The world of manga is in mourning: Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball, one of the most popular licenses in the world, has died at the age of 68. He leaves behind an immense legacy.
The manga universe may take several weeks to recover. In a press release published on March 8 on the official website Dragon Ball, we learn that Akira Toriyama, its creator, died at the age of 68. The cause of his death, which occurred on March 1, was a subdural hematoma (accumulation of blood in the brain, generally after shock).
“ He was still in the creative process, with a lot of enthusiasm. He still had so much to accomplish “, we can read. Capsule Corporation Tokyo would like to salute his career which lasted more than 45 years. She does not yet know if a specific tribute will be organized. In the meantime, she’s letting Dragon Ball fans know not to send anything to the family. During his lifetime, Akira Toriyama always wanted to maintain his peace.
Fans mourn the passing of Dragon Ball’s dad
Fans around the world are obviously in mourning. Dragon Ballbottle-fed many children who have now become adults. Some even continue to vibrate to the rhythm of the blows of the Super Saiyan – these super-powerful warriors. This is another immense loss for the manga universe, after Jirō Taniguchi (Distant neighborhood), in 2017, and Kentarō Miura (Berserk) in 2021.
“ Waking up to learn of the sudden death of Akira Toriyama at the age of 68. Depression, I want to go back to bed, I really do. Thank you for making me laugh, thrilling and for making me so passionate about Dragon Ball and especially Dr Slump. Thank you forever! “, entrusts Maxime Chao, editor-in-chief of the Jeuxactu site. “ Our whole generation is crying this morning… This whole generation of children who dreamed thanks to Akira Toriyama », corroborates Carole Quintainecontent creator.
“ It’s my childhood that’s gone », even whispered to me Julien Lausson, my colleague who was loyal to Club Dorothée every morning (like me). Akira Toriyama leaves behind him a major license which will continue to last after his death: Dragon Ball continues to delight millions of enthusiasts with video games, series, films, figurines, collectible cards…
Beyond Dragon Ballthe author’s other great work was Doctor Slump, a series in 18 volumes which tells the humorous adventures of an android, Aralé. After DBZ, he also wrote and drew several mangas in a single volume (Cowa, Kajika, Neko Majin). Varied explorations, but with more confidential success.
Author of Naruto who was inevitably influenced by Toriyama’s work, Masashi Kishimoto paid tribute to the mangaka (via Team Manga): “ For me, he was the god of salvation and the god of manga. When we first met, I was so nervous I couldn’t say a word (…). I feel an even greater sense of loss than at the end of Dragon Ball… I still don’t know how to deal with this hole in my heart. Now I can’t even read my favorite Dragon Ball. » Eiichirō Oda, the originator of One Piece, is on the same wavelength (still via Team Manga): “ It’s too early. The void is too big. Sadness overcomes me when I think that I will never see him again (…). May heaven be the happy world he imagined. »
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