Dr. Slump - Midori Yamabuki with Sword Production Cel (Toei Animation, 1981–1986)

Dr. Slump: Midori Yamabuki with Sword Production Cel (Toei Animation, 1981–1986)

Midori Yamabuki (later Norimaki) dramatically pulling out a sword!

This rare original production cel from Dr. Slump (Toei Animation, 1981–1986) shows the ever-gentle kindergarten teacher Midori Yamabuki in a moment of unexpected drama—brandishing a sword with fierce determination!

This surprising image was hand-painted on celluloid acetate and used in the actual animation process, likely under the direction of Mitsuo Hashimoto, one of the key creative forces behind the Dr. Slump TV series and early Dragon Ball films.

Moments like this perfectly highlight Akira Toriyama’s genius for comedic contrast: taking a sweet, maternal figure and placing her in a scene that’s hilariously out of character.

A fantastic piece from the analog golden age of anime, and a reminder that Penguin Village was always full of surprises.

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