Akira Toriyama's passing leaves Dragon Ball enthusiasts mourning

The world of manga and anime mourns the loss of a true icon, as Akira Toriyama, the renowned creator of the beloved Dragon Ball franchise, has passed away at the age of 68. The news was announced in a heartfelt statement released by his production studio on Friday.

Toriyama, the visionary artist behind Dragon Ball, a media phenomenon that introduced Japanese manga to global audiences, breathed his last on March 1 due to an acute subdural hematoma, according to the statement.

Dragon Ball, which first graced the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 1984, follows the adventures of the protagonist Son Goku as he embarks on a martial arts journey, seeking the seven mystical Dragon Balls and the wish-granting dragon they summon. The franchise remains one of the most successful and influential in the industry, with the manga selling an astonishing 260 million copies worldwide and spawning numerous anime series, video games, and a live-action movie adaptation.

Toriyama's creative genius extended beyond Dragon Ball, with his works spanning over 45 years and including renowned titles such as Dr. Slump, Sand Land, and the character designs for the iconic Dragon Quest video game series. The impact of his passing was felt in the financial markets as well, with shares in Toei Animation Co., the producer of the Dragon Ball animated films, experiencing a dip of up to 4.4%.

Reactions to Toriyama's Death: An Outpouring of Tributes

News of Toriyama's death unleashed a wave of heartfelt condolences and tributes from fellow artists and fans alike, many of whom grew up immersed in the world he created.

"Toriyama showed the world that 'manga can be enjoyed by both children and adults,'" wrote Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the renowned One Piece series, while Masashi Kishimoto, the mind behind Naruto, expressed his gratitude, saying, "I wanted to make manga like yours! I wanted to be like you!"

This Dragon Ball Super outro feels like the perfect tribute to Akira Toriyama.

I'm so sad.. thank you so, so much Akira Toriyama. Thank you for everything you gave to us.

The magic, the wonder, everything. pic.twitter.com/EQSe3i6C4v

— Deion | SeeReax (@SeeReax) March 8, 2024

The official X handle of Goku, the iconic Dragon Ball character, paid tribute in true Dragon Ball fashion, stating, "Just received word from King Kai. Legendary manga creator and the father of Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama, has passed through the Other World Check-In Station."

Fans of the franchise took to social media to express their grief and share fond memories. One user wrote, "This Dragon Ball Super outro feels like the perfect tribute to Akira Toriyama. I'm so sad... thank you so, so much Akira Toriyama. Thank you for everything you gave to us. The magic, the wonder, everything."

Another fan lamented, "Heartbreaking that Toriyama passed before Dragon Ball Daima releases, which he was clearly so passionate about. If it's the last project he worked on, I'll treasure it even more."

As the world mourns the loss of this legendary creator, Akira Toriyama's legacy as the architect of one of the most beloved and influential manga and anime franchises will forever be etched in the hearts of fans and artists alike.