Akira Toriyama, the legendary manga artist and creator of the iconic series Dragon Ball, passed away on March 5, 2024, at the age of 68. He died of natural causes at his home in Nagoya, Japan, surrounded by his family and friends. Toriyama was one of the most influential and successful manga artists of all time, whose work inspired generations of fans and creators across the world.
Akira Toriyama: The Legendary Creator of Dragon Ball
Toriyama was born on April 5, 1955, in Kiyosu, Aichi, Japan. He showed an interest in drawing from an early age, and was influenced by manga artists such as Osamu Tezuka and Walt Disney. He started his career as an advertising illustrator, but soon switched to manga after winning a contest in the magazine Weekly Shonen Jump in 1978. His first serialized work was Dr. Slump, a comedy series about a robot girl and her inventor, which ran from 1980 to 1984 and won him the Shogakukan Manga Award.
However, Toriyama’s most famous and popular work was Dragon Ball, a martial arts adventure series that followed the exploits of Son Goku, a monkey-tailed boy who searched for the seven mystical Dragon Balls that could grant any wish. The series ran from 1984 to 1995, and spanned 42 volumes, 519 chapters, and over 10,000 pages. It was adapted into two anime series, Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, as well as several movies, spin-offs, video games, and merchandise. Dragon Ball is widely regarded as one of the best-selling and most influential manga series of all time, with over 300 million copies sold worldwide and a huge cultural impact.
Toriyama’s Influential Work in Anime and Gaming
Toriyama’s work was not limited to manga and anime. He also contributed to the fields of video games and character design, lending his distinctive style and imagination to various projects. Some of his most notable works include:
- Dragon Ball and its Impact: Toriyama’s Dragon Ball series revolutionized the shonen genre, setting the standard for action, comedy, and storytelling. It introduced memorable characters, such as Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Bulma, Krillin, and many others, who became icons of pop culture. It also featured epic battles, transformations, power-ups, and techniques, such as the Kamehameha, the Spirit Bomb, and the Super Saiyan. Dragon Ball influenced countless manga and anime series, such as Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, Hunter x Hunter, and My Hero Academia, as well as Western media, such as Star Wars, Marvel, and DC.
- Character Designs for Chrono Trigger and Dragon Quest: Toriyama also collaborated with some of the most renowned video game developers in Japan, such as Square Enix and Bandai Namco. He provided the character designs for the classic RPG Chrono Trigger, which was released in 1995 and is considered one of the best games of all time. He also designed the characters for the long-running Dragon Quest series, which started in 1986 and is one of the most popular and successful RPG franchises in the world.
The Legacy of Akira Toriyama
Toriyama’s legacy is immense and undeniable. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest manga artists and storytellers of all time, whose work transcended the boundaries of genre, medium, and culture. Some of the aspects of his legacy are:
- Popularity in Manga and Anime: Toriyama’s manga and anime works are among the most popular and beloved in the history of the medium. His series have sold millions of copies, won numerous awards, and received critical acclaim. His fans span across different generations, genders, and backgrounds, and have formed a loyal and passionate community. His works have also been translated into various languages and distributed across the world, reaching a global audience.
- Global Reach and Fan Base: Toriyama’s work has also had a significant impact on the global perception and appreciation of manga and anime. His series have introduced many people to the medium, and have inspired them to explore more of its diversity and richness. His work has also influenced many creators and artists, both in Japan and abroad, who have drawn inspiration from his style, themes, and characters. His work has also been referenced and parodied in various forms of media, such as movies, TV shows, comics, and music.
Remembering Akira Toriyama: A Beloved Creator
Toriyama’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief, gratitude, and admiration from his fans and colleagues. Many have expressed their condolences, shared their memories, and paid tribute to his work and legacy. Some of the reactions include:
- Tributes and Reactions From Fans and Colleagues: Toriyama’s fans and colleagues have taken to social media and other platforms to express their sadness and respect for the creator. Some of the notable messages include:
- Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the news of Toriyama-sensei’s passing. He was my idol and mentor, and his work was the reason I became a manga artist. I owe him everything. Thank you for the amazing adventures, Toriyama-sensei. You will always be in my heart.”
- Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, wrote: “Toriyama-sensei was a legend and a genius. His work was full of humor, action, and emotion, and it inspired me and countless others to pursue our dreams. He was the king of manga, and I will always look up to him. Rest in peace, Toriyama-sensei. You are the best.”
- Akio Iyoku, the editor-in-chief of V Jump and the head of the Dragon Ball Room, wrote: “Toriyama-sensei was a visionary and a master. He created a masterpiece that transcended time and space, and touched the lives of millions of people. He was also a kind and generous person, who always supported and encouraged us. We are honored and grateful to have worked with him. We will continue to cherish and celebrate his work, and to carry on his spirit. Farewell, Toriyama-sensei. You are our hero.”
- Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, wrote: “Toriyama-sensei was a friend and a collaborator. He was a brilliant artist and a storyteller, who brought life and personality to his characters. He was also a fun and humble person, who always had a smile on his face. He was a joy to work with, and I learned a lot from him. I will miss him dearly. Thank you for everything, Toriyama-sensei. You are a legend.”
Conclusion
Akira Toriyama was a remarkable creator, who left behind a legacy that will endure for generations. He was the creator of Dragon Ball, one of the most influential and successful manga and anime series of all time. He was also a prolific and versatile artist, who contributed to various fields of video games and character design. He was a beloved and respected figure, who inspired and entertained millions of fans and creators across the world. He was a legend, and he will be remembered.
