TOKYO. Renowned manga artist Akira Toriyama, the creative genius behind the beloved Dragon Ball series, has passed away at the age of 68, announced his studio on Friday. Toriyama’s iconic Dragon Ball manga, which debuted in 1984, captivated audiences worldwide, spawning immensely popular animated TV shows, video games, and movies.
The prolific artist succumbed to a brain blood clot on March 1, as confirmed by Bird Studio in an official statement. Despite his untimely demise, Toriyama remained deeply engrossed in numerous ongoing projects, with much left unfulfilled, the studio lamented.
Among Toriyama’s upcoming endeavors was a new television adaptation of his 2000 desert adventure tale, “Sand Land,” slated for release on Disney+ in the upcoming spring season. Tributes and expressions of sorrow flooded social media platforms from both fellow creators and dedicated fans alike.
Eiichiro Oda, the mastermind behind the wildly successful manga “One Piece,” likened Toriyama’s influence to that of a towering tree within the artistic community, praising his ability to inspire younger talents. Oda mourned the loss, emphasizing the irreplaceable void left behind by Toriyama’s passing.
In gratitude for over four decades of unwavering support, Bird Studio extended heartfelt appreciation to Toriyama’s fans, expressing hope for the enduring legacy of his imaginative creations.
Born in 1955 in Aichi prefecture, Japan, Toriyama embarked on his manga journey with the publication of “Wonder Island” in 1978, followed by the breakout success of “Dr. Slump” in 1980. Despite achieving celebrity status, Toriyama remained humble, expressing a singular dedication to his craft.
The Dragon Ball franchise, chronicling the adventures of Son Goku in his pursuit of mystical orbs capable of granting wishes, has collectively sold an astounding 260 million copies worldwide, according to Bird Studio. Toriyama’s artistic talents extended beyond manga, as he also lent his creativity to character design for the beloved video game series, Dragon Quest.
Throughout his illustrious career, Toriyama received numerous accolades, including France’s prestigious Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, cementing his indelible mark on the global cultural landscape.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
