The world of manga is in mourning as Akira Toriyama has passed away at the age of 68, as announced today by the official Dragon Ball website in English. According to the statement, the mangaka died on March 1, but the news was withheld until today at the request of the artist’s family.
Toriyama was the creator of mangas such as Dr. Slump, Wonder Island, Pola & Roid, or Mad Matic, but the work that catapulted him to international fame was the Dragon Ball manga, which was adapted into an anime that spawned multiple sequels and OVAs.
According to the statement, Toriyama died of a subdural hematoma, a condition in which blood pools under the skull and the surface of the brain. The condition is caused by brain trauma, and the main treatment is a craniotomy.
The mangaka left a large amount of work still in development, the statement says, but he also left an enormous legacy of manga titles and artwork that earned him a loyal legion of followers around the world.
Akira Toriyama’s long career
“Thanks to the support of so many people around the world,” the document continues, “he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creations continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.”
Toriyama began his career in 1978 at the age of 23. His first paid work was the one-shot Wonder Island, published in Weekly Shonen Jump. That first work and its sequel, Wonder Island 2, did not achieve the desired success. His first big success was Dr. Slump, a series published in the same magazine between 1980 and 1984.
The mangaka’s love for kung fu films and a suggestion from his editor, Kazuhiko Torishima, led him to create his first attempt at the shonen genre with Dragon Boy. Fresh Jump published the series between August and October 1983.
The story was well received, and in 1984 it became the Dragon Ball series, which launched Toriyama to stardom. The adventures of Son Goku and his allies have been published in 40 countries and translated into multiple languages.
The last goodbye to Toriyama
The statement reports that the creator’s funeral was very private. Only family members and very close friends attended, just as Toriyama himself wished.
It also asks that fans refrain from visiting or sending sympathy gifts, flowers, or offerings. “Also, we ask you to refrain from conducting interviews with his family,” request Bird Studio and Capsule Corporation Tokyo, who sign the document.
“Future plans for commemorating a gathering have not been decided. We will let you know when it is confirmed. We deeply thank you for your understanding and support as always,” the document concludes.