The 3-Page Scandal: 5 Shocking Facts About Akira Toriyama's Most Controversial Manga, 'Lady Red'

Decades after its original publication, the name "Lady Red" continues to resurface in discussions among hardcore fans of the late Akira Toriyama, not for its heroism, but for its shocking and deeply controversial content. As of December 16, 2025, this three-page one-shot remains one of the most obscure and debated pieces in the legendary creator's vast bibliography, standing in stark contrast to the lighthearted adventures of *Dragon Ball* and *Dr. Slump*. It is a stark reminder that even the most beloved creators experimented with dark, adult, and provocative themes early in their careers.

The short story, originally published in 1987, is a fascinating and uncomfortable artifact of a different era in manga publication, challenging the perception many have of Toriyama's signature style. While many of his one-shots are quirky sci-fi tales, *Lady Red* delves into a grim and satirical narrative about a failed female superhero that has led to it being labeled as one of Toriyama's most problematic works. Understanding this piece requires a deep dive into its context, its shocking plot, and the ensuing fan debate.

The Complete Profile of Akira Toriyama's Obscure One-Shot: Lady Red

To truly appreciate (and critique) the short, explosive impact of *Lady Red*, one must first understand its core details and place within the *Dragon Ball* creator's expansive portfolio. This manga is not a forgotten chapter of *Dragon Ball* or *Dr. Slump*; it is a standalone, experimental piece from a period where Toriyama was prolific with short-form storytelling.

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• Original Title: Redī Reddo (レディ・レッド)
• Creator: Akira Toriyama
• Publication Date: April 10, 1987
• Original Magazine: *Super Jump* (Issue No. 2)
• Length: Three Pages
• Collection: Later compiled as part of *Akira Toriyama's Manga Theater*
• Genre: Dark Comedy / Satirical Superhero / One-Shot Manga
• Main Character: Lady Red, a former office worker who attempts to become a crime fighter.
• Controversial Element: The plot involves the character being sexually assaulted and later resorting to prostitution (implied) to survive.
• Art Style Note: The art, though brief, features elements that would later be refined in *Dragon Ball*, including a character resembling the World Martial Arts Tournament announcer.

The fact that this short story is so brief—just three pages—only amplifies the shock value of its content. Toriyama, known for his ability to craft compelling narratives in a limited space, used this *Super Jump* feature to explore themes far removed from the innocent adventures of Goku or Arale.

This obscure work is often grouped with other short, less-known titles like *Go! Go! Ackman* and *Cowa!*, which showcase the creator's versatility. However, *Lady Red* stands alone in its bleak and adult subject matter, making it a unique, if uncomfortable, entry in the history of the *Manga Theater* collection.

The Explosive Controversy: Why 'Lady Red' Stuns Dragon Ball Fans

The primary reason *Lady Red* continues to be a hot topic, especially in the wake of Akira Toriyama's passing, is the jarring nature of its plot, which involves sensitive and deeply disturbing themes. For fans accustomed to the jovial, action-packed world of *Dragon Ball Z* or the gag-focused humor of *Dr. Slump*, the narrative of *Lady Red* is a profound and unsettling departure.

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The story follows the titular character, Lady Red, who decides to quit her mundane office job to pursue a career as a superhero. The satire begins almost immediately, as she is portrayed as having neither the money nor the physical strength necessary for the job. The plot quickly descends into a dark scenario where her attempts at crime-fighting are met with brutal reality. The controversy centers on two specific events that occur within the short page count:

The Failed Hero and the Dark Turn

The core of the issue is the depiction of sexual assault. In her attempt to be a hero, Lady Red is reportedly assaulted by a man. The second, and perhaps more shocking, incident involves a scenario where she is assaulted again, but this time, the narrative suggests she is paid for it, implying she has resorted to sex work or prostitution as a means of survival after her failed attempt at heroism. This grim conclusion is presented in a way that some critics have interpreted as dark humor or satire, while others view it as a casual and offensive treatment of serious issues.

This content has led to heated debates across fan forums and social media platforms, with LSI keywords like *Toriyama's most controversial manga* and *Akira Toriyama getting cancelled* frequently appearing in the discourse. Defenders argue that the work must be viewed within the context of 1980s Japanese publishing, where adult, dark, and often politically incorrect humor was common in certain magazines.

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Critics, however, maintain that the casual inclusion of such violence and exploitation, even as a form of dark satire, is indefensible. The work is often cited as an example of the less savory aspects of early manga culture and stands as a powerful reminder that the creator of the world's most popular shonen manga also explored genres with significantly more adult and problematic themes.

Contextualizing the Work: Lady Red Within Toriyama's Manga Theater

*Lady Red* is not an anomaly in Toriyama's career but rather an extreme example of the experimentation he undertook in his collection of short stories, known as *Akira Toriyama's Manga Theater*. This body of work, spanning the 1970s to the 1990s, is crucial for understanding the full range of the artist's creative vision beyond his globally famous serializations.

The Era of Experimental One-Shots

The *Manga Theater* collection is a treasure trove of sci-fi, comedy, and adventure one-shots, many of which served as prototypes for later, larger works. Titles like *Wonder Island*, *Pola & Roid*, and *Mad Matic* all showcase Toriyama's signature blend of mechanical design, quirky characters, and fast-paced action. However, many of these earlier works, particularly those aimed at an older or more niche audience, often contained adult jokes, nudity, and suggestive content that would be considered too mature for the mainstream *Shōnen Jump* audience.

In this context, *Lady Red* can be seen as Toriyama pushing the boundaries of dark satire. The one-shot's central premise—a failed, incompetent superhero—is a common trope in comedy. The controversial elements, however, elevate the story from simple gag manga to a commentary on the harsh realities faced by a woman trying to find power and agency in a dangerous world, albeit through a lens that many find deeply misjudged and offensive.

Drawing Parallels to Dragon Ball

While the subject matter is worlds apart, the artistic style and humor mechanics of *Lady Red* do share some DNA with *Dragon Ball*. The character designs, the use of exaggerated expressions, and the rapid-fire pacing are hallmarks of Toriyama's style. Furthermore, early *Dragon Ball* itself was not free of adult humor; scenes involving Bulma's nudity, Master Roshi's perversion, and other suggestive gags were common, though they rarely reached the dark intensity of the themes in *Lady Red*.

The discussion surrounding *Lady Red* ultimately serves as a critical lens on the evolution of Toriyama's career and the changing standards of media consumption. It highlights his willingness to explore different genres and themes outside of his comfort zone, even if the results are now viewed through a modern critical framework that finds the content problematic. For scholars and dedicated fans, the three pages of *Lady Red* represent a pivotal, albeit dark, piece of manga history, offering a rare glimpse into the creator's most obscure and challenging work.

Ultimately, the story of *Lady Red* is less about the character herself and more about the boundaries of artistic expression and the enduring legacy of a creative genius. It forces a conversation about how we reconcile the beloved creator of childhood heroes with the author of a short, forgotten tale that contains some of the darkest material in his entire bibliography. This obscure one-shot ensures that the discussion around Akira Toriyama's complete body of work remains complex, nuanced, and perpetually fresh.