This is upsetting, especially to manga fans. The anime and manga communities are shocked to learn of Akira Toriyama’s death at the age of 68. According to a report released by Bird Studio on March 8, he passed away on March 1st due to an acute subdural hematoma.
Indeed, an enduring legacy was left by the renowned manga creator of Dr. Slump, who went on to create Dragon Ball, one of his masterpieces. Those closest to him, including Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto, are understandably devastated by the loss of such an inspiration. Both have issued heartfelt tributes in response to the news of Toriyama’s death.
Toriyama’s impact on the anime world is immeasurable, and his absence will be felt deeply by the manga community. The late Japanese manga artist was additionally recognized for his contributions to extremely popular video games, such as the Dragon Quest series, Blue Dragon and Chrono Trigger.
Dragon Ball Creator Akira Toriyama Dies at 68!
It is a sad day for the world of anime and manga as the news of Akira Toriyama’s passing spreads out. Acute subdural hemorrhage was the cause of his death on March 1. The information came from Bird Studio, Toriyama’s manga firm, founded in the 1980s. According to the statement (via X):
Information ; Dear Friends and Partnershttps://t.co/85dXseckzJ pic.twitter.com/aHlx8CGA2M
— DRAGON BALL OFFICIAL (@DB_official_en) March 8, 2024
Dragon Ball manga, one of his best creations, has grown in popularity to include a beloved anime series, multiple video game franchises, and many more. The series revolves primarily around Goku, a Saiyan whose human upbringing makes him one of the galaxy’s most powerful and noble fighters.
Additionally, it is one of the best-selling manga series ever, according to Anime News Network, with 159.5 million tankōbon copies sold in Japan alone.
Toriyama also had an impact on the country’s gaming industry, such as his work on Dragon Quest. His new anime series, Dragon Ball Daima, was his most recent endeavor and is scheduled for release in 2024. His work has inspired innumerable creators and garnered millions of fans worldwide, making a major impact on the anime and manga industries.
Masashi Kishimoto & Eiichiro Oda Pay Tribute to Akira Toriyama
Following the release of this depressing news, millions of anime fans have been flocking to social media to express their condolences and pay respect to the manga and anime icon, Akira Toriyama. However, two tributes were particularly notable on the internet. Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto, creators of One Piece and Naturo, respectively, have released statements following the news of Toriyama’s death.
This tragic news has left Oda feeling as though there is a hole that will never be filled. He considered it “too early, saying that “the hole is too big.” Likewise, Naruto creator Kishimoto expressed his “tremendous sense of loss” at the passing of the brilliant mind behind many beloved franchises and artworks.
Check out the post below via X:
Creators of 'ONE PIECE', Eiichiro Oda, and 'NARUTO', Masashi Kishimoto both release responses upon learning of Akira Toriyama's passing:
Oda,
"It is too early.
The hole is too big. Sadness washes over me when I think that I will never see him again. I have admired him so much… pic.twitter.com/nCpCa8ndJG— ScreenTime (@screentime) March 8, 2024
Even fans and fellow manga creators alike are grieving the loss of a true legend, as the news of Toriyama’s passing has rocked the manga community. His impact on the industry is undeniable, and it may be seen in the work of countless artists and writers.
In the wake of this tragic news, let’s remember Akira Toriyama in our hearts and celebrate the incredible legacy that he has left behind. May his spirit continue to resonate with fans. Rest in peace, Toriyama-sensei. Your absence will be deeply felt.
