Death of Akira Toriyama, creator of ‘Dragon Ball’: live reactions and latest news on the artist’s death
We close by reviewing the chronological order of the entire series.
Hiroshi Matsuyama, CEO of CyberConnect2, didn't try to hide their sadness during an internal meeting. The entire team was close to Toriyama during the development of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot. The studio's doors are closed today in mourning.
Hearing about Akira Toriyama's passing, we couldn't help but remember a promotional video from a few years ago. Bandai Namco used the marketing campaign for DBZ: Kakarot to pay homage to the franchise and its creator. It's two minutes full of nostalgia and emotion to which it's almost impossible not to cry today.
As it could not be otherwise, the official Jujutsu Kaisen account pays tribute to Akira Toriyama.
Toriyama never shied away from crude jokes and humor, even aimed at himself throughout his publications. This one is about what he imagined paradise to be: him reading a dirty magazine, smoking, with rice cookies and a soda close by. Who could ask for more?
While Dragon Ball is famous around the world, some countries felt a deep connection to Toriyama's work. In Mexico, social media has exploded with millions of posts and tweets remembering the artist and the effect it had in their childhoods.
There are no suspicions, but even Among Us joined the condolences, showing that his inspiration reached many sides.
Akira Toriyama's passing has even shaken some governments. His reach in Asia and beyond is obvious, but no one expected the Minister of Foreign Affairs in China to mention his death in an official meeting
American voice actor Christopher Sabat, voice of Vegeta, Piccolo, Yamcha, Shenron and more, says goodbye
Inoue Takehiko Takehiko, creator of Slam Dunk and Vagabond, also does not accept the mangaka's death.
"It is hard to accept.
Thank you, Dr. Toriyama."
Tributes in virtual worlds
FF XIV players pay tribute to Akira Toriyama in their own way. From cosplay to slime hats in Ul'dah.
Many fans of 'Dragon Ball' have taken to social media to share their mourning for Toriyama and his many universes. The comment by this follower is key: the amazing way in which the artist could mix elements as opposite as dinosaurs and futuristic vehicles
Beyond 'Dragon Ball'
Final Fantasy father bids farewell to mentor
Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, shared a few words: "Toriyama-san taught me what it means to be a 'professional' and what 'work' is. I deeply respected him from the bottom of my heart. I sincerely pray that his soul may rest in peace"
Son Goku's 'voice' still in shock
Masako Nozawa, the voice actress that has given life to Son Goku in the anime since its premiere, shared in a local newspaper that she's thoroughly shaken by Toriyama's passing. She couldn't comment more as it's been rough news for the entire team.
Dragon Quest farewells his artist
Toriyama's work was crucial to one of Japan's most important video game franchises, DRAGON QUEST.
For us too, Toyotaro
"I drew manga because I wanted to be praised by Mr. Toriyama. It was everything for me."
The future of 'Dragon Ball' is up in the air
Judy Totoya, the artist behind Tails the Fox's design. revealed that without 'Dragon Ball', neither the character nor his friendship with Sonic would exist
The President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, extends his condolences to Toriyama's family by sharing the gift the master gave him during his lifetime: a colossal illustration signed in his own handwriting. Macron has framed it in a very special place.
Toriyama, a gifted mind overflowing with creativity.
His impact in the world of video games was just as influential as in the comic panels. When Yoji Horii's team hired him to shape the monsters of Dragon Quest, Toriyama worked based on the sketches provided by the game director. On the left, we have the version of the iconic Slime painted by Horii, while on the right, we see the definitive version by the mangaka. He had a privileged mind.
Crunchyroll's farewell to the legend:
"Thank you for everything, Toriyama-sensei." With these words, Crunchyroll bid farewell to Master Toriyama. Alongside the words is one of the panels from Goku's early stages, which will not go unnoticed among fans.
Toriyama's hidden message to his children in one of the classics of JRPG His work on Chrono Trigger, one of the great JRPGs of its time, will go down in history. In one of the endings, it was Toriyama himself who hid a message to his children, named Sasuke and Kikka. In it, he expressed his satisfaction for having worked on the game; he hoped they would be proud too.
The death of Akira Toriyama is a harsh blow to the community. The sudden death of Akira Toriyama at the age of 68 has left the community shocked after 'Dragon Ball' and 'Dragon Quest'. Let's remember that his drawings also propelled the Square-Enix franchise. His loss transcends beyond the saga that catapulted him to fame. Toriyama died on March 1st, but it was not until today, March 8th, that it was revealed to the public.
The first reactions haven't taken long to arrive. Two of the most important mangaka of the moment have voiced the sentiment of several generations. In the letter dedicated to him by Eiichiro Oda, the creator of 'One Piece', he assures that Toriyama was his superhero. Someone who made them "dream that they could reach the whole world." The complete letter is emotional.
Because 'Dragon Ball' has been more than just a story for teenagers: it has been the catalyst for several generations to constantly overcome the challenges that life has placed in our path. Who hasn't tried to transform themselves in the shower at least once? Who hasn't tried to perform a Kamehameha on a friend? Its legacy transcends in popular culture
On March 7th, the sad news of the passing of a manga legend has been confirmed. Akira Toriyama, the mastermind behind 'Dragon Ball' and many other works, has passed away at the age of 68. Not only the world of comics is mourning his loss: millions and millions of people who grew up with the stories of Son Goku and company are in shock at news that no one ever wanted to read.