After the passing of Akira Toriyama, fans were saddened by this loss and wanted to find ways to celebrate his work. The legendary manga-ka created Dragon Ball which has been prominent in the anime community and general pop culture for decades now.
If anyone watches anime or reads manga, they at least have heard about Akira Toriyama and his well-known series. To give thanks and pay tribute to the late artist, Dragon Ball fans organized a gathering in Xenoverse 2. With Sparking Zero on the horizon, this may have been many players’ final time playing Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2.
Akira Toriyama Remembered by Xenoverse 2 Players
The passing of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama at age 68 was announced through official social media accounts. Not even 24 hours later, the Xenoverse 2 community organized a get together for the fans. They would meet by the Dragon Ball Pedestal at 5PM EST and perform one of the Spirit Bomb emotes. No dress code was enforced but it’s encouraged to wear one of Goku’s many gi’s from the series.
Quickly, this event spread around online and Dragon Ball fans assembled to honor the late Akira Toriyama. You can see players gather around at Dragon Ball Pedestal to perform the Spirit Bomb emote. Server space reached max capacity which led to players also gathering at Grandpa Gohan’s House. Everyone in attendance followed the request and performed the Spirit Bomb emote as asked.
I think it'd be cool if we as a community did the Toriyama Xenoverse 2 memorial every year on the 1st of March since that's when he passed away. Y'all down for that?#XV2TYToriyama #ThankYouToriyama pic.twitter.com/XN5dNRuCV6
— Jenik | ContonMods #ThankYouToriyama (@ContonMods) March 9, 2024
#XV2TYToriyama pic.twitter.com/4WkqMaqOBA
— Onie (@Onie07167968) March 8, 2024
Farewell#XV2TYToriyama pic.twitter.com/Nr2SqkOoV5
— Saga Media (@Saga_Media) March 9, 2024
In case you’re not a Dragon Ball fan, this emote is significant because the pose in the series is used when Goku needs the energy of others to power his Spirit Bomb attack. One of the strongest attacks in the series but also takes a long time to power up.
It was used most notably during the final arc of Dragon Ball Z when Goku needed everyone’s spirit energy from Earth to defeat Kid Buu. A message to show when everyone works together, we can conquer any evil.
Akira Toriyama’s Legacy to Dragon Ball Fans
The late manga-ka will not be forgotten and his legacy will live on through his works of Dragon Ball. The Xenoverse 2 gathering was a major success with many players sharing photos through #XV2TYToriyama on Twitter/X.
Giving thanks to Akira Toriyama on Xenoverse 2 shows how strong the Dragon Ball community is. Fans continue to share their experiences with the franchise and what it’s meant to them all these years. Dragon Ball has inspired a whole generation of artists and creatives and without Akira Toriyama, the landscape of entertainment would look very different today.
Thank you again Mr. Toriyama. For your legacy will live on for many more generations to come. Did you participate in the Xenoverse 2 event? What are some of your favorite memories from Akira Toriyama’s work? Let us know in the comments what you think!
