Dragon Ballhas just released its most heartbreaking merchandise item yet,focusing on one of the series' saddest moments. FromDragon BallCrocsto aDragon Ball-themed meal at McDonald’s, the franchise has featured some odd partnerships over the years, but its most recent earns the spot for saddest anime collaboration.
The collaboration is centered around the character Chiaotzu. Although the jacket itself is undeniably stylish, the memories it evokes are sure to make anyDragon Ballfan shed a few tears.
The Fashion Item Includes an Embroidered Panel of Chiaotzu and Dragon Ball Logos
The stylish fashion piece is available for purchaseon the Sunheart Shop websitefor 22,000 yen, including tax. The stunning garment is a navy blue bomber jacket with red and white striped detailing around the bottom hem and neckline. While the body of the jacket is blue, the sleeves are a silver color, adding a nice contrast. The most striking detail of the item, of course, isthe large embroidered panel of Chiaotzu on the back,with both hands and legs clinging to the back of the jacket, as if the character is holding onto the wearer’s back.
The embroidery detailing on the jacket is absolutely exceptional, capturing every detail of Chiaotzu’s iconic character design and the color scheme he is animated with. The sleeves also feature some eye-catching embroidery, and the red, white, and blackDragon Balllogo is emblazoned on the front of the jacket. One arm even has “Dragon Ball Z” written in embroidered thread in red and outlined in yellow, offering another callback to theDragon Ballseries.Dragon Ball Zappears written on the front of the jacket, tyingthe fashionable item’s look together with clever references to the series.
Dragon Ball Has Collaborated With Numerous Impressive Brands
A McDonald’s Meal and a Crocs Collection Are Two of the Franchise’s Other Coolest Partnerships
AsDragon Ballfans know,Chiaotzu is a pivotal characterin the series, who hasunfortunately been killed not just on one occasion, but multiple times.Even though he was resurrected and returned a handful of times, these reappearances do not make his deaths any less devastating forDragon Balllovers, especially one in particular. One of Chiaotzu’s most distressing deaths was an act of self-sacrifice, and although it broke viewers' hearts, it also proved why Chiaotzu is such a valuable character in the series and worthy of being honored in a clothing collaboration like this jacket.
Dragon Ball’s Chiaotzu Is a Vampire, Whether He Admits It or Not
Pale skin, stiff movement, and agelessness make Dragon Ball’s Chiaotzu a prime candidate to be a Jiangshi, an ancient Chinese zombified vampire.
When it comes to cool anime brand partnerships, no series does it better thanDragon Ball.Recently,Dragon Ballunveiled two pairs of Goku and Vegeta-themed Crocs, with matching Jibbitz charms designed to look like various characters from the show. The franchise has also ventured into the fast food market, withaDragon BallMcDonald’s promotion in Hong Kongfeaturing menu items like Crispy Purple Sweet Potato Balls, Chicken Katsu Burger, and White Grape Yogurt Flavored Soda with Fruit Cocktail.Dragon Ballfans have plenty of merchandise options, andthis Chiaotzu jacket is one of the most unforgettable pieces yet.
