'Dragon Ball' creator Akira Toriyama dies at 68

Mangaka Akira Toriyama, creator of the world-renowned series “Dragon Ball” and “Doctor Slump,” has died at age 68 of a subdural hematoma, his publisher and studio announced Friday.

“We are deeply saddened to inform you that manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1 of a severe subdural hematoma. He is 68 years old,” Bird Studio, a company founded by the mangaka, said in a statement published on X.

“At Shuisha and the editorial department, we are deeply saddened by the sudden news of his passing,” read a statement from the publisher. “We want to pay tribute to his tremendous achievements, express our gratitude and send him our sincere condolences.”

Born in Nagoya (central Japan) in 1955, Akira Toriyama is best known for his 1984 manga “Dragon Ball,” loosely inspired by a 16th-century Chinese novel that chronicles Art's grandiose life and adventures. Martial arts Son Goku from his childhood.

According to the specialized site Mangazenkan, the manga has sold at least 260 million copies worldwide, and has spawned several adaptations for television, cinema or video games, and several sequels such as “Dragon Ball Z » or more recently “Dragon Ball Super”.

Manga “One Piece” creator Eiichiro Oda lamented Akira Toriyama's “too early” death in a press release, saying it leaves “a huge void.” “To think that I will never see him again… I am overwhelmed with sadness,” Mr Oda added. Mr. Oda is the creator of the world famous “Dragon Ball” and “Dr. Slump” series. The 68-year-old died of a subdural hematoma, his publisher and studio announced Friday.

“At Shuisha and the editorial department, we are deeply saddened by the sudden news of his passing,” read a statement from the publisher.