Remembering Akira Toriyama: A Legendary Manga Artist’s Legacy
Celebrate the life and influence of Akira Toriyama, the legendary manga artist behind Dragon Ball and other iconic series. Discover the heartfelt tributes from fellow mangaka and industry figures, as well as Toriyama’s lasting impact on manga, anime, and gaming. Explore the global reach of his works and the enduring power of his creations.
Remembering Akira Toriyama: A Legendary Manga Artist’s Legacy
Akira Toriyama, the renowned mangaka behind iconic series such as Dragon Ball, Sand Land, and Mr. Slump, sadly passed away on March 1 at the age of 68. His untimely demise left a deep void in the hearts of fans, friends, and colleagues around the world. Toriyama’s contributions to the manga, anime, and gaming industries were immeasurable, and his influence on subsequent generations of artists and creators cannot be overstated.
( Credit to: Animecorner )
Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto, esteemed mangaka, paid tribute to Toriyama in heartfelt messages published in Weekly Shonen Jump. Oda acknowledged Toriyama as a trailblazer who transformed manga from mindless entertainment to an art form that appealed to both adults and children. Kishimoto referred to Toriyama as his teacher and expressed his gratitude for the profound impact Toriyama’s manga had on him during his humble beginnings.
( Credit to: Animecorner )
Toyotarou, the artist behind the Dragon Ball Super series, shared his deep admiration for Toriyama, revealing that his own passion for manga stemmed from a desire to be praised by the legendary artist. Masakazu Katsura, the creator of Video Girl Ai and Zetman, shared a personal anecdote about Toriyama’s kindness during his surgery, remarking on how it was a rare occasion for Toriyama to be so caring. Yusuke Murata, the artist behind One-Punch Man, expressed his gratitude for the invaluable lessons he learned from Toriyama.
Naoki Urasawa, the esteemed mangaka known for his work on Monster, reflected on the immense impact Toriyama’s manga had on him and the industry as a whole. Other prominent figures in the anime and manga community, such as Hiro Mashima, Tatsuya Endo, Ryuhei Tamura, and Riichiro Inagaki, expressed their deep gratitude to Toriyama for inspiring their own careers and for his unwavering influence on the industry.
Toriyama’s legacy reached global proportions, with French President Emmanuel Macron and legendary actor Jackie Chan paying tribute to his cultural significance. As we mark the 40th anniversary of the Dragon Ball series this year, it is undeniable that Akira Toriyama’s legacy will continue to shine brightly. His works have transcended borders and generations, uniting fans from all walks of life. Toriyama’s contributions to manga, anime, and gaming will forever be remembered, and his spirit will live on through the enduring power of his creations.
