Akira Toriyama creator of Dragon Ball series passed away
Akira Toriyama, the visionary artist behind the iconic Dragon Ball series, passed away at the age of 68 due to an acute subdural hematoma.
Dragon Ball’s Global Impact
Debuting in 1984 in Weekly Shonen Jump, Dragon Ball became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide with the martial arts exploits of its protagonist, Son Goku. The series, known for its seven magical orbs and wish-granting dragon, boasts over 260 million manga copies sold globally, solidifying its status as one of the most successful media franchises.
Prolific Career and Contributions
Akira Toriyama’s creative legacy spans over 45 years, encompassing not only Dragon Ball but also other notable works like Dr. Slump, Sand Land, and character designs for the Dragon Quest video games. The news of his passing led to a 4.4% decline in shares for Toei Animation Co., the studio responsible for producing animated Dragon Ball films.
Condolences from the Artistic Community
Fellow manga artists, including Eiichiro Oda (One Piece) and Masashi Kishimoto (Naruto), expressed heartfelt condolences. Oda highlighted Toriyama’s groundbreaking impact on making manga enjoyable for both children and adults, while Kishimoto credited Toriyama’s stories as a major influence on his own path to becoming a manga artist.
Fan Tributes and Reflections
Devastated fans took to social media to share their condolences and reflect on Akira’s influence. Some expressed gratitude for the magic and wonder he brought to their lives, with one fan noting the bittersweet anticipation of Dragon Ball Daima, Akira’s final project.
In the wake of Akira’s passing, the world pays homage to a creative genius whose legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of fans and fellow artists alike.
A statement shared on the X account, formerly Twitter, of the official “Dragon Ball” franchise revealed.
https://twitter.com/DB_official_en/status/1765935471971213816
