Renowned Manga Artist Akira Toriyama, Creator of Dragon Ball Series, Passes Away at 68
The world of manga has lost one of its greatest talents as Akira Toriyama, the mastermind behind the beloved Dragon Ball series, passed away last week at the age of 68. Toriyama’s production studio confirmed that he died from a brain condition, leaving behind a legacy that has captivated fans worldwide.
Dragon Ball, a fantasy martial arts franchise, introduced readers to Son Goku, a young boy from outer space with extraordinary strength and a monkey tail. The series follows Goku’s quest for the seven dragon balls, which hold immense power and can grant any wish. Since its debut in the 1980s, Dragon Ball has become a global phenomenon, captivating manga enthusiasts of all ages.
The news of Toriyama’s death was shared on Dragon Ball’s official website in a joint statement from Bird Studio and Capsule Corporation Tokyo. The statement expressed regret that Toriyama had several ongoing projects that he was passionate about. “He would have many more things to achieve. However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world,” the statement read. The studio also expressed gratitude to fans for their unwavering support.
Toriyama’s cause of death was acute subdural hematoma, a type of brain bleeding. Born on April 5, 1955, in Kiyosu City, Aichi prefecture, Toriyama began his manga career at the age of 23. He made his debut as a cartoonist in 1978 when he submitted a short story to the manga fans’ magazine Weekly Shonen Jump. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that spanned over four decades.
The Dragon Ball series gained immense popularity and was featured in the same magazine in 1984. It became the centerpiece of Toriyama’s creative career. Inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, the franchise has been adapted into anime and even a Hollywood action movie titled “Dragon Ball Evolution” in 2009. The story follows Son Goku as he battles villains, protects the Earth, and ages, with subsequent storylines focusing on his descendants and friends.
Toriyama’s impact extended beyond the world of manga. He collaborated with prominent Japanese author and game designer Yuji Horii on the popular game Dragon Quest. Horii expressed his disbelief at Toriyama’s passing on social media, highlighting their close friendship.
Another influential manga creator, Eiichiro Oda, the mastermind behind “One Piece,” mourned the loss of his friend. Oda praised Toriyama for revolutionizing the manga industry, stating, “He showed us the dream that manga can do things like this and that we can go to the world.” Oda’s heartfelt tribute was shared on the Shonen Jump website.
Fans around the world also took to social media to pay their respects to Toriyama. One fan described Dragon Ball as their “textbook for life,” teaching them that they could overcome any hardship with a cheerful and enjoyable mindset.
Akira Toriyama’s passing leaves a void in the manga world, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans. His imagination and storytelling prowess have left an indelible mark on the industry, reminding us of the power of dreams and the enduring appeal of manga. As we bid farewell to this legendary artist, we honor his contributions and celebrate the incredible universe he created in Dragon Ball.