Dragon Ball’ creator Akira Toriyama dead at 68

Akira Toriyama, the creator of the hit-anime series “Dragon Ball,” died earlier this month from a serious brain injury. He was 68.

“Dear Friends and Partners, We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st due to acute subdural hematoma. He was in age of 68.”a statement posted to the official Dragon Ball website read.

“We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.”

Born in Nagoya, Japan in 1955, Toriyama began his career with the creation of the manga series “Dr. Slump” in 1980.

Following the success of the first series, Toriyama went on to write and illustrate “Dragon Ball” with its initial release in 1984, before it was created into a series two years later.

The series’ success sparked spin-offs including “Dragon Ball Z,” “Dragon Ball Z Kai” and several film adaptations.

Toriyama was still working on several projects at the time of his death, the note acknowledged.

“It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more to things to achieve,” the statement from Bird Studio read.

Toriyama’s funeral was held by close relatives in keeping with his wishes of “tranquility.”

Fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to their favorite show’s creator with some posting pictures of characters Toriyama created, including Goku, Gohan and Dende.

“My very first exposure to the world of anime was because of Akira Toriyama and the world he created in Dragonball,” one post on X read. “Thank you for the memories.”

“The world has lost a true visionary and a master of storytelling. Akira Toriyama’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched with his art and creativity,” another read.