Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball manga series creator, dies at 68

Akira Toriyama, the Japanese artist known for his Dragon Ball comics, has died. Akira breathed his last on March 1 due to an acute subdural hematoma. He was 68 years old.

Toriyam's death was confirmed in a statement posted on the official social media handle of the Dragon Ball franchise.

"We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st due to acute subdural hematoma," the post reads.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Maidaan trailer: Ajay Devgn starrer has Chak De vibe but in football

“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 things to achieve,” reads the statement.

“He has left many manga titles and works of art to this world. Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.”

Akira was one of the most renowned personalities in the Manga world, and his comic series Dragon Ball is one of the best-selling titles that became a worldwide sensation.

The comic series debuted in 1984 and followed the life of a boy named Son Goku and his adventures to collect the magical Dragon balls that will increase his power and help him fight the evils. Before Dragon Ball, Akira made his name in the world of manga series Dr. Slump.

Dragon Ball was Akira's most famous and loved work, but it went on to become a phenomenon worldwide, transcending generations. Over the years, it has been adapted into anime series, live-action movies, and video games among other things.

Soon after the news of Akira's death was confirmed,tributes for the pioneer started pouring in.

Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the Japanese manga series One Piece, condoled the demise in a statement, saying, ''It is too early. The hole is too big. Sadness washes over me when I think that I will never see him again. I have admired him so much since I was a child..May heaven be the joyous world just as you envisioned it."

Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto said in a statement, "I just received the news of Sensei's passing. I feel a tremendous sense of loss, more than when Dragon Ball ended... I still don't know how to deal with this hole in my heart. I can't even read Dragon Ball, which I love. I pray that Akira Toriyama-sensei may rest in peace."

Trans broadcaster reports JK Rowling to police over 'misgendering'

Millions of emotional fans paid tribute toToriyama and the legacy that he has left behind.

One user wrote, ''RIP to Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragonball Z, he was 68 years old. This one really hurts. This guy is responsible for so many people's introduction to Anime. I know Dragonball was one of the first anime I ever watched myself. A legend who we will NEVER forget.''

Another wrote, ''Akira Toriyama dying feels like entire World just broke. The Dragon Ball universe has altered so many of our lives and will change millions to come. Words can not describe the magnitude of his impact. Legend in every sense. The greatest of all time. RIP to the GOAT.''