Beloved Manga Creator Akira Toriyama Passes Away at 68

Akira Toriyama, the beloved creator of Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, has passed away at the age of 68. His iconic manga and characters have left an indelible mark on the world of manga and beyond.

Remembering Akira Toriyama: A Beloved Manga Creator

Akira Toriyama, the beloved creator of Dragon Ball, Dr. Slump, and many more classic manga, has passed away at the age of 68 from an acute subdural hematoma. His unique characters and imaginative storytelling have left an indelible mark on the world of manga and beyond.

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Toriyama’s journey as a manga artist began with humble beginnings. Inspired by works such as One Hundred and One Dalmatians and Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy, Toriyama’s artistic talent blossomed from a young age.

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In 1978, Toriyama’s first professional work, Wonder Island, was published, but it didn’t find much success. However, he didn’t let this discourage him. He continued to hone his craft and released Tomato the Cutesy Gumshoe in 1979, which was well-received by readers.

The Rise of Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball

In 1980, Toriyama created his most famous work, Dr. Slump. This manga followed the adventures of a naive robot named Arale Norimaki and her inventor, Senbei Norimaki. The series quickly gained popularity and was adapted into an anime, running for 243 episodes along with specials and films.

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However, it was Dragon Ball, created in 1984, that truly catapulted Toriyama to fame. This manga, inspired by martial arts films, combined comedy and action as young Goku embarked on a quest to find the mystical Dragon Balls. Dragon Ball became an instant hit, helping Weekly Shōnen Jump reach over 6 million sales per week. The series has sold over 260 million collected editions worldwide and remains one of the best-selling manga series of all time.

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The Enduring Legacy of Akira Toriyama

Akira Toriyama’s creations have had a profound impact on fans and fellow creators worldwide. His iconic characters and compelling stories continue to captivate audiences across generations.

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Dragon Ball’s success expanded beyond manga, with multiple anime series, including Dragon Ball Z, and a vast franchise that includes animated films, video games, and collectible card games. Toriyama’s influence even extended to the gaming industry, where he worked as a character designer for the popular RPG Dragon Quest.

The news of Toriyama’s passing has been met with sadness from fans and fellow creators. His contributions to manga and the inspiration he provided to creators like Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, and Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, will never be forgotten.

In Loving Memory of Akira Toriyama

Akira Toriyama may no longer be with us, but his legacy will continue to live on. His talent, imagination, and the unforgettable worlds he created will be cherished and loved by fans for years to come.

As we say goodbye to a true legend, let us remember the impact he had on the world of manga and beyond. Akira Toriyama will forever be remembered as one of the greatest manga creators of all time.