The world of anime and manga mourns the creator of the Dragon Ball series

Akira Toriyama, the Japanese creator of perhaps the most recognizable manga Dragon Ball, has died at the age of 68. He was supposed to have died on March 1, and the reason was an acute subdural hematoma, which is usually the result of a head injury.

Young and old fans are paying tribute to the legendary creator online, who thanks to him were able to learn about a completely new concept of literary work. The happy news was announced by Bird Studio, founded by Akira Toriyama in 1983.

"We deeply regret that, due to his untimely death, we will not be able to see all the works he has planned," the studio wrote in a statement.

Dragon Ball, all spin-offs and sequels are his most iconic work. 1984 is the firstč presented on paper the young protagonist Son Goku, who we can follow even today. Goku is a young warrior who over the years has saved the Earth at every turn on behalf of his family and friends. From lowly villains such as the mercenary Tao, Picollo, the Red Ribbon Army, Goku soon moved his adventures to outer space and continued his mission in the name of good.

Of course, in the meantime he didn't forget the excitement that every Saiyan warrior feels when fighting. Just as Goku met new friends along the way and also converted the villains to the good side with his humor and kindness, so did his fans.

A community of global dimensions was created, and the influence of Akira Toriyama and his unusual protagonist can also be felt in the works of other authors who started their authorial journey precisely because of the Japanese creator.

Because of him, the JPRG game genre also came to life. He participated in the development of the legendary gaming franchise – Dragon Quest – her playing style is still popular today. It was not the first JRPG game, it was preceded by Dragon Slayer, Hydlide, Black Onyx and the like, but it was undoubtedly one of the first to introduce this genre to a wider audience. He also consulted on the game Chrono Trigger.

Akira Toriyama began his journey at the tender age of 23, but at first he encountered disapproval from studios and publishers. Wonder Island and Wonder Island 2 were not successful, but two years later the public was taken over by a comical story about a robot girl who explored the world around her (Dr Slump). The story was so successful that it was published for the next four years in the famous Weekly Shōnen Jump and secured him the Shogakukan award, the highest recognition that can befall a manga writer.

His legacy is immortal. Goku and company are still winning hearts all over the world today. But for sure, at least one episode, movie or game in which Akira Toriyama participated will be playing on screens everywhere today.

Below you can watch the trailer for the continuation of the Dragon Ball series.