Akira Toriyama, the Japanese artist best known for his Dragon Ball comics, has died. Akira passed away on March 1 from an acute subdural hematoma. He was 68 years old.
Toriyam’s death was announced in a statement given by the Dragon Ball franchise’s official social media account.
“We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st due to acute subdural hematoma,” reads the text of the post.
“It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more things to achieve,” reads the statement.
“He has left many manga titles and works of art to this world. Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.”
Akira was a well-known figure in the Manga community, and his comic series Dragon Ball is one of the best-selling titles
Akira was a well-known figure in the Manga community, and his comic series Dragon Ball is one of the best-selling titles that became a global sensation.
The comic series launched in 1984 and featured the adventures of a youngster named Son Goku in his quest to acquire the mythical Dragon balls that would boost his power and help him fight evil. Akira rose to prominence in the comic series Dr. Slump before joining Dragon Ball.
Dragon Ball was Akira’s most well-known and beloved work, yet it grew into a global phenomenon that transcended decades. It has been adapted into a variety of media, including anime series, live-action films, and video games.
Soon after Akira’s death was confirmed, condolences to the pioneer began pouring in.
Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the Japanese manga series One Piece, condoled the demise, adding, ”It is too early. The hole is too big. Sadness washes over me when I think that I will never see him again. I have admired him so much since I was a child.May heaven be the joyous world just as you envisioned it.”
Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto said in a statement, “I just received the news of Sensei’s passing. I feel a tremendous sense of loss, more than when Dragon Ball ended… I still don’t know how to deal with this hole in my heart. I can’t even read Dragon Ball, which I love. I pray that Akira Toriyama-sensei may rest in peace.”
Millions of followers paid passionate respect to Toriyama and the legacy he left behind.
One person said, ”RIP to Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragonball Z; he was 68 years old. This one truly hurts. This guy is responsible for introducing so many people to anime. Dragonball was one of the first anime I ever watched. “A legend that we will never forget.”
Another wrote, ”Akira Toriyama dying feels like entire World just broke. The Dragon Ball universe has altered so many of our lives and will change millions to come. Words can not describe the magnitude of his impact. Legend in every sense. The greatest of all time. RIP to the GOAT.”
