To say that Akira Toriyama was an influential figure in the world of manga is like saying that the ocean is wet or that the sky is blue. In fact, it would be the understatement of a lifetime. After all, Toriyama has been personally responsible for creating many of the most famous manga series in the world. Dr. Slump, Dragon Ball, and even lesser-known works like Sand Land are all of his creations. Heck, he has even been responsible for several video game franchises, including Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, and Blue Dragon.
All of these franchises bear the mark of Akira Toriyama on them. Not just in his unique and readily recognizable art style, but also in his brilliant combination of action and comedy. All in all, you can tell at a glance just how his stories received global acclaim. Thus, it is with a heavy heart that I must inform you all that the great Toriyama has left this plane of existence, and has passed into heaven.
Akira Toriyama: Eulogy Details
The Dragon Ball official website has just posted some news revealing that the legendary mangaka Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1, 2024 at the age of 68. The cause of death was an acute subdural hematoma. Toriyama is survived by his wife Yoshimi and their two children. Said family was part of a private funeral service for him along with a few close relatives, following his wishes for a tranquil funeral. Most of these details were in a letter that was a part of that news announcement. You can check out the full contents of that letter below:
Alas, as you would expect from such a prolific creator of some 45 years, Akira Toriyama left behind numerous unfinished works with his passing. This includes the ongoing Dragon Ball Super manga, which received an anime adaptation that began on July 5, 2015. Although that anime ended on March 25, 2018; it continued on with anime films such as Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. The current status of those works is unknown at this time. We will just have to wait for more info about them later.
Tune back into THS to find out more about all of Akira Toriyama’s unfinished works when we do. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace.
Source: Dragon Ball Official
