Akira Toriyama's legacy: Remembering the iconic creator of Dragon Ball
The gaming and anime world mourns the loss of a legend as Akira Toriyama, the creator of the iconic Dragon Ball franchise and renowned character designer for games like Chrono Trigger and Dragon Quest, has passed away at the age of 68.
Toriyama's impact on both industries has been immense, with his art style becoming instantly recognizable over the years. The news of his passing came from a statement released on the official Dragon Ball website by Toriyama's Bird Studio, confirming his death on March 1 due to acute subdural hematoma. The statement expressed regret for the loss of his ongoing projects and acknowledged the numerous beloved works he brought to life during his illustrious 45-year career.
A funeral has already been held in the presence of family and "very few relatives." The announcement from Bird Studio also urged fans and well-wishers not to seek interviews with the family or send condolence gifts, flowers, or other offerings. The family has not made any decisions regarding future commemorative gatherings at this time.
Toriyama's creative contributions extended beyond manga and anime, shaping the worlds of video games as well. His character designs not only defined the look of the Dragon Ball series but also left a lasting mark on games like Chrono Trigger and Dragon Quest. His influence can still be seen in upcoming projects, including the Sand Land RPG based on his 2000s manga of the same name, and the Dragon Ball anime titled Dragon Ball Daima, featuring a chibi art style and the return of beloved characters like Goku and Vegeta.
The news of Toriyama's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and collaborators alike. Christopher Sabat, known for his voice work as Vegeta, Piccolo, and many other characters in the Dragon Ball series, was among those who paid their respects on social media.
Akira Toriyama's legacy will continue to live on through the worlds he created, the characters he brought to life, and the countless fans who have been inspired by his work. His impact on both anime and gaming will forever be remembered and cherished.