In short
Akira Toriyama left us on March 1, 2024 due to a subdural hematoma.
Let's go deeper
March 1, 2024 marks forever one of the darkest days for millions of fans around the world, we had to say goodbye to one of the undisputed masters of manga art: Akira Toriyama, the absolute genius and creator of Dragon Ball.
His legacy goes far beyond the pages of comics, as he has shaped entire generations and revolutionized the Japanese and world entertainment landscape.
I've been following and loving Dragonball for 27 years and it's as if a father, a brother, a friend had died.
The Dragon Ball Epic
Born in 1984, Dragon Ball quickly gained popularity thanks to its compelling plot, iconic characters, and Toriyama's artistic mastery.
From Goku to Vegeta, through Piccolo and Gohan, each character has become an icon of the pop world, inspiring video games, animated series, movies and even a fervent community of fans.
The saga has evolved over the years, going from Dragon Ball to Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT to the recent Dragon Ball Super, continuing to capture interest and make new generations of fans fall in love.
The intense battles, the moving moments and the incredible growth of the characters have made this series a milestone in global animation.
Revolution in the World of Anime
Dragon Ball has not only entertained, but it has also revolutionized the way in which the world perceives anime. It introduced a new form of visual narrative to the general public, combining action, humor and drama in an irresistible mix. His impact is still reflected today in numerous anime productions that are inspired by his style and narrative structure.
In addition, Dragon Ball has helped spread Japanese culture around the world, becoming a global symbol of Japan's creativity and ingenuity.
The Sad News
Akira Toriyama left us on March 1, 2024 due to a subdural hematoma.
The news was officially announced by Bird Studio and Capsule Corporation Tokyo on March 8, 2024, leaving the entire world mourning the loss of such extraordinary talent.
Eichiro Oda's farewell letter to Akira Toriyama
The author of One Piece wanted to greet and pay homage to the master with a moving farewell letter:
“It's too early. You've left a hole that's too big. “The thought of never seeing you again fills me with sadness.
I've admired you so much since I was a kid.
I remember the day you called me by my name for the first time.
I remember when you first called me a friend.
I also remember the last conversation we had.
It was he who took over at a time when reading manga made people stupid and created an era in which both adults and children could read and have fun with manga. It showed us a world where that was possible. He showed me that I too could do it and that I could dream of reaching the whole world.
It was like watching a hero move forward. The childhood of millions of people is linked to the happiness and excitement we felt reading Dragon Ball.
You have influenced not only manga artists, but creators around the world. Your existence is like a big tree whose roots reach to the sky and beyond.
For the mangaka of our generation, the closer we got to you and your work, the more we realized how great you were. It was scary, but the person behind it all was very calm, and I was very happy when I found out about it.
We ended up loving you, Toriyama-sensei, not only for what you did, but for what you were.
I would like to express my deepest and most sincere respect and gratitude to the world created by Toriyama-sensei and pray for his peaceful rest. I hope paradise is a beautiful world as you imagined it in your work.”
Goodbye, Sensei.
With the death of Akira Toriyama, the world loses not only an extraordinary artist, but also a teacher who has shaped the imagination of entire generations.
His works will live forever in the hearts of fans, and his contribution to popular culture will remain indelible.
Goodbye, Toriyama-sensei.
Thank you for giving us a world of adventure, emotion and inspiration.
Your legacy will continue to shine like a bright star in the firmament of global animation.
With a heart full of gratitude and sadness, we say goodbye to Akira Toriyama.
Like a last KA ME HA ME HAAAA that resonates in the universe, your energy will continue to shine and inspire those who have traveled with Goku and his friends through fantastic worlds and epic battles.
May your soul find peace in eternity, as we continue to carry on your legendary spirit through the stories you have created.
Goodbye, but we will never forget your extraordinary contribution to art and imagination
Credits for the cover of the article: Boban Pesov
