Akira Toriyama, the highly influential Japanese manga artist behind the iconic franchise “Dragon Ball,” passed away on March 1 at the age of 68.
Toriyama’s legacy is celebrated by the official “Dragon Ball” website, acknowledging his ongoing creative projects and the impact he had on the manga and anime industry worldwide.
Starting with the success of “Dr. Slump,” Toriyama’s true masterpiece was “Dragon Ball,” a series that transcended borders and became a cultural phenomenon globally, popularizing manga to new audiences everywhere.
Beyond “Dragon Ball,” Toriyama’s talent extended to diverse projects, from one-shot manga to character designs for video games like “Chrono Trigger” and the “Dragon Quest” series.
In recent years, Toriyama made a comeback to “Dragon Ball,” overseeing key aspects of the franchise’s films, demonstrating his enduring dedication to the beloved series until the very end.
The world mourns the loss of Akira Toriyama, a creative genius whose unique imagination has left an indelible mark on popular culture. His incredible contributions will be cherished for generations to come.
