TOKYO — Akira Toriyama, the creator of the best-selling Dragon Ball and other popular anime who influenced Japanese comics, has died, his studio said Friday. He was 68.
Toriyama’s Dragon Ball manga series, which started in 1984, is an international million-seller that also turned into hugely popular anime series, video games and films.
Toriyama died March 1 of a blood clot in his brain, his production office Bird Studio said in a statement.
“It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm,” the studio said. “He would have had many more things to achieve. However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world.”
The office thanked his fans for their support of his creative activities for over 45 years. “We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.”
Born in the Aichi prefecture in central Japan in 1955, Toriyama debuted in 1978 in the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. His Dr Slump series that started in 1980 became a huge hit, elevating him to a best-selling young comic artist.
Dragon Ball, the story of a boy Son Goku and his adventure in search of seven magical balls to make his wishes come true, has sold 260 million copies altogether, according to the studio.
Toriyama also designed the characters for the video game series Dragon Quest. He also received manga and art award in and outside Japan, including the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters from France in 2019.
Akira Toriyama, the legendary manga artist and creator of the iconic series ‘Dragon Ball’, has passed away at the age of 68. The news of his death has sent shockwaves through the anime and manga community, as fans around the world mourn the loss of a true visionary.
Toriyama’s career in the world of manga began in the late 1970s, when he first gained recognition for his work on the series ‘Dr. Slump’. However, it was his creation of ‘Dragon Ball’ in 1984 that truly solidified his place in manga history. The series followed the adventures of Goku, a young warrior with incredible strength and a pure heart, as he journeyed to become the strongest fighter in the world.
‘Dragon Ball’ quickly became a cultural phenomenon, spawning numerous anime adaptations, movies, video games, and merchandise. The series’ impact on popular culture cannot be overstated, as it introduced millions of fans to the world of anime and inspired countless other creators to pursue their own artistic endeavors.
Toriyama’s unique art style, dynamic fight scenes, and memorable characters have left an indelible mark on the world of manga and anime. His influence can be seen in countless other series, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists and storytellers.
In addition to his work on ‘Dragon Ball’, Toriyama also created several other successful manga series, including ‘Dr. Slump’, ‘Sand Land’, and ‘Cowa!’. He was known for his quirky sense of humor, imaginative world-building, and ability to create compelling characters that resonated with audiences of all ages.
Toriyama’s passing is a profound loss for the manga community, but his work will continue to live on and inspire fans for generations to come. His contributions to the world of manga and anime have left an indelible mark on popular culture, and his legacy will be remembered fondly by fans around the world.
As we mourn the loss of a true creative genius, let us celebrate the incredible body of work that Akira Toriyama has left behind. His impact on the world of manga and anime is immeasurable, and his influence will continue to shape the industry for years to come. Rest in peace, Akira Toriyama. You will be dearly missed.
