Internationally acclaimed manga artist and creator of the iconic Dragon Ball series, Akira Toriyama, passed away on March 1 at the age of 68 due to complications from an acute subdural hematoma, as announced by the official Dragon Ball website on Thursday.
Tributes poured in for Toriyama, whose illustrious career spanned over 45 years, leaving an indelible mark on the manga and anime industry worldwide. The official statement on the Dragon Ball website expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from fans around the globe, enabling Toriyama to continue his creative endeavors throughout his career.
Born on April 5, 1955, in Japan, Toriyama embarked on his journey as a mangaka in his early twenties. His early works, including Wonder Island and its sequel, laid the foundation for his eventual breakthrough with the immensely popular Dr. Slump manga, serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1980 to 1984, and later adapted into a beloved anime series by Toei Animation.
However, it was Toriyama’s creation of the Dragon Ball series in 1984 that catapulted him to unparalleled success. With over 150 million copies sold in Japan alone, Dragon Ball became one of the best-selling manga series of all time. Its subsequent anime adaptation further solidified Toriyama’s status as one of Japan’s most revered creators, captivating audiences worldwide with its captivating storyline and memorable characters.
Throughout the 1990s and beyond, the Dragon Ball franchise continued to thrive, spawning numerous sequels, video games, manga, anime, and novels, maintaining Toriyama’s enduring legacy in the hearts of fans across generations.
A private funeral was held for Toriyama’s family and relatives prior to the public announcement of his passing. As fans mourn the loss of a visionary artist, the world of manga and anime remains forever indebted to Akira Toriyama’s unparalleled contributions and artistic brilliance.
