Akira Toriyama, the mind behind Dragon Ball, has passed away at the age of 68.

March 08, 2024

Akira Toriyama, the mind behind Dragon Ball, has passed away at the age of 68.

Renowned manga and anime creator Akira Toriyama, celebrated for bringing the beloved Dragon Ball series to life, has passed away at the age of 68, according to an official statement from his production studio released on Friday. The news has left fans around the world in mourning, as Toriyama's influence extended far beyond Japan's borders.

The statement revealed that Toriyama, the artistic genius behind the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, breathed his last on March 1, succumbing to an acute subdural hematoma. This condition, a form of brain bleeding, marked the end of a prolific career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the world of manga and anime.

Dragon Ball, originating as a manga series, became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring numerous television adaptations, blockbuster movies, and video games. Toriyama's creative brilliance not only captivated Japanese audiences but also garnered a massive international fan base, contributing significantly to the global popularity of Japanese manga and anime.

Akira Toriyama's legacy extends beyond Dragon Ball, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of manga and anime. His distinctive storytelling and artistic style have left an enduring impact on the industry. Toriyama's ability to weave compelling narratives, coupled with his unique character designs, made Dragon Ball a timeless classic that continues to resonate with fans of all ages.

The announcement of Toriyama's passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow artists, and industry professionals alike. His contributions to the world of entertainment, particularly in breaking cultural and linguistic barriers, have solidified his place as one of the most influential figures in the history of manga and anime.

As the world mourns the loss of Akira Toriyama, his artistic legacy lives on through the pages of Dragon Ball and the countless lives he touched with his creativity, imagination, and storytelling prowess.

Debuting in the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 1984, Dragon Ball chronicles the martial arts journey and quest for the seven mystical orbs by the main character, Son Goku, who seeks to summon a wish-granting dragon. It stands as one of the most successful Japanese media franchises ever, with the manga published by Shueisha Inc. boasting sales of over 260 million copies worldwide. The franchise has expanded into numerous anime series, video games, and even a Hollywood-produced live-action movie.

Akira Toriyama's creative portfolio, spanning more than 45 years, includes notable works such as Dr. Slump, Sand Land, and the iconic character designs for the Dragon Quest video games.

The news of Toriyama's passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from fellow artists, many of whom grew up immersed in his influential body of work. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, reflected on Toriyama's impact, emphasizing how he defied skeptics and demonstrated that manga could offer enjoyment for both children and adults. Oda acknowledged Toriyama's role in showcasing that manga has the ability to transcend cultural boundaries and reach audiences around the world.

Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, expressed that he avidly followed Toriyama's stories from elementary school through college, finding inspiration in the characters to pursue a career as a manga artist. He fondly shared his admiration, saying, "I aspired to create manga like yours! I aspired to be like you!"

Masakazu Katsura, known for Tiger & Bunny, reminisced about Toriyama's personality, describing him as humorous, mischievous, endearing, sharp-witted, and humble. Katsura expressed a sense of longing for the extended conversations they used to have, delving into various lighthearted topics during their lengthy phone calls.

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