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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Manga

Dr. Slump

Dr.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dr. Slump is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. It was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1980 to 1984 and follows the comic adventures of Arale Norimaki, her creator Senbei Norimaki, and the residents of Penguin Village.

Publication history

Dr. Slump began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1980 and ended in 1984. Its chapters were collected into 18 tankōbon volumes.

Premise

The series is a gag manga set in Penguin Village. It follows the misadventures caused by Arale Norimaki, a robot girl created by Senbei Norimaki.

Adaptations

The manga was adapted into a Toei Animation TV series that ran from 1981 to 1986, and a remake series aired from 1997 to 1999. The franchise also produced films and other media.

Reception and influence

Dr. Slump is widely regarded as an important comedy manga and helped establish Akira Toriyama's reputation before Dragon Ball.

Key facts

  • Created by Akira Toriyama, who later created Dragon Ball.
  • Serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1980 to 1984.
  • Collected into 18 tankōbon volumes.
  • Set in Penguin Village featuring robot girl Arale Norimaki.
  • Adapted into two anime series by Toei Animation.
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Canadian context

Dr. Slump has been published and discussed in English-language manga markets, including Canadian retail and library contexts, and remains relevant to Canadian readers as an early work by Akira Toriyama, creator of the internationally popular Dragon Ball.

Frequently asked questions

What is Dr. Slump?
Dr. Slump is a Japanese comedy manga by Akira Toriyama about Arale Norimaki, a robot girl, and the eccentric residents of Penguin Village.
Who created Dr. Slump?
Akira Toriyama wrote and illustrated Dr. Slump.
When was Dr. Slump originally published?
It ran in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1980 to 1984.
How many volumes does Dr. Slump have?
The original manga was collected into 18 tankōbon volumes.
Was Dr. Slump adapted into anime?
Yes. Toei Animation produced a TV series from 1981 to 1986, and a remake series aired from 1997 to 1999.
What is the main setting of Dr. Slump?
Most of the story takes place in Penguin Village, a surreal town filled with unusual characters and comedic situations.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Slump
    Supports: Author, original publication dates, magazine, volume count, premise, anime adaptations, and franchise extensions.
  2. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Slump
    Supports: Original publication dates, chapter compilation into 18 volumes, and anime adaptation details.
  3. EBSCO — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/literature-and-writing/dr-slump
    Supports: Series description, premise, episodic comedic format, and publication period.
  4. Anime News Network — https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=32651
    Supports: 1997 manga entry related to the franchise and publication metadata for later material.
  5. FNAC — https://www.fnac.es/c5229016/Dr-slump
    Supports: Evidence of Spanish/Catalan-language publishing and retail availability in international markets.