
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.