The world of manga and anime mourns the loss of a legendary figure, Akira Toriyama, the visionary creator of Dragon Ball. Toriyama, whose influence reached unprecedented heights, passed away at the age of 68 due to an acute subdural hematoma. His lasting mark on Japanese comics, particularly through Dragon Ball, has shaped the childhoods of millions globally. Over a span of 45 years, his creative repertoire included Dr. Slump, Sand Land, and the character designs for the renowned Dragon Quest video games. Each creation bore the unmistakable mark of Toriyama's imagination, contributing to the rich work of manga and pop culture.
Born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1955, Toriyama entered the comic book realm in the early 1980s with his initial success, Dr. Slump. This series narrated the adventures of a little girl robot named Arale and her scientist creator, setting the stage for Toriyama's creative prowess. However, it was Dragon Ball, debuting in 1984, that propelled Toriyama into iconic status. The narrative follows Son Goku on his quest to collect magical dragon balls to protect Earth against Saiyans, alien humanoids. The series evolved from a story of martial arts and fantasy into a reflection of personal growth, resonating with fans worldwide.
The Legacy of Dragon Ball
Toriyama's masterpiece, Dragon Ball, first graced the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 1984. The story unfolded through the protagonist, Son Goku, embarking on a journey of martial arts mastery and the quest for the seven titular orbs capable of summoning a wish-granting dragon.
Dragon Ball goes beyond cultural boundaries, gaining a massive following worldwide. Toriyama's creation became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring fan fiction writers, cosplayers, and enthusiasts globally. The character of Son Goku, evolving from a martial arts novice to a hero with electrifying powers, mirrored the struggles and triumphs of fans as they navigated the challenges of growing up. The international success of Dragon Ball is evident in its multilingual dubbed versions and the omnipresence of Dragon Ball action figures in toy stores across Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.
In a 2013 interview with the Japanese newspaper Asahi, Toriyama expressed astonishment at Dragon Ball's global popularity. He considered the series a personal "miracle" that allowed him, with his idiosyncrasies, to connect with society. Toriyama humbly acknowledged that his initial goal was simply to please boys in Japan, unaware of the far-reaching impact his creation would have.
The manga's remarkable success, with over 260 million copies sold worldwide, is a example of Toriyama's storytelling prowess. Beyond the printed page, Dragon Ball spawned multiple anime series, video games, and even a live-action movie, captivating audiences across diverse mediums.
Unfinished Works and a Lasting Impact
At the time of his untimely demise on March 1, Toriyama left behind uncompleted works, impacting shares in Toei Animation Co., responsible for producing animated Dragon Ball films, and leaving fans to wonder about the potential creations that could have enriched the world of manga.
The decline in shares, up to 4.4%, also highlights the influence Toriyama wielded not only as an artist but as a cultural phenomenon.
Tributes from Peers
The news of Toriyama's passing prompted heartfelt tributes from fellow manga artists. Eiichiro Oda, creator of One Piece, acknowledged Toriyama's ability to bridge generational gaps, emphasizing that manga can be a source of enjoyment for both children and adults. Masashi Kishimoto, the mind behind Naruto, credited Toriyama's stories as a driving force behind his own journey into manga, expressing profound gratitude for the inspiration.
Fans Remembering Toriyama
Social media platforms became virtual spaces for fans to share their personal connections with Toriyama's work. From heartfelt tributes to nostalgic anecdotes, fans across generations expressed how Toriyama's creations shaped their childhoods and continued to enrich their lives. In the spirit of honoring Toriyama's impact, a fan-created hashtag, #ThankYouToriyama, trended across platforms. Fans shared fan art, favorite quotes, and personal stories, turning cyberspace into a communal space of shared grief and celebration.
SheThePeople, in an effort to capture the sentiments of Toriyama's ardent fans, spoke to Jai Chopra, Vandana, Khushi, Nikhil, and Siya. Through these personal testimonies, it became evident how Toriyama's creations went beyond entertainment, becoming integral threads in the fabric of fans' lives.
Jai recalls his childhood, confessing his obsession with Dragon Ball Z. He and his close friends named themselves after the characters, exchanged Dragon Ball Z-themed gifts, creating inseparable memories that made childhood better. Jai fondly remembers Toriyama for crafting a world that became an integral part of their formative years.
Vandana reminisces about sibling rivalry turned into camaraderie. Initially disinterested in her brother's love for Dragon Ball Z, a lost bet led her to watch the show. Unexpectedly, she fell in love with it. Dragon Ball Z became the bridge that connected Vandana and her brother, transforming their fights into cherished shared moments.
Khushi, recalling her tomboy days, speaks of Goku posters adorning her walls. She expresses disbelief at the news, considering it the end of an era. For Khushi, her childhood room with the iconic Goku poster remains untouched, symbolizing a significant part of her past that seamlessly transitioned into adulthood.
Nikhil and Siya, pseudonyms for privacy, share their unique connection to Toriyama's world. Bonding over their love for Dragon Ball Z and Dr. Slump, they express how the characters Goku and Chi Chi played a pivotal role in their relationship. After two years of togetherness, the news of Toriyama's passing has left a huge impact. However, they affirm that they will always remember Toriyama fondly while watching Dragon Ball Z, a series that holds a special place in their hearts.
Views expressed by the author are their own
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