Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, passes away
AKIRA TORIYAMA – The influential creator of the Dragon Ball manga and anime franchise has passed away at the age of 68.
Akira Toriyama is a Japanese manga artist and character designer, best known as the creator of the widely popular manga and anime series “Dragon Ball.” Born on April 5, 1955, in Nagoya, Japan, Toriyama began his career as a manga artist in the late 1970s. He gained widespread recognition with his work on “Dr. Slump,” a comedic manga series, before achieving even greater success with “Dragon Ball,” which debuted in 1984.
“Dragon Ball” quickly became one of the most iconic and influential manga series of all time, known for its epic battles, memorable characters, and imaginative world-building. The series follows the adventures of Goku, a young martial artist with incredible abilities, as he journeys to become stronger and protect the Earth from various villains.
In addition to “Dragon Ball,” Toriyama has created other successful manga series, such as “Dr. Slump,” “Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai,” and “Cowa!,” among others. He is celebrated for his distinctive art style, dynamic action scenes, and inventive storytelling.
Throughout his career, Toriyama has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the manga and anime industry. His works continue to be beloved by fans worldwide, and his influence on popular culture remains significant.
The official website of Dragon Ball stated that Akira Toriyama died on March 1 due to a blood clot in the brain. A funeral service has already taken place with Toriyama’s immediate family members, but dates for official farewell events have not yet been revealed.
The website post expressed deep sadness and regret over Toriyama’s sudden passing, emphasizing his ongoing dedication to numerous projects and his unrealized dreams. Among those saddened by his passing were Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, and Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece.