‘Dragon Ball’ Creator Akira Toriyama Dies Age 68

Akira Toriyama, Creator of 'Dragon Ball,' Dies at 68

Akira Toriyama, the renowned Japanese manga artist and creator of the popular manga and anime franchise "Dragon Ball," passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 68. His death was confirmed by his manga and design production studio, Bird Studio, and Capsule Corporation Tokyo. The cause of his death was acute subdural hematoma, which occurs when blood collects between the skull and brain [1].

Legacy and Influence

Akira Toriyama's body of work extends beyond "Dragon Ball" and includes other notable manga series such as "Dr. Slump" and "Sand Land." His creations have had a significant impact on the world of manga and have influenced generations of manga artists and cartoonists worldwide [1].

"Dragon Ball," his most well-known work, follows the adventures of a young boy named Son Goku as he embarks on a quest to collect the seven wish-granting Dragon Balls. Since its creation in the 1980s, "Dragon Ball" has spanned 42 volumes, sold millions of copies worldwide, and inspired numerous television, film, and video game adaptations [1].

Early Life and Career

Akira Toriyama was born on April 5, 1955, in Kiyosu, Japan. He began drawing manga at the age of 23 and gained popularity with the serialization of "Dr. Slump" from 1980 to 1984. "Dr. Slump" is a manga about an android girl known for her childlike personality and superhuman strength, which was later adapted into an anime series [1].

Toriyama's unique concepts and sense of caricature brought joy to readers in Japan and beyond. His work on "Dragon Ball," which was first published in 1984, propelled him to even greater success. The manga became an immediate hit and went on to sell over 260 million copies worldwide. It was serialized in the Japanese magazine Weekly Shonen Jump until 1995, and its popularity led to the creation of anime series, movies, and video games [1].

Other Works and Future Projects

In addition to "Dragon Ball," Akira Toriyama wrote several single-volume manga, including "Cowa!," "Kajika," and "Jaco the Galactic Patrolman." His manga "Sand Land," published in 2000, was adapted into a movie in 2023, and its anime version is expected to be released on Disney+ in the spring, along with a video game [1].

Conclusion

Akira Toriyama's contributions to the world of manga and anime, particularly through his creation of "Dragon Ball," have left a lasting impact. His work has inspired countless artists and entertained fans around the globe. His legacy will continue to be cherished by fans for years to come [1].

Note: The information provided in this response is based on the available search results and may not include the most recent developments or updates.