In a somber turn of events, the renowned manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1 at the age of 68, succumbing to acute subdural hematoma. His family, respecting his privacy, organized a private funeral, and they have explicitly communicated their decision not to receive gifts, visits, offerings, or interviews during this difficult time.

Bird Studio, the design and production studio founded by Toriyama, is planning to arrange a commemorative gathering in the future, allowing friends, colleagues, and fans to pay their respects collectively.

Toriyama's impactful career began in 1980 with the serialization of his first manga, "Dr. Slump," which not only became a cultural phenomenon but also inspired two television anime series and multiple films. Following this success, Toriyama embarked on the iconic "Dragon Ball" series, which ran from 1984 to 1995. The legacy of "Dragon Ball" endures with ongoing manga and anime sequels and spinoffs. The anime adaptations, particularly "Dragon Ball" and its sequel "Dragon Ball Z," alongside various sequels and films, have achieved global recognition, and the character Goku has become an internationally beloved figure.

Beyond his contributions to manga, Toriyama's artistic brilliance extended to the realm of gaming. He served as the character designer for popular games like Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, and Blue Dragon, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming industry.

The passing of Akira Toriyama marks the end of an era in the world of manga and anime, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to captivate and inspire generations to come.

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Source: Anime News Network