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Dragon Ball creator dies, sad day for anime lovers

todayMarch 8, 2024 170 1

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The world woke up to sad news that the creator of one of the most loved Japanese comics of all time has died.

Akira Toriyama (68) suffered an acute subdural hematoma, which is a type of bleeding near the brain.

Toriyama’s Dragon Ball comic series debuted in 1984 and has become hugely popular around the world and the comic series has also spawned cartoon and film versions.

The original series followed a boy named, Son Goku, in his quest to collect magical dragon balls to defend Earth against alien humanoids called Saiyans.

Born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1955, Toriyama broke into the comic book world in the early 1980s with Dr. Slump, which tells the story of a little girl robot Arale and her scientist creator.

But Dragon Ball was his most famous work. To many fans, Son Goku’s journey from a kid who fumbles his martial arts training to a high-flying hero, who can shoot bolts of electricity from his hands, mirrors their own struggles against self-doubt as they grew into adulthood.

Dragon Ball inspired fan fiction writers and cosplayers who style their hair like the characters’ sharp and pointed locks.

The cartoon version has been dubbed in numerous languages and Dragon Ball action figures are a staple in toy stores from Japan to China and Southeast Asia.

Dragon Ball was one of the most influential and best-selling Japanese manga of all time and the comic series has also spawned cartoon and film versions.

Other anime creators also sent their tributes: 

Some of the most highly-respected and popular manga artists have paid tribute to Toriyama.

One Piece manga artist, Eiichiro Oda, has expressed sadness at his fellow manga artist’s passing.

Naruto creator, Masashi Kishimoto, also sent a tribute expressing his sadness.

“I just received the news of Sensei’s passing. I feel a tremendous sense of loss, more than when Dragon Ball ended… still don’t know how to deal with this hole in my heart. I can’t even read Dragon Ball, which I love…I pray that Akira Toriyama-sensei may rest in peace.”

 

Fans around the world have also paid tribute to Toriyama for creating characters that have become a part of their childhood.

 

 

 

Written by: Nonhlanhla Harris

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