Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, the Japanese artist credited with helping to change the history of manga, including in the U.S. market where he achieved massive mainstream success, died on March 1. He was 68.
His death was confirmed in a statement by his production company, Bird Studio, and Capsule Corporation Tokyo. The cause of death was said to be an acute subdural hematoma.
“It is our deep regret that he still has several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more things to achieve,” the statement said. "However, he has left many titles and works of art to this world. Thanks to the support of so many people, he’s been able to continue his creative activities for 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time.”
Toriyama first earned acclaim with the manga series Dr. Slump, which was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1980 to 1984, making Toriyama a household name, going on to sell more than 35 million copies in Japan.
Dr. Slump was followed by his most famous and highly influential work, Dragon Ball, which inspired countless manga artists and cartoonists during its run from 1984 to 1995 and beyond.
In its obituary, the New York Times said Dragon Ball is one of the bestselling manga series of all time, selling more than 260 million copies worldwide, and expanding into anime series, as well as a host of films and video games. Following Dragon Ball, Toriyama wrote such single-volume manga as Cowa!, Kajika, Jaco the Galactic Patrolman, and Sand Land, an anime film adaptation of which will be released on Disney+ this spring.
Bird Studio said plans for a commemorative gathering have not yet been decided.
