On March 1st,Toriyama passed away at 68 from an acute subdural hematoma, according toDragon Ball’sX account.
Classics likeOne PieceandNarutoboth show obvious influence fromDragon Ballwith epic transformations and dynamic action.
Dragon Ball’soriginal manga ran from 1984 - 1995.
In a post onDragon BallpublisherShueisha’swebsite, a handful of Toriyama’s friends gave tributes to the acclaimed creator.
The hole is too big.
Sadness washes over me when I think that I will never see him again.
I also remember the last conversation we had.
He showed us the dream that manga can go worldwide.
It was like watching a hero going forward.
I even felt being scary.
But I am just happy to see the aloof man himself again.
Because we love him on a blood level.
With respect and gratitude for the creative world he has left behind.
I pray for his soulful rest in peace.
May heaven be the joyous world he envisioned.
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
Even if I had a bad experience, watching Dragon Ball every week made me forget about it.
It was a relief for me, a country boy who had nothing.
Because Dragon Ball was really fun!
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
I felt an incredible sense of loss and didn’t know what to look forward to.
I also want to create works like yours!
I want to be like my teacher!
Because making comics was fun.
I was able to find new fun by following my teacher.
My teacher has always been my guide.
I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to express my gratitude to the teacher.
For me, he was the god of salvation and the god of manga.
When we met for the first time, I was so nervous that I couldn’t say a word.
However, after meeting him many times at the Tezuka Prize screening committee, we became able to talk.
I have just received the news of the death of my teacher.
I feel an even greater sense of loss than when Dragon Ball ended…
I still don’t know how to deal with this hole in my heart.
Now I can’t even read my favorite Dragon Ball.
Everyone around the world was still looking forward to seeing your work.
Thank you, Akira Toriyama-sensei, for all of your enjoyable works over the past 45 years.
And thank you very much for your hard work.
We are sure that the remaining family members are still deeply hurt.
c’mon take care of yourself.
I pray that Mr. Akira Toriyama rests in peace.
All chapters ofDragon Ballare available on Manga Plus.
Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan.
It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide.
These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together.
