In a somber turn of events, Akira Toriyama, the brilliant mind behind Dragon Ball, one of the most influential and best-selling Japanese comics, has passed away at the age of 68.
On Friday, Toriyama’s studio revealed that he succumbed to an acute subdural hematoma, a severe form of brain bleeding. The news has cast a shadow over the global fanbase of Dragon Ball, a series that has not only dominated the comic scene but also transcended into cartoons and films.
Debuting in 1984, the Dragon Ball comic series has etched its place in the hearts of fans worldwide. The narrative revolves around Son Goku, a young protagonist on a quest to gather magical dragon balls to protect Earth from the threat posed by alien humanoids known as Saiyans.
Despite Toriyama’s prolific career, marked by the introduction of Dr. Slump in the early 1980s, it is Dragon Ball that stands as his magnum opus. The series remains incomplete at the time of his demise, leaving fans in a state of mourning.
On March 1st, Toriyama bid farewell to the mortal realm, with only close family and a handful of friends attending his funeral, as stated by the Dragon Ball website. Fans flooded social media with tributes, expressing gratitude for the characters that became an integral part of their childhood.
“He leaves behind a legacy of manga titles and artistic masterpieces,” notes his studio, reflecting on Toriyama’s immense contributions to the world of storytelling. Despite his untimely departure, the hope is that the unique universe he crafted will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
Born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1955, Toriyama’s journey into the world of comics began with Dr. Slump. However, it was Dragon Ball that catapulted him to international fame. The character Son Goku’s evolution from a martial arts novice to a formidable hero resonated with fans worldwide, mirroring their own struggles with self-doubt on the path to adulthood.
Dragon Ball’s influence transcends linguistic barriers, with its cartoon version dubbed in numerous languages. Action figures depicting its iconic characters are not just a commodity in Japan but also find a prominent place in toy stores across China and Southeast Asia.
In a 2013 interview with Asahi, Toriyama expressed bewilderment at Dragon Ball’s global success. Describing it as a personal miracle, he remarked, “All I ever wanted was to please boys in Japan.” The series, he believed, played a role in overcoming his own challenges and gaining acceptance in society.
As fans bid farewell to the visionary creator, the spirit of Dragon Ball lives on, weaving tales of courage, growth, and resilience that continue to inspire generations globally.
