Akira Toriyama, the legendary manga artist who wrote and illustrated the beloved Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump series, died at age 68.
The prolific Japanese creator died on March 1 of an acute subdural hematoma, the official Dragon Ball The site was shared in a statement Friday by Bird Studio, which Toriyama founded in the 1980s, and Capsule Corporation Tokyo. “He has left many manga titles and works of art in this world. Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he was able to continue his creative activities for more than 45 years,” the statement said. “We hope that the world of Akira Toriyama's unique works will continue to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.”
The statement also said his funeral was held with his family and relatives and expressed his regret that he had many projects in the works at the time of his death and “many other things to achieve”.
Toriyama was born on April 5, 1955 in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. Despite creating many unsuccessful stories in his twenties, Toriyama continued, and in 1980, his gag manga Dr. Slump released in Weekly Shōnen Jump until 1984. The comic series followed the adventures of the powerful robot girl Arale Norimaki, the funny inventor Senbei Norimaki, and the inhabitants of the strange village of Penguin — earning Toriyama international fame for the first time.
The artist's Dragon Ball The manga series was released later in 1984, also debuting Weekly Shōnen Jump. The series followed protagonist Son Goku from his initial meeting with Bulma, whom he joins in a quest across the world for seven magical wish-granting balls known as the Dragon Balls, to his battles with a series of fascinating villains throughout duration of his journey. As Goku's story unfolded, so did Toriyama's impact on manga — forever changing the medium with his bold art and storytelling.
During his 40-year career, Toriyama would see Dragon Ball expansion into adapted anime series by Toei Animation (Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z), video games and more. Today, his signature style has become instantly recognizable around the world – Goku, Bulma, Piccolo, Krillin and the rest of his beloved characters have inspired generations of audiences, artists and storytellers over the decades.
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