Renowned Anime Creator Akira Toriyama, Best Known for Dragon Ball Series, Passes Away at 68
Iconic manga artist and creator of the beloved Dragon Ball series, Akira Toriyama, has sadly passed away at the age of 68. Toriyama, whose work has captivated audiences worldwide, died on March 1 due to a blood clot in his brain, as confirmed by his studio Bird Studio.
Toriyama’s Dragon Ball manga series, which first debuted in 1984, has become one of the best-selling and most iconic anime franchises of all time, with millions of copies sold globally. Fans and fellow creators are deeply mourning the loss of Toriyama, expressing both their sadness and gratitude for his contributions to the anime and manga world.
Eiichiro Oda, creator of One Piece, described Toriyama as a major influence on younger artists, comparing his presence to that of a “big tree” in the industry. Voice actor Chuck Huber, known for his roles in the Dragon Ball series, credited Toriyama with helping introduce anime to a global audience.
Speaking on the impact of Toriyama’s work, Mike Davis, co-owner of Blerds Underground, stated that the news of his death is devastating for the anime and manga community. Toriyama first gained recognition with his hit series Dr. Slump, which solidified his status as a celebrity in the manga world.
Dylan Massie, assistant manager of Comix Revolution Evanston, reflected on Toriyama’s prolific career and the significant influence he had on multiple generations, noting that his passing feels like the end of an era in the world of anime and manga.
“Infuriatingly humble tv expert. Friendly student. Travel fanatic. Bacon fan. Unable to type with boxing gloves on.”