In our most recent episode of the Kanzenshuu podcast, a possible tie-in was discussed between Akira Toriyama’s new series Jaco the Galactic Patrolman and the classic Dragon Ball manga. While there were apparent hints being dropped throughout the first chapter, which was recently published in this year’s 33rd issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump, we were left with nothing more than “fan theories” as to what, or even if this could tie in with Dragon Ball. Akira Toriyama went so far as to even mention in his author’s comment that some of the nostalgia would become clear as the story progressed:

While Toriyama merely hints at such connections and tie-ins, Shueisha has yanked the veil off the mystery and confirms what we suspected — Jaco the Galactic Patrolman is indeed tied to the legendary Dragon Ball franchise. A few key promotional lines on the digital and print announcement pages for issue 33 on Weekly Shōnen Jump’s official website lay it out pretty clearly.

全世界待望の「伝説」がここに帰還！！

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The whole world’s long-awaited return of a “legend” is here!!

And to leave no lingering skepticism as to what they mean, they simply spell it out for us.

「ドラゴンボール」の衝撃が甦る！！

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The shocking revival of “Dragon Ball”!!

There are also a few Japanese sites whose listings for this issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump contain what appears to be an official description of the series from Shueisha:

＜鳥山明先生による13年ぶりの新連載『銀河パトロール　ジャコ』とは＞
『ドラゴンボール』の衝撃が甦る！創刊４５周年を祝して巨星再来！
銀河の彼方よりやってきたナゾの宇宙人、ジャコ！！その正体とは！？

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Akira Toriyama-sensei’s First New Series in 13 Years is “Jaco the Galactic Patrolman”
The shocking revival of “Dragon Ball”! In celebration of the 45th anniversary, the superstar returns!
Jaco, a mysterious space alien comes from a far-off galaxy!! What’s his true identity?!

So if you’ve been holding off on reading the first chapter, which is currently available for free via Viz’s latest starter pack, now is your chance to start from the very beginning and follow along. Once you’re all caught up, join our on-going forum discussion and let us know how you think this all ties into the Dragon Ball universe. What are your theories, impressions, or general thoughts on the new series? Let us know!