DBZ Creator Toriyama's Legacy

Renowned Japanese manga creator Akira Toriyama, famed for iconic works like Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, passed away at 68. Let's Explore the tale of the enigmatic and legendary artist whose influence transcended cultural boundaries.

By the early 1980s, Akira Toriyama had already gained recognition among comic enthusiasts with Dr. Slump. However, it was Dragon Ball that propelled him to manga immortality, becoming a global sensation and a testament to Japanese success.

The Story of Akira Toriyama

According to Animage Plus, a division of the anime magazine Animage, Toriyama was born in Japan's Aichi prefecture in 1955 and pursued design studies at an industrial high school.

"Dragon Ball is like a miracle, given how it helped someone like me who has a twisted, difficult personality do a decent job and get accepted by society,"

Toriyama Said

According to many sources and media, Mr Toriyama dveloped his interest for manga during his school days but he started creating comics in his twenties, following three years of employment at an advertising agency in Nagoya.

In 1978, Toriyama made his debut with Wonder Island. However, it was his humorous creation, Dr. Slump, featuring the adventures of Arale Norimaki, a little girl with glasses who is revealed to be a robot with extraordinary abilities, that truly captured audiences' hearts and became a resounding success.

Toriyama got inspired by Jackie Chan and a Chinese story to create Dragon Ball, Report Says.

It started in 1984 in a magazine for boys in Japan. It's about a boy named Goku who has a monkey tail. He goes on adventures to find seven magical dragon balls. Along the way, he fights lots of enemies in different places.

Dragon Ball Z reached new levels of popularity from 1989 to 1996. It showcased epic battles that could destroy planets and displayed incredible strength.

It introduced the powerful Saiyan race, who can transform into different forms showcasing super strength. Dragon Ball Z used to be something that kids have seen in no other in that era.

Translated into many languages, Dragon Ball inspired numerous cartoons, movies, video games, trading cards, and toys, making it hugely profitable.

"When I was drawing the series, all I ever wanted to achieve was to please boys in Japan."

Untold Secret Behind Success

The key to Toriyama's success lies in his ability to meet deadlines, as revealed in a 2013 interview with Japan's Asahi Shimbun Daily.

Drawing from his experience as a designer in an advertising agency, Toriyama emphasized the importance of timely delivery, having witnessed the repercussions of missed deadlines firsthand, according to Toriyama.

Eventually, Dragon Ball reached out the borders entertaining kids, teens, and adults from all over the world.

Dragon Ball, first serialized in 1984, ranks among the top-selling manga franchises globally.

People just loved the concept of a kid who is so powerful and already fighting against the evil enemies of Earth. Another powerful point behind people is love for the innocence of Son Goku.

He is so powerful yet so humble and cute that melted everyone's heart.

Blending elements of comedy, absurdist adventure, and martial arts action, the series draws inspiration from the timeless Chinese tale "Journey to the West.

It's considered a prime example of the "shonen (boys)" genre, which has long been influential in Japan's manga and anime industry, contributing to its worldwide acclaim.

While other shonen hits like One Piece and Naruto also feature thrilling battles and heroic adventures, Dragon Ball solidified its status as the benchmark for the genre.

According to publisher Shueisha, the manga has sold over 260 million copies globally, establishing its immense popularity both in Japan and worldwide.

"I don't like socialising, so much so that I have more animals than friends,".

Toriyama Said

Please Like and Share with a DBZ fan to let him know this story.

Also share with us, what you love about DBZ the most in the comment section.