Akira Toriyama, the Japanese manga artist behind the iconic Dragon Ball comics, passed away at 68.
The publishing company Shueisha Inc. announced on Friday, March 8, 2024, that Akira died from acute subdural hematoma.
Born on April 5, 1955, in Nagoya, Japan, Akira's first published work was called Wonder Island seen on Weekly Shonen Jump in 1978.
His big break came in 1980 with the publication of Dr. Slump, a Japanese manga series featuring a girl robot named Arale Norimaki.
View this post on Instagram
BECOMING A HOUSEHOLD NAME
In 1983, Akira dropped a two-part manga series titled Dragon Boy published in the magazine, Fresh Jump.
Dragon Boy eventually became Dragon Ball in 1984, instantly captivating readers in Japan before skyrocketing to international fame, earning the status as one of the highest-grossing manga series of all time and "the most influential" within the manga industry.
Dragon Ball crossed over from the pages of comic books to animation, movies, video games, and merchandise items, making it a pop culture icon in Japan and globally.
It catapulted Akira to worldwide acclaim, and manga enthusiasts across generations and continents have regarded him with adoration and respect.
"Frankly, I don't quite understand why it happened," said Akira in 2013 about the success of Dragon Ball.
He continued, "While the manga was being serialized, the only thing I wanted as I kept drawing was to make Japanese boys happy."
View this post on Instagram
In the Philippines, the animated series Dragon Ball Z made its debut in 1993, airing on RPN 9.
ENDING THE DRAGON BALL SAGA
Earlier this year, reports surfaced that the current manga series of Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Super, might be approaching its conclusion.
An article published in January 2024 by Screen Rant mentioned that the thought came from Akira himself in an interview.
However, Akira, according to the article, has a reputation for spontaneously altering storylines, dramatically shifting the trajectory of his narratives, and prolonging series indefinitely.
As for the present state of manga, Akira has been outspoken in his criticisms of the industry, notably targeting the new generation of creators, whom he accuses of lacking creativity and originality.
"While the quality of the work itself is increasing, individuality and pride in one's work are decreasing," he told the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine.
"I'd like to run across a manga that makes me think, 'This author must be nuts!'"
CREATORS MOURN AKIRA'S PASSING
As news of Akira's passing spreads, a deluge of tributes pours, honoring the man who played a pivotal role in shaping the manga industry into what it is today.
Eiichiro Oda, creator of the One Piece series, felt that Akira's passing came too soon.
"The hole is too big. Sadness washes over me when I think that I will never see him again," Eiichiro said in a statement.
"I have admired him so much since I was a child… May heaven be the joyous world just as you envisioned it.”
One of the modern Japanese artists that Akira influenced was Tatsuya Endo, creator of the manga series Blade of the Moon Princess and Spy x Family.
"If it weren't for Toriyama-sensei, I probably wouldn't have aimed to become a manga artist," Tatsuya said in a touching tribute.
As a child, Tatsuya fondly remembers eagerly anticipating each week to dive into the pages of Dragon Ball.
"Thank you very much for all your wonderful works," added Tatsuya.
"We sincerely pray for the repose of the soul of Toriyama Sensei."