The world mourns the loss of Akira Toriyama, the visionary behind Dragon Ball, one of the most influential and best-selling Japanese comics in history. The 68-year-old manga artist suffered an acute subdural hematoma, a form of brain bleeding, as reported by his studio on Friday.
Dragon Ball’s global popularity extends beyond its debut in 1984, transcending into animated series and film adaptations. Fans worldwide pay tribute to Toriyama for crafting characters that have become an integral part of their childhood.
The iconic Dragon Ball series follows the adventures of Son Goku, a young boy on a mission to collect magical dragon balls to protect Earth from alien humanoids known as Saiyans.
At the time of his passing, Toriyama had unfinished projects. He departed on March 1, with only close family and a handful of friends attending his funeral, according to a statement from the Dragon Ball website.
Despite the untimely loss, Toriyama’s legacy endures through his numerous manga titles and artistic creations. His studio expressed hope that his unique creative world continues to be cherished by fans for years to come.
Fans flooded social media with condolences, expressing gratitude for Toriyama’s impact on their youth. A heartfelt post on X received 500 likes, thanking him for creating a manga that resonates with the spirit of their generation.
Born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1955, Toriyama initially gained recognition in the early 1980s with Dr. Slump, a comic narrating the tale of a little girl robot named Arale and her scientist creator. However, Dragon Ball became his magnum opus, capturing the essence of fans’ struggles with self-doubt as they navigated the challenges of adulthood.
Dragon Ball’s influence extended beyond manga, inspiring fan fiction writers and cosplayers worldwide. Toriyama’s creation has been dubbed in numerous languages, and Dragon Ball action figures remain a staple in toy stores across Asia.
In a 2013 interview with Japanese newspaper Asahi, Toriyama expressed astonishment at Dragon Ball’s global success, describing it as a miracle. He humbly acknowledged how the series helped him, with a “twisted, difficult personality,” find acceptance in society. Toriyama emphasized that his initial goal was to please boys in Japan, never imagining the profound impact his work would have on audiences worldwide.
Source: BBC
