The manga community mourns the passing of Akira Toriyama, the visionary behind the Dragon Ball series, following his death on March 1 due to an acute subdural hematoma.
This loss resonates deeply across the globe, particularly among fellow manga creators. In a tribute to Toriyama’s monumental impact, Weekly Shonen Jump dedicated a portion of its 2024 Issue #17 to honor his legacy, featuring emotional farewells from several prominent manga artists.
Renowned for revolutionizing shonen anime, Toriyama’s influence stretched far and wide, shaping the genre in unprecedented ways. His creation, Dragon Ball, not only set the standard for action-packed storytelling but also infused it with a unique sense of humor that became a hallmark of his work.
Gege Akutami a.k.a Jujutsu Kaisen Mangaka on Akira Toiyama’s passing
The tributes within Weekly Shonen Jump, from the likes of Gege Akutami of Jujutsu Kaisen and Eiichiro Oda of One Piece, reflect a deep admiration and respect for Toriyama, acknowledging the indelible mark he left on the industry and on their personal lives as artists.
Gege Akutami expressed a heartfelt, albeit brief, sentiment, highlighting the profound impact Toriyama had on him and many others. Eiichiro Oda imagined Toriyama in a peaceful afterlife, humorously suggesting he’s now free from the rigors of manga creation, enjoying his hobbies.
The contributions of other artists, including Hitsuju Gondaira and Yoshifumi Tozuka, not only reminisced about Toriyama’s influence on their own creative processes but also underscored the personal connection they felt with his characters and stories.
Dragon Ball’s debut in 1984 captured the imaginations of countless young readers, many of whom would go on to become influential manga artists themselves.
This generational influence underscores Toriyama’s role in shaping not just the stories of Dragon Ball but also the very landscape of modern manga. His work inspired artists to pursue their passions, leaving a legacy characterized by creativity, resilience, and humor.
The future of the Dragon Ball franchise, in light of Toriyama’s passing, remains a topic of speculation and concern among fans.
While Dragon Ball Super’s publication is temporarily on hold, the forthcoming anime series Dragon Ball Daima continues as part of the franchise’s 40th-anniversary celebration. Toriyama’s involvement in this project speaks to his enduring legacy, ensuring that his creative vision will continue to entertain and inspire.
As the manga community and fans worldwide come to terms with this immense loss, the tributes from fellow artists serve as a poignant reminder of Akira Toriyama’s lasting impact. His work transcended cultural and generational boundaries, embedding itself in the hearts of millions.
Through his characters, stories, and unique sense of humor, Toriyama leaves behind a treasure trove of creativity that will continue to inspire future generations of artists and storytellers. Rest in peace, Akira Toriyama, and thank you for the worlds you created.