The manga community faces a profound loss with the passing of Akira Toriyama, the luminary behind the Dragon Ball series. Toriyama's demise on March 1, 2024, from a subdural hematoma, was announced on the official Dragon Ball website, leaving fans and fellow artists alike in mourning. Eiichiro Oda, creator of One Piece, voiced his tribute through Shonen Jump, capturing the collective sorrow and respect for Toriyama's indelible impact on the manga and anime realms.

Toriyama not only crafted stories that transcended generations, he also contributed to iconic video game character designs, such as for Chrono Trigger and the Dragon Quest series.

His legacy resonates through the sweeping influence of his art and storytelling, which forever transformed the landscape of animated narratives and inspired countless creators.

As Toriyama was working on upcoming projects like the Sand Land anime for Disney+ and the new Dragon Ball Daima series, his sudden departure leaves a poignant gap in the ongoing saga of his creations. Oda, reflecting on his own journey, underscores the deep admiration and profound inspiration drawn from Toriyama's work, reminding us that the roots laid by a legend foster the growth of future storytelling.