenshots, the ones for the movies I got from the new Dragon Ball Z movie blurays in Japan, some of the ones from the saiyan arc are from the blu ray level sets such as 3:07 which were unfortunately discontinued. And the rest including the footage are from some torrents I downloaded that had the original broadcast audio which I just tweaked the contrast and highlight settings. The ones at 0:28 0:30 1:49 1:54 3:18 3:21 4:11 7:24 where just from google images, most likely from the dragon box release. Hoped that helped!!

[@mookabooka2164]

@@forgottenrelics1197 Wow, I knew that torrents and dragon box stuff could look really good, but I had no idea that they could look that good. I'm super impressed by the Level Sets, real shame they were discontinued. Thanks for getting back to me and helping me out, best of luck to you in the future.

[@diezgp]

I'm addicted to your videos, man.

[@vallyent_]

I love Masaki Sato

[@santiagomoralesgarcia1802]

Sato improving the toriyama's art style from 23th tournament and saiyan saga is the best drawing of the dragon ball serie and one of the best drawing from a comic, manga, anime and cartoon media. Lets hope someday we can have a episode with that style (I know Takahashi and shinta's stye are great, but Sato's style for those arcs I mentioned is better)

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Interesting timing haha because I've just made a new video on how I hope that he returns to Super

[@4bros352]

Shintani's work is starting to look like Sato's because compare his character designs for dbs broly to the goku day poster. Anyways keep the work your videos are great👍

[@ms.antithesis]

Another great vid m8! ♥️

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thanks! 😁

[@SantoSelene]

I've now found a new appreciation for Masaki Sato's work in DRAGON BALL. I didn't notice he would use manga panels as reference which I find really nice.

[@thecool_dude7490]

Amazing vid u deserve a lot more subs

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thanks much appreciated! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@griffodagreat7646]

I would love to see you breakdown more Dragonball Animators or animation studios

[@forgottenrelics1197]

I definitely will in the future :)

[@MKZK94]

awesome video !

[@Monkey_D_Youtube]

Thank you! He’s my absolute favorite. Wish he still worked on DB

[@Pepega580]

I recently found your channel and it is really interesting! i learned a lot about the people who animated one of the best series of all time! I suscribed for sure!

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Awesome to hear! I plan to cover many more in the series

[@JKZEROkenjiMB]

What a great Awesome animator.

[@luigividaletti3468]

I always thought that this style was due to the direction of Maeda! Cool video brow!

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thanks! But yeah Maeda definitely had an impact no doubt, however it's interesting that when Sato supervised episode 64 alot of those characteristics from his previous work still remained and even into his modern work :)

[@ian09dbz]

a dbz ad of the ssj scene literally just played when i clicked on this video

[@belimbingpanas8724]

My fav animations of him is Yamcha's Spirit Ball and Goku vs Tien

[@darkren88]

this deserves a 100k subs. kudos man

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Ayy thanks!

[@alsimmonshellspawn6021]

Masaki sato is very underrated and doesn't get the credit he deserves in my opinion he is a greater animator than yamamoru and naotashi shida

[@sydneyowusu3750]

I think you mean artist

[@mathieul4303]

The only thing I care is to see beautiful explosions and real ki pressure in Dragon Ball like in Z.

[@SlapstickGenius23]

He also designed the characters in Ultimate Muscle. Lol!

[@forgottenrelics1197]

haha never knew that

[@0kdevv_]

YES! YES! YES!

[@cac9926]

im glad they decided to add more emotion in their animation in the brolymovie

[@tbhon]

Wait what???? Eguchi did work for DBZ? I had no idea :0

[@sultanfaisal6074]

Unpopular Opinion: Masaki Sato did Toriyama better than Nakatsuru up until the Android saga

[@fridaynightnicktoons6885]

The reason Goku and cooler move like that is because they're flying

[@saip.]

HOW DID YOU GROW SO FAST!

[@forgottenrelics1197]

the algorithm is a strange thing and I guess making content that can be watched by people and still relevant years after you post it helps :)

[@saip.]

@@forgottenrelics1197 bro i still remember being around be same amount of subs with you

[@BladeEffect]

Who animated Gohan SSJ2 transformation?

[@daehanoberes4757]

I really miss his artwork..., i don't like Yamamuro's artwork in DBS

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Hopefully he might one day return! He almost was going to do some work in dbs broly originally so who knows

[@akhil6826]

@@forgottenrelics1197 how, tho? Since shintaanis designs are extremely simple and don't focus on art.

[@JohnGovernment]

I kinda wish they help with super chapters

[@rashidmohammad8653]

Bring this legend back fire the db super animator

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Haha I would love for him to return and I believe there was talk about him coming on DBS Broly but that unfortunately never happened. Although Super suffered more from a bad schedule and mediocre character sheets than anything else. You had some legendary animators from Z and even the original dragon ball series already on Super such as Naotoshi Shida and Naoki Tate. Additionally just look at DBS Broly as an example that with time and a good schedule and still with many of the same animators from Super you can get something spectacular!

[@fabriziodavilaalva2.074]

Ok hasta el proximo video viejo y sabes que si vas a mencionar animadores empieza tatsuyoshi nakatsuru

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Nakatsuru es una leyenda, un día hablaré de él!

[@fabriziodavilaalva2.074]

@@forgottenrelics1197 hay grandioso gracias

[@jokuanims3404]

Masaki is my dad

[@zilldraws]

Yo

[@forgottenrelics1197]

yo yo

[@tobigrantlbart]

Man sorry, but you don´t need an arrow on your thumbnail. I know what scene it is without the arrow. And thumbnail otherwise is great, I like the font of words, I like the color, but that arrow kinda ruins it

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Thanks for the tip lol, from memory I debated on whether or not I should keep it but some things aren't as obvious to all so I added it just in case haha

[@Just-A-Bit]

Hey

[@forgottenrelics1197]

yo

[@xlavienture5358]

^^

[@fridaynightnicktoons6885]

Toriyama fanboys won't allow any criticism,but look at the comparison. This dude does it BETTER then toriyama!

[@forgottenrelics1197]

You mean a better art style or better quality artwork?

[@elgamergxobelix9942]

The m

[@fridaynightnicktoons6885]

Super broly should have gone back to z's artstyle. Any z or ball artstyle would work. GT even (I love GT but weakest art style of the main 3,still better then super obviously) shintani has good models,but the background is shit and the artstyle is too soft and gooey looking. Nothing's solid. Z looked better and had perfect detail. I think art style I say ball>z>GT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>super. Best z artstyle is frieza I say,then cell then Buu. Buus the cleanest but the others look better. I like grit.

[@forgottenrelics1197]

Yeah I would like a bit more grit to return and I do agree that designs could've been more solid however I wouldn't say the backgrounds are bad.

[@solnacientez2210]

I´m sorry, I can´t give you a like on this one... In this video you are confusing Masaki Sato with Minoru Maeda, but it´s still a good video.

[@crazypanda9870]

what are you talking about???

[@jehurevo25]

This man was perfect for the ssj transformation because of his art style