The internationally beloved artist, who left a permanent mark on the manga and anime industry after a legendary career spanning over 45 years, passed away on March 1 of an acute subdural hematoma.
Manga artist and Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1 of an acute subdural hematoma, revealed the official Dragon Ball website on Thursday. He was 68.
“He has left many manga titles and works of art to this world. Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years,” a statement on the website said.
The statement continued, “We hope that the world of Akira Toriyama’s unique works will continue to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.”
Toriyama was born in Japan on April 5, 1955, and began his career as a mangaka in his early 20s. His first work, Wonder Island, was published in 1978, which was quickly followed by Wonder Island 2 in 1979. He earned his big break with the manga Dr. Slump, which was serialized by Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1980 to 1984 and was later adapted into an anime series by Toei Animation.
Already considered quite successful, Toriyama then created the Dragon Boy series in the early 1980s, later evolving into Dragon Ball manga, which he created, penned, and illustrated in 1984. The series sold over 150 million copies in Japan and became one of the best-selling mangas of all time. The series enthralled audiences again when it was adapted into the popular anime series by Toei Animation in the late 1980s, leading him to become one of Japan’s most-loved creators.
By the 1990s, the Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z animated series had spread worldwide, making Toriyama a beloved international success.
The Dragon Ball franchise has continued to delight audiences with its sequels, video games, manga, anime, and novels.
A funeral was quietly held for Toriyama’s family and relatives prior to the sad announcement. The Dragon Ball team requests that fans do not send flowers, condolences gifts, or offerings, nor contact or visit the family.
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