Manga and anime fans are mourning the loss of a legendary creator. Akira Toriyama, the mastermind behind the iconic series Dragon Ball, has passed away at the age of 68. The news was announced through a post on Dragon Ball’s official Twitter account, leaving fans across the globe in shock and sadness.
Fans and loved ones are sad about the loss of this amazing artist. Messages of sympathy and memories are coming from all over the world, showing how much Toriyama meant to people.
On March 1st, Toriyama died at 68 from a serious head injury, according to Dragon Ball’s X account. The post also mentions that a small funeral has taken place with Toriyama’s close family. Fans are asked not to send flowers or gifts.
Unfortunately, it seems Toriyama had many projects in progress when he passed away. This includes his work on the Dragon Ball Super manga and his involvement with the upcoming Dragon Ball: DAIMA anime.
Akira Toriyama: A Legacy That Lasts Forever
Though Dragon Ball is Toriyama’s most famous work, he was known for many other projects too. From Sand Land, to Dragon Quest, to Chrono Trigger, Toriyama’s unique art style is loved by fans of manga, anime, and video games everywhere.
What made Toriyama such a great manga creator (and helped Dragon Ball become so popular) was how he mixed action and comedy perfectly. Even though Dragon Ball and Sand Land have lots of amazing action, Toriyama’s funny side is what shines through in his work. This humor, along with his amazing art and how he laid out the pages, is what made his manga so special and kept fans hooked.
Information ; Dear Friends and Partnershttps://t.co/85dXseckzJ pic.twitter.com/aHlx8CGA2M
— DRAGON BALL OFFICIAL (@DB_official_en) March 8, 2024
Dragon Ball: A Timeless Icon in Anime & Manga
Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball had a big impact on other famous series. One Piece and Naruto, for example, clearly show Dragon Ball’s influence with their big transformations and exciting fights.
It seems the admiration was mutual because there’s a cool Easter Egg from One Piece in Dragon Ball Super. Even newer shows like My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, and One-Punch Man are still getting ideas from Toriyama’s awesome work.
In a message on Shueisha’s website, a few of Toriyama’s friends shared their thoughts on the famous creator. One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda wrote a touching message. Here’s what he said, translated by Reddit user Death_Usagi:
“It is too early.
The hole is too big. Sadness washes over me when I think that I will never see him again.
I have admired him so much since I was a child, so I remember the day he called me by name for the first time. On the way home from the day you used the word “friend” for me and Kishimoto, I remember being overjoyed with Kishimoto. I also remember the last conversation we had.
I was one of those who took the baton from the days when reading manga made you a fool, and he also created an era when both adults and children could enjoy reading manga. He showed us the dream that manga can go worldwide. It was like watching a hero going forward.
For not only mangakas but also creators in various industries, the excitement and emotion of the time of Dragon Ball serialization must have taken root in their childhood.His existence is like a big tree.
For the manga artists of our generation who stood on the same stage, Toriyama’s works became more and more important to me as I got closer to the same stage. I even felt being scary. But I am just happy to see the aloof man himself again. Because we love him on a blood level.
With respect and gratitude for the creative world he has left behind. I pray for his soulful rest in peace.
May heaven be the joyous world he envisioned.”
Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto also shared a heartfelt tribute to the late legend. Here’s what he said:
“Honestly, I don’t know what to write or how to write about something so sudden.
However, for now, I would like to express my thoughts and feelings to Toriyama-sensei, something I wish he would have asked me someday.
I grew up with Dr. Slump in the lower grades of elementary school and Dragon Ball in the upper grades, and it was natural for me to have his manga next to me as part of my life.
Even if I had a bad experience, watching Dragon Ball every week made me forget about it. It was a relief for me, a country boy who had nothing.
Because Dragon Ball was really fun!
It was when I was a university student that suddenly, the Dragon Ball that had been a part of my life for so many years ended.
I felt an incredible sense of loss and didn’t know what to look forward to.
But at the same time, it was also an opportunity for me to truly understand the greatness of the teacher who created Dragon Ball.
I also want to create works like yours!
I want to be like my teacher!
As I followed in my teacher’s footsteps and aspired to become a manga artist, that feeling of loss began to disappear.
Because making comics was fun.
I was able to find new fun by following my teacher.
My teacher has always been my guide.
I admired it.
I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to express my gratitude to the teacher.
For me, he was the god of salvation and the god of manga.
When we met for the first time, I was so nervous that I couldn’t say a word.
However, after meeting him many times at the Tezuka Prize screening committee, we became able to talk.
As Dragon Ball children, I and Mr. Oda went back to being children again, and when we talked excitedly about how much Dragon Ball was fun, as if we were competing with each other, I forgot how he looked a little shy and smiled. I can’t.
I have just received the news of the death of my teacher.
I feel an even greater sense of loss than when Dragon Ball ended…
I still don’t know how to deal with this hole in my heart.
Now I can’t even read my favorite Dragon Ball.
I don’t feel like I’ve been able to properly write this sentence that I want to convey to my teacher.
Everyone around the world was still looking forward to seeing your work.
If Dragon Ball’s one wish really comes true…I’m sorry…
Maybe that’s selfish, but it’s sad, sensei.
Thank you, Akira Toriyama-sensei, for all of your enjoyable works over the past 45 years.
And thank you very much for your hard work.
We are sure that the remaining family members are still deeply hurt.
Please take care of yourself.
I pray that Mr. Akira Toriyama rests in peace.”
Not many manga creators are as big as Toriyama, and his passing is a big loss for creators and fans everywhere. Dragon Ball will always be one of the best manga ever, keeping Toriyama’s legacy alive forever as one of the greatest manga creator.
