Akira Toriyama, Creator of Beloved ‘Dragon Ball’ Franchise, Dead at 68

Akira Toriyama, the legendary manga artist who wrote and illustrated the beloved Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump series, has died at the age of 68.

The prolific Japanese creator died on March 1 from an acute subdural hematoma, the official Dragon Ball website shared in a statement on Friday from Bird Studio, which Toriyama founded in the Eighties, and Capsule Corporation Tokyo. “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,” the announcement read. “We hope that the world of Akira Toriyama’s unique works will continue to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.”

The statement also stated that his funeral was held with family and relatives, and expressed regret he had several projects in the works at the time of his death and “many more things to achieve.”

Toriyama was born April 5, 1955 in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. Despite creating multiple failed stories in his early twenties, Toriyama pushed on, and in 1980, his gag manga Dr. Slump was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump until 1984. The comedic series followed the adventures of the powerful girl robot Arale Norimaki, her kooky inventor Senbei Norimaki, and residents of the curious Penguin Village — gaining Toriyama international fame for the first time.

The artist’s Dragon Ball manga series was later serialized in 1984, also making its debut in Weekly Shōnen Jump. The series featured protagonist Son Goku from his initial meeting with Bulma — who he joins on a quest to search the world for seven magical, wish-granting orbs known as the Dragon Balls — to his battles with a host of thrilling villains throughout his journey. As the story of Goku unfolded, so did Toriyama’s impact on manga — forever changing the medium with his daring art and storytelling.

Throughout his more than 40-year career, Toriyama would see Dragon Ball expand to adapted anime series by Toei Animation (Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z), videos games, and more. Today, his signature style has become instantly recognizable around the globe — Goku, Bulma, Piccolo, Krillin, and the rest of his beloved characters have inspired generations of audiences, artists, and storytellers throughout the decades.