Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama passes away at 68

"Dragon Ball" creator Akira Toriyama dies at 68. Influential manga artist leaves behind a legacy of beloved characters and stories.

Akira Toriyama, the renowned creator of the iconic Dragon Ball series and other beloved anime that have had a significant impact on Japanese comics, has passed away at the age of 68, as announced by his studio on Friday. Toriyama's Dragon Ball manga, first introduced in 1984, has garnered worldwide success, spawning popular anime adaptations, video games, and films.

Tragically, Toriyama succumbed to a brain blood clot on March 1, leaving behind several unfinished projects that he was deeply passionate about. Despite this loss, his studio expressed gratitude to his loyal fans for their unwavering support throughout his illustrious 45-year career. They expressed hope that Toriyama's unique creative legacy will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.

Hailing from the Aichi prefecture in central Japan, Toriyama made his debut in 1978 with the publication of his work in the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. His earlier series, Dr. Slump, which debuted in 1980, catapulted him to fame as a bestselling young comic artist. Dragon Ball, the epic tale of Son Goku's quest for the mystical Dragon Balls, has sold a staggering 260 million copies worldwide, solidifying Toriyama's status as a manga legend.

In addition to his manga creations, Toriyama also left his mark on the gaming world by designing characters for the popular Dragon Quest series. His artistic prowess earned him accolades both in Japan and abroad, including the prestigious Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters from France in 2019. Akira Toriyama's visionary storytelling and captivating characters have left an indelible mark on the world of anime and manga, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.