The protagonist design for Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams was revealed on May 27, 2026, and has since generated significant online discourse. Critics of the design point to the character's 'sleepy' eyes and a hairstyle reminiscent of the Zoomer perm, while defenders note that this will be the last Dragon Quest protagonist designed by Akira Toriyama, who died in 2024. The debate has spawned memes and fan art across platforms.
the new dragon quest 12 protag dropped on may 27 and people are fighting over his sleepy eyes and zoomer perm. some hate it, some are like 'last toriyama design, show some respect.' memes and fan art are already everywhere.
This debate highlights the passionate attachment fans have to Akira Toriyama's character designs, especially as this is his final contribution to the series. The mixed reception also reflects broader generational divides in aesthetic preferences within gaming communities. How Square Enix responds could set a precedent for future Dragon Quest titles without Toriyama's involvement.
this is the last toriyama-designed dragon quest protag, so the discourse is about more than just a haircut. it's about legacy and what the series looks like after him. square enix is probably watching the memes closely.
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