“We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on 1 March due to acute subdural hematoma,” said a statement released on the official X account of the Dragon Ball franchise.
Dragon Ball fans mourn to the passing and pour tributes to its creator Akira Toriyama (Source: YouTube)
Japanese artist Akira Toriyama, known for the hugely popular Dragon Ball comics, has died at the age of 68. This unfortunate news has conveyed sadness to the entire comics industry, and worldwide fans even voluntarily held memorial activities and commemorations.
Dragon Ball, a renowned Japanese manga series that has enthralled fans for more than 30 years, was created by Akira Toriyama. The story revolves around Goku, a formidable warrior who protects Earth from a variety of adversaries. The manga has given rise to numerous anime adaptations, films, video games, and merchandise, establishing itself as a global cultural phenomenon.
Japanese manga artist Akira Toriyama’s “Dragon Ball” was serialised in “Shonen Jump” magazine from 1984 to 1995, Furthermore, a full-colour version was launched in 2013.
The “Dragon Ball” manga single volumes have been translated into 24 languages around the world and sold to more than 30 countries, with more than 260 million copies sold. It is the most successful Japanese manga work abroad. Since 2018, “Dragon Ball ” has gained deep supporters and popularity around the world. According to the financial report released by Bandai Namco Group on May 12, 2023, Dragon Ball’s sales revenue has reached 990.089 billion yen.
But how did Dragon Ball become so popular?
The answer lies in its distinctive combination and integration of action, humour, and narrative. Toriyama’s artistic style and character designs are easily recognizable, while his use of dynamic panel layouts and battle sequences has set new standards for“shonen”manga (comics aimed at a young male audience) genre. Moreover, the series delves into intricate themes of identity, family, and morality, resonating with readers of all ages, and contributed to the global spread of Japanese pop culture.
The history and evolution of Dragon Ball
Initially serialized in 1984 in the popular Japanese manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump, Dragon Ball quickly amassed a dedicated following. An animated adaptation followed in 1986, bringing the characters to life with vibrant animation and memorable music, thus expanding the series’ reach.
Over the years, Dragon Ball has undergone significant growth and development. The series are divided into two parts: “Dragon Ball,” which focuses on Goku’s childhood and early escapades, and “Dragon Ball Z,” which chronicles his adult life and battles against formidable foes. Meanwhile, the new characters like Vegeta, Piccolo, and Cell were introduced and became fan favourites in these latter series. Afterward, Dragon Ball Z starts off five years after the conclusion of Goku’s fight with Piccolo in the last series, and focuses on sustaining a family with his childhood friend Chi-Chi and Son Gohan.
“It is really regrettable news to me as a person who grew up with Dragon Ball, it has filled me with my childhood,” said Uncle South, a 50-year-old toy collector and shop owner of vintage Japanese toys and collections.
Uncle South also added that during his time as a student, technology was not as prevalent and advanced as it is today. Consequently, he found the only hobby and entertainment in comics, eagerly rushing to the nearby newspaper stall on the day of the latest manga release.
“These manga greatly influenced my passion for drawing and visual art design. As a result, I pursued a career in the design industry and became a toy collector now, meanwhile it allows me to reminisce about those times with my customers and connect with a kindred spirit on a daily basis.”
The influence of Dragon Ball sustainably extends beyond the realm of comics and animation, inspiring numerous parodies, tributes, and pop culture references in various media, including video games and music. Its impact is also evident in the success of other “shonen” manga and anime series like Naruto and One Piece.
Today, Dragon Ball continues to enjoy a dedicated and loyal fan base. The manga and anime have been reissued in various formats, with new spin-offs and adaptations constantly in the works. As Dragon Ball approaches its 40th anniversary, its status as a groundbreaking and influential series remains unshakable.
In addition, the success of “Dragon Ball Z” promoted the globalization of comics and animation, paving the way for the international popularity of Japanese pop culture. Its impact on pop culture is still visible, with the series continuing to inspire new generations of fans and influencing all forms of media and entertainment.
Peter, the customer who was purchasing and looking for the Dragon Ball in Uncle South’ store, said “I hope the later generations can remember Akira Toriyama’s contribution to the new culture of animation and comics, and his international influence.”
Reported by Hannah Lau
Edited by Jasmine Chen Qu, Alvin Heung