"Dragon Ball Z" Creator And Manga Pioneer Akira Toriyama Dies At 68

BYTallie Spencer1.9K Views
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Akira Toriyama Dragon Ball Z graphic portrait seen during
BARCELONA, SPAIN - 2019/11/29: Akira Toriyama Dragon Ball Z graphic portrait seen during the festival.The NiceOne Barcelona Gaming & Digital Experiences Festival dedicated to the video game industry and virtual reality takes place at the Gran Vía fairgrounds from Nov 28 to Dec 1, 2019. (Photo by Paco Freire/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Rest in peace to the legend.

The world of anime and manga was plunged into mourning with the tragic passing of Akira Toriyama. He is the creative genius behind the iconic "Dragon Ball" series. Toriyama, aged 68, succumbed to a serious brain injury, leaving behind a legacy that has captivated audiences worldwide. The official Dragon Ball website released a statement, confirming the heartbreaking news. "Dear Friends and Partners, we are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st due to acute subdural hematoma. He was in age of 68."

Moreover, this announcement sent shockwaves through the anime community. Fans grappled with the loss of a visionary storyteller whose imagination knew no bounds. Toriyama's impact on the world of manga and anime cannot be overstated. Born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1955, he embarked on his illustrious career with the creation of the beloved manga series "Dr. Slump" in 1980. However, it was his subsequent creation, "Dragon Ball," that catapulted him to legendary status. "Dragon Ball" became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its epic battles, vibrant characters, and rich storytelling. There was even a time where Big Sean geeked out about meeting Goku's voice actor.

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Akira Toriyama's Legacy Lives On

Furthermore, Toriyama's boundless creativity breathed life into a fantastical world inhabited by iconic characters that have become ingrained in pop culture. The announcement of Toriyama's passing spread across social media. Fans and fellow creators alike paying tribute to his contributions to the show. Many expressed gratitude for the mark he left on their lives, with one fan posting, "We have lost a true visionary, but his legacy will live on forever." The manga and anime culture has undoubtedly left a mark on hip-hop culture as well. For example, just last year, Lil Baby teamed up with Axe to create a manga called Shōnen Baby.

Despite the somber news, the statement from the Dragon Ball website ended on a hopeful note: "We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come." Indeed, Toriyama's legacy will endure through his timeless creations, inspiring future generations of artists and storytellers to dream big and push the boundaries of imagination. As the anime community mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars, Akira Toriyama's spirit lives on in the pages of "Dragon Ball" and in the hearts of fans around the world. Though he may no longer walk among us, his legacy as a master storyteller and visionary artist will forever remain etched in history.

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About The Author
@TallieSpencer is a music journalist based in Los Angeles, CA. She loves concerts, festivals, and traveling the world.