Akira Toriyama, the renowned manga creator famous for the iconic "Dragon Ball" comics and anime, has passed away at the age of 68, as announced by his production team on Friday. According to a statement shared on the official X account of the "Dragon Ball" franchise, Toriyama succumbed to complications arising from an acute subdural hematoma on March 1.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss, Toriyama's Bird Studio conveyed regret that the prolific creator had several ongoing projects that he was passionately engaged in. Despite this, the statement acknowledged Toriyama's significant contributions to the world of manga and art, leaving behind a legacy of beloved works.
Recognised as one of the best-selling and most impactful manga series, "Dragon Ball" first debuted in 1984 and has since expanded into multiple anime adaptations, films, and video games. For those unaware, the story revolves around Son Goku, a young protagonist who harnesses magical dragon balls to enhance his abilities and defend Earth against various adversaries.
The news of Toriyama's passing has elicited profound mourning from the publishing industry and fellow manga creators. Publishing house Shueisha expressed deep sadness at the sudden loss, while Eiichiro Oda, creator of the popular "One Piece" franchise, lamented Toriyama's untimely departure, remarking on the immense void left by his absence.
How Did Akira Toriyama Die?
Subdural hematoma, the medical condition cited as the cause of Toriyama's demise, involves the accumulation of blood between the brain's surface and the skull, highlighting the severity of his health complications. Despite his passing, Toriyama's enduring legacy and imaginative creations are poised to continue captivating audiences for generations to come.
Akira Toriyama: A Life In Manga
Toriyama, born in Nagoya, Japan in 1955, began his artistic journey at a young age, opting out of further education to pursue his passion for drawing. Initially working at an advertising agency designing posters, Toriyama's talent soon found its way into the competitive world of manga.
At the age of 23, reports The Guardian, Toriyama made his first attempt to break into the manga industry by submitting his work to a contest held by a weekly manga magazine, albeit without success. Undeterred, he redirected his efforts towards Weekly Shōnen Jump, a publication that would later become pivotal in his career.
In 1978, Toriyama's persistence bore fruit when Weekly Shōnen Jump published his first work, Wonder Island. Although this debut and its sequel failed to resonate with readers, Toriyama remained committed to his craft. It was in 1980 that he achieved his breakthrough with the creation of Dr Slump, a comedic series featuring a robot girl navigating life's challenges.
Dr Slump's success propelled Toriyama to greater heights, earning him prestigious accolades such as the Shogakukan manga award. Additionally, the series spawned an anime adaptation, marking a significant milestone in Toriyama's career. Amidst his professional achievements, Toriyama married fellow manga artist Yoshimi Katō in 1982, maintaining a discreet personal life.
However, it was Toriyama's creation of Dragon Ball in 1984 that solidified his status as an international icon in the manga industry. Inspired by Chinese and Hong Kong action films, as well as Japanese folklore, Dragon Ball captivated audiences with its adventurous tale of Son Goku's quest for mystical orbs.
Dragon Ball's immense popularity transcended borders, spawning numerous adaptations including comic book series, television shows, films, and video games. Even after the conclusion of the original series in 1995, Toriyama remained involved in the franchise, contributing to its continued success.
Beyond the realm of manga, Toriyama's creativity extended to other ventures, including the design of an electric car released by Japan's CQ Motors in 2005. Despite his diverse interests, Toriyama's passion for storytelling endured, leading to his involvement in various Dragon Ball film adaptations in later years.
From his humble beginnings to his enduring legacy, Akira Toriyama's contributions to the world of manga and entertainment continue to inspire audiences worldwide.