The anime and manga world lost one of the greatest creatives in the industry last week. Akira Toriyama, the legendary creator of the Dragon Ball universe, passed away at the age of 68 due to acute subdural hematoma.
Akira Toriyama and His Impact
Akira Toriyama is a well known name in the Shonen Jump manga world. He first rocketed to fame with his series titled Dr. Slump in 1980. It wasn’t until the mid 1980’s that he created the Dragon Ball universe. To this day, his Dragon Ball series is one of the most successful manga series in the world.
The Dragon Ball Universe began in 1986 with Dragon Ball. Then came Dragon Ball Z in 1989, which then came to the United States in 1996. Dragon Ball GT followed, then Dragon Ball Z Kai, with Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018) as the latest, finished iteration of the series. This year was supposed to see the release of another rendition of this universe titled Dragon Ball Daima. Not only were there several anime series, there are also numerous video games as well as films to come out of this universe.
Akira Toriyama brought to life iconic characters, such as Goku, Gohan, and Vegeta to name a few. Growing up in the 1990s meant that Dragon Ball Z was a household name for most kids. Goku taught us to never give up, even in the face of the most impossible scenario. There are themes of friendship, second chances, and rising above difficulties throughout each of the different Dragon Ball series.
Dragon Ball Z was the gateway to becoming an anime fan for so many of us who were children watching the show after school. It was impossible not to throw a dodgeball in the form of a Kamehameha. (As an adult, it’s still fun to throw things in this way.) The next generation of anime fans has also had the opportunity to grow up with Dragon Ball in the form of Dragon Ball Super. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022) was a great way for anime fan parents to share the nostalgia and joy with their kids created by the brilliant mind and hands of Akira Toriyama.
Akira Toriyama’s work has remained an inspiration across the generations. Twitter/X was flooded with posts from fans around the world who expressed their gratitude toward Akira Toriyama as well as their grief at this great loss.
Dragon Ball was my life as a kid. It was one of my first anime. THE gateway anime for me. I had every game. Every toy. It helped me bond with my first friends, who are my family now. I’m so honored to have been able to play in your world. Thank you Toriyama-sensei. Rest easy 💔. pic.twitter.com/rmXOZ4WIo9
— zeno: rip akira toriyama 🐉🏀 (@childishgamzeno) March 8, 2024
— Daman Mills (@DamanMills) March 8, 2024
It's good seeing Mexican TV shows talking about the death of Akira Toriyama knowing the influence he had on the country. Azteca 7 blew up their programming today to show a marathon of Dragon Ball movies on broadcast tv! pic.twitter.com/WpkNhuC2uB
— Linkabel (@AbelMunizJr) March 8, 2024
Akira Toriyama's work drew a lot of inspiration for SEGA to create the Sonic the Hedgehog series. pic.twitter.com/XquZL3hNIi
— Malckie Rob (@Malckie92) March 8, 2024
Akira Toriyama created unique worlds and characters for 45 years. His legacy will live on as his work continues to inspire others. May he rest in peace.
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