On Friday, March 8, 2024, the official website of the Dragon Ball franchise delivered somber news to fans: manga creator Akira Toriyama had passed away a week earlier, on March 1, 2024, due to an acute subdural hematoma at the age of 68. The entire animanga community was left reeling from the loss, and it wasn’t just fans expressing their grief. Fellow manga creators also mourned the legendary artist.
Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, shared his heartfelt sentiments. He revealed that he had admired Toriyama’s works since elementary school, and the end of Dragon Ball during his upper grades left him profoundly saddened. Kishimoto considered Toriyama his teacher and aspired to create a series as impactful as Dragon Ball. When he finally met Toriyama in person, he was left speechless. Kishimoto expressed gratitude for Toriyama’s exciting works over the past 45 years and offered condolences to his family.
Eiichiro Oda, the mastermind behind One Piece, also reflected on Toriyama’s legacy. Oda recalled the days when Toriyama referred to him and Kishimoto as “friends” and praised Toriyama’s transformative impact on the manga industry. As Oda delved deeper into Toriyama’s works, he recognized their immense presence. He wished for Toriyama’s eternal rest and envisioned heaven as delightful as depicted in his creations.
The news of Toriyama’s passing reverberated across the manga world, with fellow creators like Yusuke Murata (One Punch Man) expressing their grief. Toriyama’s influence remains indelible, leaving an enduring mark on the hearts of fans and fellow artists alik
