- Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball manga, has passed away at 68.
- Fans mourn the loss of the influential manga artist worldwide.
- Toriyama’s iconic characters and stories leave an enduring legacy in the world of manga and anime.
Renowned Japanese manga creator Akira Toriyama, who brought us the beloved Dragon Ball series, sadly passed away at the age of 68.
He suffered from a severe type of bleeding near the brain called acute subdural hematoma.
This news has left fans around the world deeply saddened as Dragon Ball holds a special place in many people’s hearts, especially those who grew up reading the comics or watching the animated series.
Dragon Ball, which first debuted in 1984, follows the adventures of a young boy named Son Goku as he embarks on a quest to collect magical dragon balls to protect Earth from alien humanoids known as Saiyans.
The series became immensely popular, spawning not only comic books but also animated shows and movies.
Mr. Toriyama’s passing leaves behind some unfinished projects, adding to the sorrow felt by fans. His funeral was attended only by close family and friends, as per the wishes of the family.
Fans all over the world have been expressing their condolences and sharing memories of how Dragon Ball influenced their childhood.
Many have taken to social media to thank Toriyama for creating characters that have become iconic symbols of their youth.
Born in Nagoya, Japan in 1955, Toriyama gained recognition in the early 1980s with his manga series, Dr. Slump, which revolves around a young girl robot named Arale and her inventor. However, it was Dragon Ball that catapulted him to international fame.
The story of Son Goku resonated with audiences worldwide, as they watched him grow from a clumsy martial arts student to a powerful hero capable of extraordinary feats.
The series inspired countless fan fiction writers and cosplayers who imitated the characters’ distinctive hairstyles.
Despite Dragon Ball’s global success, Toriyama remained humble, admitting in a 2013 interview that he never expected the series to become such a phenomenon.
Dragon Ball’s global success, Toriyama remained humble, admitting in a 2013 interview that he never expected the series to become such a phenomenon.
He attributed its popularity to a “miracle” and expressed gratitude for being accepted by society despite his personal challenges.
Dragon Ball’s impact transcends borders, with the animated series being dubbed into multiple languages and its merchandise being popular in toy stores across Asia.
Toriyama’s legacy will undoubtedly endure, as fans continue to cherish his creations for years to come.