Akira Toriyama, the renowned Japanese manga artist known for creating the iconic 'Dragon Ball' franchise, passed away on March 1 at the age of 68 due to an acute subdural hematoma. The official 'Dragon Ball' website confirmed his death, expressing deep regret that he had several works in progress and much left to achieve.
Toriyama first gained recognition in the manga industry with the success of 'Dr. Slump' in the late '70s, which earned him a Shogakukan Manga Award in 1981. However, it was 'Dragon Ball,' a series that debuted in 1984, that truly solidified his legacy. The manga became a global phenomenon, selling millions of copies and popularizing manga worldwide.
Despite his success with 'Dragon Ball,' Toriyama continued to work on other projects, including one-shot manga runs and character designs for video games like 'Chrono Trigger' and the 'Dragon Quest' series. In the 2010s, he returned to 'Dragon Ball,' contributing to the screenplay of 'Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods' and staying involved in subsequent film adaptations.
Toriyama's impact on the manga and anime industry is immeasurable, with his unique creative vision captivating audiences for over four decades. His contributions to the medium will continue to be cherished by fans around the world.
A private funeral service has already taken place for Toriyama's family. He is survived by his wife, Yoshimi Kato, and their two children.
