The manga world has lost a true legend. Akira Toriyama, the visionary creator of the iconic Dragon Ball series, has sadly passed away at the age of 68. According to a statement from his studio, Bird Studio, Toriyama succumbed to acute subdural hematoma, a type of bleeding near the brain, on March 1st.
Born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1955, Toriyama’s journey into the world of manga began in the late 1970s. His first published work, “Wonder Island,” didn’t achieve significant success, but he persevered, and in 1980, his breakout series “Dr. Slump” hit the shelves. This comedy series about a robot girl and her scientist creator earned Toriyama one of Japan’s highest manga honors, the prestigious Shogakukan manga award.
However, it was in 1984 that Toriyama truly cemented his legacy with the creation of “Dragon Ball.” This iconic kung fu-inspired shōnen manga series followed the adventures of Son Goku, a young martial arts trainee on a quest to collect seven magical dragon balls that would summon a mystical dragon. “Dragon Ball” quickly became a cultural phenomenon, spawning numerous anime adaptations, movies, video games, and a vast array of merchandise.
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A Worldwide Phenomenon and Enduring Legacy
Toriyama’s unique blend of action, humor, and relatable characters struck a chord with audiences worldwide. “Dragon Ball” remains one of the best-selling and most influential manga series of all time, with a fanbase that spans generations. Even after the initial series concluded in 1995, Toriyama continued to contribute to the franchise, working on various film adaptations and spin-offs, including the critically acclaimed “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” in 2018 and “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” in 2022.
Beyond his work on “Dragon Ball,” Toriyama explored other creative outlets, such as designing an electric car for Japan’s CQ motors in 2005, showcasing his lifelong love for automobiles.
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Fans and Creators Pay Tribute to a Legend
News of Toriyama’s passing has sent shockwaves through the manga and anime communities, with fans and fellow creators alike taking to social media to pay tribute to the late legend. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the acclaimed “One Piece” manga series, expressed his sadness, stating, “To think I’ll never see him again… I’m overwhelmed by sadness.”
Fans have shared heartfelt messages, thanking Toriyama for creating characters and stories that became an integral part of their childhoods. One fan wrote, “This man was a legend, a true one-of-a-kind talent that influenced so many lives. Shocked and sad, but his legacy will live on for thousands of years to come, I’m sure.”
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A Final Farewell
According to Bird Studio’s statement, Toriyama had a small funeral attended only by his family and a few close relatives, honoring his wishes for tranquility. The studio also expressed their deep gratitude for the support of fans worldwide, which allowed Toriyama to continue his creative activities for over 45 years.
While the manga world mourns the loss of a true master storyteller, Akira Toriyama‘s impact on the medium and the countless lives he touched through his work will undoubtedly endure. His unique world of creation will continue to be loved and celebrated for generations to come.
