This is a tragic day for all the fans and those who have followed the series devoutly, across the globe. The news which brought a sense of mourning was that Akira Toriyama, one of the legendary manga artists who is remembered for creating one of the most successful manga-anime franchises in history – Dragon ball has passed away.
“We bring you this sad news with thanks for your concern toward his person during his lifetime,” reads the statement posted in the official Dragon Ball page, revealing that Toriyama died on March 1 of a subdural hematoma. He died on his 68th birthday.
A Creative Legacy
Born in Nagoya in 1955, Toriyama had always been somehow attracted to creative design and illustration. In 1978, Toriyama was short on cash and decided to take part in a competition of Weekly Shonen Magazine with Star Wars parody. He was not able to pass since the works he submitted were not of any owing originality, but it added some more zeal in his efforts to draw which led to his first work of Wonder Island.
Goodbye, Saiyan
A couple of years later, he created Dr. Slump, which became his first major success. However, it was Dragon Ball that catapulted him into being one of the most celebrated people ever, with a solid pillar in the genre of manga and anime. The adaptation of the Dragon Ball animated series became the apex of cultural industry in Japan and people in all continents felt its effects.
Finally, in Spain, although it was firt transmitted on regional zones, the animated series so gstruck that it was essetially important for the start of regular manga publication in the country.
Rest in Peace
Toriyama’s impact in the manga and anime scene is one that will always be execpted whern these comis are availed to the public. The imprints left by him will be taken and appreciated by younger artists in the future as well.