Farewell, Sensei: Legendary Mangaka Akira Toriyama

Today, we stand at the precipice of an era, mourning the passing of the legendary mangaka, Akira Toriyama. The mastermind behind Dragon Ball, Toriyama departed on the milestone 40th anniversary of his most acclaimed series, leaving a crater in the hearts of fans and peers alike.

Toriyama’s contributions to manga and anime extend far beyond Dragon Ball. As the creator of Dr. Slump, he announced his knack for humor and unique character design—squashing them down into the compact form that inspired the chibi style. His work on the designs for the video game series Dragon Quest, and his contributions to other anime like Blue Dragon and Chrono Trigger, further solidified his place as a leading figure in the industry.

His students, Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, and Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto (both iconic mangakas as well) were among those who penned heartfelt letters that painted portraits of Toriyama’s impact on their lives. Oda, in his poignant prose, cried, “It’s too soon. The void left behind is too large.” And we, as fans, fellow artists, and observers, feel the weight of his words. The loss is colossal.

Kishimoto shared an intimate slice of his childhood, where Dragon Ball stood as his “salvation” as a “rural boy.” He expressed how Toriyama’s work accompanied him from his early elementary school days. It’s clear from Toriyama’s far-reaching influence that Kishimoto, a celebrated artist in his own right, saw him as his guiding force.

To us at RIOTUS and on Geek Girl Riot, Toriyama is more than a creator of popular manga and anime series. He’s an icon who redefined the Shonen genre. He’s the artist who gave depth to characters, who made us laugh, cry, and most importantly, dream. For Toriyama leveling up and saving the world with your chosen family is fuel for a happy, although, battle filled life. His ability to bring together elements of adventure, action, humor, and heartfelt emotion in his stories is what makes him legendary. His work has inspired not just us, but countless others in and as fans of the industry.

Toriyama’s influence has been likened to a towering tree, its branches reaching up to the sky, symbolizing the vast influence of his work on the current generation of mangaka. The tributes that have poured in from around the world are a testament to the scale of this loss. The echoes of sadness were louder than when Dragon Ball itself ended. The messages from Oda and Kishimoto reflect the admiration for a man they saw as a mentor and a titan of manga.

As we celebrate Akira Toriyama, we also remember the journey he led us on through his stories. He is the unmatched godfather of Shonen, although he transcended at the age of 68, his spirit will continue to live on through the universes he created and the big smiles his heroes wore. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in eternal bliss, and may his legacy continue to inspire for generations to come.

“Thank you, Toriyama, for your work over 45 years. Thank you for your efforts and hard work.”