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Creative mind behind Dragon Ball, Sand Land and Doctor Slump passes at 68 years old
It came to light today that on March 1st 2024, the world lost one of its most influential and beloved manga artists, Akira Toriyama. The creative mind behind the iconic Dragon Ball series passed away at just 68-year-old, due to a blood clot in the brain. Toriyama leaves behind a legacy that has captivated fans worldwide for over four decades.
Tragic News Announced Today
Toriyama’s official website and the Shonen Jump website announced the tragic news, revealing that the artist had been passionately working on numerous projects right up until his untimely passing. The announcement expressed deep sadness and regret over Toriyama’s sudden passing, emphasizing that there was still much he had hoped to accomplish.
Toriyama’s studio, BIRD STUDIO, and Capsule Corporation Tokyo released a statement thanking fans for their support. The funeral was private, adhering to Toriyama’s wishes for a quiet ceremony. They declined condolences, flowers, and other forms of mourning, urging respect for the family’s privacy. Details about future memorial events are to be announced at a later date.
Anime World Shaken by Toriyama’s Untimely passing
Comments from those close to Toriyama were also shared. Yūji Horii, creator of “Dragon Quest,” expressed disbelief and reminisced about their long collaboration. Manga-ka Masakazu Katsura shared heartfelt memories, describing Toriyama’s kindness, humour, and unique personality. Eiichiro Oda, creator of “One Piece,” expressed deep sadness at the sudden loss and thanked Toriyama for inspiring a generation of manga creators. Masashi Kishimoto, creator of “Naruto,” spoke about Toriyama’s influence on his life and work, emphasizing the impact of “Dragon Ball” on the manga industry.
Remembering a Legend
Known for his distinctive artistic style and imaginative storytelling, Toriyama made his debut as a manga artist in 1978 with “Wonder Island.” Throughout his illustrious career, he produced a plethora of popular works, including “Dr. Slump” and the legendary “Dragon Ball,” which began serialization in 1984 and quickly became an international phenomenon.
The Dragon Ball franchise, known for its captivating characters and epic battles, has not only dominated the manga and anime industry but has also inspired numerous adaptations, including animation and live-action films. Toriyama’s unique blend of humour, action, and compelling narratives has left an unmistakable mark on the world of entertainment.
Toriyama’s impact extended beyond manga, as he played a significant role in shaping the characters for various video games, including the “Dragon Quest” series and others like “Chrono Trigger” and “Blue Dragon.” His influence on the gaming industry earned him accolades and recognition, showcasing the versatility of his creative talent.
Toriyama’s passing has left a void in the manga world, and the tributes from fellow creators reflect the profound impact he had on the industry and fans worldwide.
All of us here at Anime Art Academy and Anime Art Magazine are shocked and saddened by this news, but we know that his timeless creations will continue to be loved for years to come, and his legacy will endure through the joy and inspiration he brought to countless readers and fellow artists.
We offer our condolences to Toriyama-sensei’s family and fans, and will continue to do our part in raising and passing the baton on to the new generation of anime and manga artists!
Let’s study hard and make work that would make our beloved Toriyama-sensei proud!
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