Last Sunday marked a sombre day for manga enthusiasts as news spread of the passing of Japanese icon Akira Toriyama (1955-2024). An official statement from his company, Bird Studio, said that the creator of Dragon Ball had passed away on March 1 at the age of 68 due to a sudden and tragic blood clot in the brain. Toriyama's demise came as a shock to many given his active involvement in numerous creative projects and his evident enthusiasm for his craft.
For those who came of age in the mid-90s, popular manga titles like Naruto and One Piece might be familiar. However, Toriyama also laid the groundwork for a new generation of manga artists with his Dragon Ball franchise. It debuted in the pages of Shonen Jump in 1984 and follows the adventures of Son Goku on a martial arts-infused quest to collect magical dragon balls and defend the world against formidable adversaries.
Toriyama's talent allowed him to write and illustrate the series, which swiftly captivated audiences in Japan and beyond. The manga's subsequent adaptation into the globally renowned anime series Dragon Ball Z catapulted Toriyama's creation to unprecedented levels of fame, spawning numerous feature films, video games and a deluge of merchandise. The franchise's success cemented Toriyama's status as a visionary in the world of manga.
With Dragon Ball's popularity spanning over 21 countries, and with anime broadcasts in 36 countries, Toriyama's influence knew no bounds. His final project, Dragon Ball DAIMA, slated for release later this year, promises to continue the saga of Goku and his companions.
In remembrance of Akira Toriyama's monumental contributions to manga and entertainment, here are five of his most influential works.
Dragon Ball Z.
Dragon Ball (1984-present)
Toriyama's Dragon Ball franchise is revered by fans worldwide for iconic characters, gripping battles and captivating narrative.
Dr. Slump. (Photo courtesy of TV Screen Capture)
Dr. Slump (1980-1984)
Before Dragon Ball, Toriyama delighted audiences with Dr. Slump, a whimsical manga series set in Penguin Village with famous residents like a little robot girl named Arale and her inventor father. The manga showcased Toriyama's distinct artistry and humour.
Dragon Quest (1986-present)
While not working on manga, Toriyama's character design work in the Dragon Quest video game franchise had a impact on the gaming industry, particularly in the JRPG genre. His character designs, such as a blue monster called Slime have become synonymous with the franchise and have helped shape the visual identity of games.
Chrono Trigger (1995)
In the mid-90s, Toriyama joined a game development team, including three designers Hironobu Sakaguchi, creator of Square's Final Fantasy series; Yuji Horii, creator of the Dragon Quest franchise; and Toriyama himself. Chrono Trigger follows a group of adventurers who travel through time to prevent a global catastrophe and the game further showcased Toriyama's talent for character design and storytelling.
Jaco The Galactic Patrolman (2013)
While less-known, Jaco The Galactic Patrolman also exemplifies Toriyama's ability to create compelling characters. This standalone manga explores themes of friendship and duty in a sci-fi setting.
As fans mourn the loss of Akira Toriyama, his legacy lives on through his works that continue to inspire and enchant audiences worldwide.
