Animation fans have recently taken to social media platforms to express that they are saddened by the loss of one of Japan’s most prominent cartoonists – Akira Toriyama.
The well-known manga artist was well known for having been the brainchild of one of the world’s most-loved cartoons, the Dragon Ball franchise.
The news of his passing was announced by the production company Bird Studios on Friday.
“We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on 1st March due to acute hematoma.”
In their statement, the team said that his passing was a great loss for many who have been impacted by his work throughout the years. They further added that the 68-year-old had many more projects lying in the pipeline.
“It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm.”
“He would have many more things to achieve. However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world.”
Meanwhile, the production company thanked the fans for their support throughout his career, adding that he had been in this career for more than 45 years.
According to news publication CNN, Akira’s journey in animation started in 1978 when he started submitting short stories to a manga fans’ magazine called Weekly Shonen Jump.
By 1984, he launched one of his biggest successes, Dragon Ball, which was later featured in the same magazine. The success of Dragon Ball propelled him into elite status, so much so that it got turned into a Hollywood movie called Dragon Ball Evolution, and has in the process spanned four decades.
The statement further read:
“We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.”
A legend. Thank you Akira Toriyama for entertaining and inspiring so many of us. ❤️ Rest in peace.
— Among Us (@AmongUsGame) March 8, 2024
Thank You Akira Toriyama.
You have touched so many lives and inspired millions throughout the entire world. May you rest in peace, you will NEVER be forgotten pic.twitter.com/QBrpHaFbEV
— BrotherE (@TheBrotherE) March 8, 2024
