Exploring the Unique World of "Dr. Slump": A Journey Through Character and Design
The Concept Art Collection
The beloved anime series "Dr. Slump," created by Akira Toriyama, has captured the hearts of audiences for decades. This collection of concept art offers a detailed look into the vibrant and imaginative universe of the show. Each illustration has been meticulously crafted to reflect the whimsical nature of Toriyama’s world, making this collection a treasure trove for fans and newcomers alike.
Character Collection
The lively Penguin Village is a melting pot of diverse inhabitants, including humans, robots, and various animals. This eclectic mix results in a wide range of character designs and profiles, each contributing to the village’s unique charm.
Character Height Comparison
A glance at the characters reveals notable differences in height, particularly between the main figures. For instance, Arale appears quite petite, yet the height disparity between her and Senbei is merely half a head.
Arale Norimaki
Arale is the spirited robot girl at the center of the series. Her design strikes a perfect balance, avoiding extremes that could make her appear either too childish or too mature. The art showcases a variety of expressions and poses, including her classic overalls and her playful exclamations like "Hoyoyo" and "Kiin."
Cosplay Selection
Arale is known for her ever-changing costumes, with each new outfit bringing fresh designs that reflect her lively personality.
Senbei Norimaki
Senbei, despite his sometimes serious demeanor, often comes off as goofy. He may appear to be an older figure, but he’s actually in his twenties during his debut. The artwork captures a broad spectrum of his facial expressions, from comical to serious, highlighting his character’s depth.
Gatchan
Gatchan is a baby born from a mysterious egg, sharing the whimsical traits of Arale. His design includes various outfits, with most expressions featuring simple dot eyes or cheerful smiling eyes. The artwork even illustrates a scene of him eating, adding to his adorable charm.
Midori Yamabuki
Midori is known as the most beautiful girl in Penguin Village. While she usually maintains a composed demeanor, her personality becomes more expressive as the story unfolds. The careful detailing around her eyes ensures that even when she’s angry, she retains her cuteness.
Akane Kimidori
Stylish and fashionable, Akane is often seen with her three-wheeled motorcycle, which complements her energetic personality. Her playful nature is evident in her designs, with one pose showcasing her putting her bag on her head in a trendy manner.
Taro Soramame
Taro’s rebellious look features a pompadour hairstyle and sunglasses, perfectly matched with a naked bike that reflects his character. His expressive eyes are revealed when he removes his shades, adding depth to his tough-guy persona.
Kinoko Sarada
Kinoko is the trendsetter of Penguin Village, with her shaved sides and signature ribbon defining her style. The inclusion of her essential items, like a spade and a cassette radio, adds layers to her character.
Piisuke Soramame
Though he may not look it, Piisuke is a true middle school student. He’s often seen sporting a cat-eared beanie as he enthusiastically heads to school with his meticulously chosen backpack.
Secondary and Guest Characters in the Concept Art Collection
In Penguin Village, even robots are portrayed as unique characters, showcasing the show’s creativity. Each character is a friend of Arale, adding to the vibrant community feel of the village.
First Row (Left to Right):
- Toriyama
- Suppaman
- Skop
- Dr. Mashirito
- Kurikinton Soramame
Second Row (Left to Right):
- Gyaosu
- Gala and Pagos
- Daigoro Kurigashira
- Director
- Physical Education Teacher
Third Row (Left to Right):
- Alarm Clock
- Cyborg Bear
- Time-kun
- Barber
- Donbe
Fourth Row (Left to Right):
- Fairy Tale Machine
- Momotaro
- Bibiru-man
- Nikochan’s Servant
- King Nikochan
Art Collection
Penguin Village is characterized by its quirky and playful architecture. The art team has crafted a variety of intriguing designs, further enriching the village’s atmosphere. Here are some highlights from the design materials we’ve selected:
Penguin Village Overview
The idyllic village where Arale and her friends reside is surrounded by nature yet boasts a surprising number of shops. Shopping here is never an issue, thanks to its abundance of stores.
Norimaki House – Version 1
This charming, old-fashioned American-style house features a welcoming porch. The spacious garden, complete with a towering tree, provides a perfect playground for children.
Norimaki House – Version 2
Floor Plan of Norimaki House
This two-story home includes six rooms, making it ample space for a single man to live comfortably. The laboratory within is alive with the sounds of machinery day and night.
- Entry Hall
- Laboratory (Workshop)
- Washing Area
- Kitchen
- Arale’s Bedroom
Coffee Pot Café
This uniquely designed café resembles a coffee pot itself. The central counter offers a full view of the establishment, enhancing the customer experience.
- Floor Plan and Facade of the Coffee Pot Café
- Interior of the Café
- Akane’s Room
- Akane’s Space
Bar Ber Soramame
A barbershop with a straightforward design that reflects the no-nonsense personality of its owner. With only three chairs, it maintains an intimate atmosphere.
- Facade of Bar Ber Soramame
- Interior of the Shop
- Barber Chair
Saradahouse
This pop-design home stands out in the village, with Kinoko’s room extending out of the roof, making it a unique architectural feature.
- Facade of the Sarada Family House
- Entry Hall
- Kinoko’s Room
Penguin Municipal Secondary School
The school boasts solid construction, with a significant use of wood throughout its classrooms, creating a warm and welcoming educational environment.
Fly Milk
In the final version, the logo will be transformed, replacing the cow with a fly, among other adjustments.
Suteteko Store
This bold design features a pair of oversized shorts adorning the upper part of the building, making it a memorable sight.
Grandma Oharu’s House
Located on the corner, this home has a shop at the front, with the living quarters situated at the back.
Penguin Station
A large penguin sign greets visitors at this rural station, encapsulating the playful spirit of Penguin Village.
Glossary
- Pompadour: A hairstyle characterized by elevated and swept-back hair, reminiscent of Elvis Presley.
- Naked Bike: A simple motorcycle design without fairings.
- Yankee: A Japanese youth subculture associated with rebellious teens.
- Varsity: A type of jacket popular in American schools and universities.
- Gyaru: A subculture of young women known for their flashy fashion style.
- Chuugakusei: Refers to middle school students in Japan, typically aged 12 to 15. Equivalent to middle school in Brazil.
- Randoseru: A rigid school backpack used by elementary school children in Japan.
- LDK: A Japanese term describing house layouts, indicating the number of living, dining, and kitchen spaces.
- Steteco/Suteteko: Traditional pants that were once worn under kimonos but have evolved into casual wear.
This collection of designs and characters from "Dr. Slump" provides a captivating insight into the creativity and humor that defines Toriyama’s work, ensuring its place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
