Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama dies aged 68; Naruto, One Piece artists mourn loss of ‘a hero, a carefree man’Mourn Japanese manga artist Akira Toriyama, renowned as the creator of Dragon Ball, has passed away at the age of 68 due to acute hemorrhage, as confirmed by his production team. Toriyama, known for his influential contributions to the manga industry, left behind a legacy cherished by fans worldwide.
Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, and Masashi Kishimoto, the mastermind behind Naruto, expressed profound grief over Toriyama’s demise, highlighting his impact on their artistic journeys. Oda credited Toriyama with revolutionizing manga, demonstrating its appeal across generations.
Toriyama’s journey as a manga artist began with his breakout hit, Dr. Slump, which earned him prestigious accolades in Japan. In 1984, he introduced Dragon Ball, a cultural phenomenon that transcended borders, spawning numerous adaptations and merchandise.Despite his fame, Toriyama remained private, often represented by his cyborg avatar, Robotoriyama. He returned to the Dragon Ball franchise intermittently, contributing to its enduring popularity with film adaptations and sequels.
Toriyama’s passing marks the end of an era in manga history, leaving behind a rich tapestry of storytelling and iconic characters that captivated audiences worldwide. His unique creativity and passion for manga will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.