Akira Toriyama, Creator of Dragon Ball, Passes Away at 68 Artists of Naruto and One Piece Mourn the Loss of “A Hero, A Free-Spirited Man”.
2 min read 2024-03-08, 09:25 PM IST
Summary⇒Renowned manga artist and creator of Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama, passed away at 68 due to an acute subdural hematoma on March 1st. ⇒Eiichiro Oda (One Piece) and Masashi Kishimoto (Naruto) mourned Toriyama’s death, acknowledging him as a significant source of inspiration throughout their careers. ⇒Toriyama’s career began with works like Wonder Island before achieving widespread acclaim with Dr. Slump. However, it was his creation of Dragon Ball in 1984 that solidified his status as a manga legend. ⇒Dragon Ball became a cultural phenomenon, spanning manga, anime series, films, and video games. Toriyama’s unique blend of martial arts, adventure, and humor captivated audiences worldwide. ⇒Toriyama remained humble and private, using a cyborg avatar for public appearances. Despite his passing, his impact on popular culture and the manga industry endures, leaving behind a timeless legacy cherished by fans and fellow artists alike. |
Akira Toriyama
The brilliant mind behind the iconic Dragon Ball manga and anime series, has sadly passed away at the age of 68. His death, attributed to an acute subdural hematoma, has deeply saddened fans and fellow creators alike. Eiichiro Oda, the mastermind behind One Piece, and Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, expressed their profound grief over the loss of Toriyama, whom they considered a significant source of inspiration throughout their careers.
Toriyama’s passing on March 1st was confirmed by Bird Studio, the manga company he founded in 1983. The studio lamented that Toriyama had several ongoing projects, reflecting his enduring passion for creativity. They also acknowledged his unique contributions to the world of manga and art, thanking fans worldwide for their steadfast support over his illustrious 45-year career.
Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto, in heartfelt statements, paid tribute to Toriyama’s groundbreaking influence on the manga industry. Oda credited Toriyama with revolutionizing manga by demonstrating its universal appeal across age groups. Kishimoto reminisced about his journey from avidly reading Toriyama’s stories during his formative years to realizing his own dream of becoming a manga artist, inspired by Toriyama’s characters and storytelling prowess.
Born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1955, Toriyama’s artistic talents became evident early in life. Despite foregoing higher education, he embarked on a career in art, initially working at an advertising agency. His debut manga, Wonder Island, published in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1978, met with limited success. However, Toriyama persisted, and in 1980, he achieved widespread acclaim with the comedic masterpiece Dr. Slump, earning him prestigious manga awards.
In 1984, Toriyama introduced the world to his magnum opus, Dragon Ball, a cultural phenomenon that transcended borders and generations. Spanning 519 chapters over 11 years, Dragon Ball captivated audiences with its captivating blend of martial arts, adventure, and humor. The series spawned numerous adaptations, including anime series, films, and video games, solidifying Toriyama’s status as one of Japan’s most celebrated manga artists.
Despite the immense success of Dragon Ball, Toriyama remained humble and private, often using a cyborg avatar named Robotoriyama to represent himself. He married fellow manga artist Yoshimi Katō in 1982 and maintained a discreet personal life while nurturing his creative endeavors.
In addition to Dragon Ball, Toriyama contributed to several film adaptations, including Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods and Dragon Ball Super: Broly, showcasing his enduring dedication to his beloved franchise. His impact on popular culture and the manga industry is immeasurable, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of artists and fans worldwide.
Akira Toriyama’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on through his timeless creations and the indelible mark he has left on the hearts and minds of millions. As fans mourn the loss of a visionary artist, they will forever cherish the vibrant world of Dragon Ball and the enduring spirit of its creator, whose imagination knew no bounds.
