Legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama, best known for creating the popular Dragon Ball series, has died at the age of 68. The news was confirmed by his publisher, Shueisha, on March 7, 2024.
Toriyama was born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1955. He began his career as a manga artist in the early 1980s, and his first major success was the series Dr. Slump, which ran from 1980 to 1984.
In 1984, Toriyama began work on Dragon Ball, which would go on to become one of the most popular and influential manga series of all time. The series follows the adventures of Goku, a Saiyan alien who trains to become a martial arts master. Dragon Ball was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from 1984 to 1995, and it has been adapted into numerous anime television series, movies, and video games.
Toriyama’s other notable works include the manga series Chrono Trigger and Cowa!, as well as character designs for the Dragon Quest video game series.
Toriyama’s death is a major loss for the manga and anime industry. He was a talented artist and storyteller who created some of the most beloved characters and stories of all time. His work will continue to inspire and entertain fans for generations to come.
Tributes pour in for Akira Toriyama
Following the news of Toriyama’s death, fans and friends from around the world have taken to social media to pay tribute to the legendary artist.
«Akira Toriyama was a true master of his craft,» wrote Dragon Ball voice actor Sean Schemmel on Twitter. «His work has brought joy to millions of people around the world, and he will be deeply missed.»
«Toriyama-sensei was a huge inspiration to me,» wrote manga artist Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto. «His work was always so full of energy and humor, and it really helped to shape my own style.»
«Thank you for everything, Toriyama-sensei,» wrote Dragon Ball fan and YouTuber Rhymestyle. «Your work has changed my life, and I will never forget it.»
Akira Toriyama’s legacy
Akira Toriyama was a true pioneer of the manga and anime industry. His work helped to popularize the shonen genre of manga, and his characters and stories have become some of the most iconic in all of popular culture.
Toriyama’s legacy will continue to live on for generations to come. His work will continue to inspire and entertain fans, and his characters will continue to be beloved by people of all ages.
