The Anime and Manga Community Honors the Legacy of the Legendary Akira Toriyama

Summary

  • Akira Toriyama passed away at the age of 68 due to acute subdural hemorrhage.
  • Anime and manga creators such as the Weekly Shonen Jump, Eiichiro Oda, and Masashi Kishimoto are paying tribute.

While otakus were busy celebrating the new ‘Dragon Ball Daima’ series, they received the most distressing news. Akira Toriyama, the beloved mangaka and creator of ‘Dragon Ball,’ passed away at the age of 68 due to acute subdural hemorrhage.

His manga studio announced the news, and fans are in mourning. This unexpected loss is hard to believe, especially since Toriyama recently celebrated the success of his Sand Land series.

Akira Toriyama has left an unforgettable legacy worldwide. Anime and manga creators such as the Weekly Shonen Jump, Eiichiro Oda, and Masashi Kishimoto are paying tribute to the esteemed manga author.

From The Shounen Jump Editorial Team:

“Akira Toriyama, creator of popular manga such as Dr. Slump, Dragon Ball, and Sand Land, has passed away, leaving the Shueisha Editorial Department deeply saddened. His works have been loved and read worldwide and have influenced many manga authors and creators. We express our gratitude to him for his great achievements and pray for his soul to rest in peace.”

From Horii (Dragon Quest):

“I am saddened by the sudden and unexpected news of Toriyama-san’s passing. He was a dear friend and collaborator on Dragon Quest, and his character designs have been an integral part of the game’s history for over 37 years. The loss of Toriyama-san is truly heartbreaking.”

From Oda (One Piece):

“It feels like it’s too soon. The hole he left in my heart is too large to fill. I have admired him since my childhood. He showed me the wonders of manga and created an era where both adults and children could enjoy it together. His presence was always awe-inspiring. I hope that heaven will be the pleasant world he envisioned for us all.”

From Kishimoto (Naruto):

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Akira Toriyama-sensei’s passing. His manga, particularly Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball, were an integral part of my childhood and provided solace in difficult times. When Dragon Ball ended, I felt a sense of loss, but it was also an opportunity to understand Toriyama-sensei’s greatness and aspire to be like him. I admired him and will always be grateful for his work. May he rest in peace.”

Toyotarō, the author who took on the Dragon Ball Super manga series mantle, paid his respects to Toriyama-sensei. “I drew manga because I wanted to be praised by Toriyama-sensei. He was everything to me,” he said.

Other creators, including Toei Animation and its CEO, Aoni Production, the cast of Vegeta and Piccolo, and the first singer of the Dragon Ball Series have all paid their respects to the passing of the mangaka.

It’s difficult to believe that such an inspiring person is no longer with us, and the news has left everyone feeling incredulous. Nevertheless, his legacy will continue to live on through his works and inspire generations to come.

About Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama’s brainchild, came into existence in 1984. It has spawned several manga, anime, films, and other media adaptations.

The initial series follows Son Goku and his adventures when he was a child. It is here that we are first introduced to Goku as he meets Bulma, Yamcha, and others.

He trains in martial arts and participates in the World Martial Arts Championship for the first time in this series.

Source: Dragon Ball Website, Shonen Jump website, Toyotarō’s Twitter

Aaheli Pradhan

Aaheli Pradhan

A grandma by heart who loves to knit, sketch, and swing in parks. Binge-reads a massive amount of manga from psychological to shounen-ai. Either awkward or salty, there's no in-between.

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