Akira Toriyama, author of the famous Japanese manga series Dragon Ball, has passed away at the age of 68. According to the official Dragon Ball series website, Toriyama suffered from an acute subdural hematoma and passed away on March 1st.
Born in 1955 in the city of Nagoya, Akira Toriyama leaves behind a several-decade legacy like no other, with works beloved around the world in all languages. His creations have inspired countless other manga artists, including the “Big Three” of Weekly Shonen Jump: Naruto‘s Masashi Kishimoto, One Piece‘s Eiichiro Oda, and Bleach‘s Tite Kubo.
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While most well known for the Dragon Ball series, Akira Toriyama’s major breakout success was Dr. Slump, a slapstick comedy manga featuring a crazy scientist named Senbei and his robotic daughter Arale. Toriyama was also the lead character designer for the Dragon Quest / Dragon Warrior series, and legendary RPG Chrono Trigger.
Akira Toriyama had recently announced the development of a new Dragon Ball anime called Dragon Ball Daima for the 40th anniversary of the series. Dragon Ball Daima features the return of Kid Goku after an incident causes the cast of the series to be returned to their younger forms.
In 2018, Dragon Ball Super: Broly launched around the world to critical acclaim, featuring the return of the titular character Broly, whose canon status was questionable until the release of the film.
It received a follow-up film, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, in 2022, focusing on Goku’s sons Gohan and Goten, and Vegeta’s son Trunks, with the return of longtime Dragon Ball series antagonists the Red Ribbon Army.
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Many fellow authors posted messages about the passing of Akira Toriyama on Shueisha’s VJump website. One Piece author Eiichiro Oda wrote, “The thought of never seeing you again fills me with sadness. I admired you since I was a child, and even remember the day you called me by name for the first time.”
Naruto author Masashi Kishimoto wrote of how Toriyama’s works inspired him to become a manga author himself. “It was natural for me to have his manga next to me as part of my daily life. Even if I had a bad experience, watching Dragon Ball every week made me forget about it.”
The reaction to Akira Toriyama’s passing on X was somber, with users expressing their condolences and sharing stories about how Toriyama and his works have influenced their lives. Tekken‘s Game Director Katsuhiro Harada posted “Rest in peace, Akira Toriyama sensei, I pray for your soul.”
From YouTuber and social media influencer Deji: “This man was a part of so many peoples childhood. REST IN PEACE Akira Toriyama.”
“One of my first cosplays ever, RIP Akira Toriyama,” wrote cosplayer and social commentator Kenzietuff.
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Anime and video game commentator Scratch Point posts “Toriyama is a legend whose works both entertained and inspired generations. It’s unfortunate he had unfinished works, but he created many wonderful stories and his legacy will live on forever. May he rest in peace and best wishes for his family.”
“RIP to the GOAT Akira Toriyama” writes VTuber commentator Nux Taku.
We at Fandom Pulse wish to express our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Akira Toriyama, as well as to his countless fans spanning several decades. We will always cherish the memories and the wonderful stories that Toriyama shared with us, the authors that were inspired by his work, and we look forward to the future works of young authors he has yet to inspire. Thank you for everything Mr. Toriyama.
Leave a comment if you are one of the many people around the world that has been touched by the life and legacy of Akira Toriyama and share your story below.
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