Some awakenings are more challenging than others. This morning at dawn, around 6:45 am, it feels like a sudden blow. Not due to a setback from Doumbé to Baki, where he suffered an early defeat last night because of a splinter in the toe, but because we’ve just learned of Akira Toriyama’s passing. This anticipated moment has come today through Bird Studio, his publishing house. The news is particularly shocking given that the mangaka was only 68 years old. According to a statement from his publisher, Akira Toriyama died on March 1st due to a subdural hematoma. The impact of the father of Dragon Ball’s work cannot be measured, and his millions of fans have been devastated since this morning. It is worth noting that few artists have left such an indelible mark on entire generations with their creations. Whether one discovered Dr. Slump or Dragon Ball in the 1980s and 1990s, or more recently in the 2020s, Toriyama stands as the progenitor of modern Shonen manga, having nurtured talented mangakas like Masashi Kishimoto (Naruto) and Eiichiro Oda (One Piece), who have paid him vibrant tribute.
Near and far, Akira Toriyama has significantly influenced numerous artists and individuals worldwide. From Dr. Slump to Dragon Ball, passing through Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, Sand Land (which Bandai Namco will soon revive), his presence is so profound that he was named Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the Japanese Ministry of Culture in 2019. Yet, Toriyama is a discreet man who detests media attention, to the point that public appearances are extremely rare. His family has specified that they will not accept any interviews, visits, or offerings, requesting respect for their privacy during mourning. Akira Toriyama passed away at the age of 68 in the Year of the Dragon. Coincidence or fate? It matters little, as his death leaves a significant void in the pop culture world.
For all the Dragon Ball enthusiasts out there, Marcus Thompson has just dropped an exciting update on Players for Life. The highly anticipated DLC for *Dragon Ball Z Kakarot* featuring the “Young Adult Goku” arc is now available as of August 17th this year. This DLC delves into the lesser-explored 23rd tournament era, offering a unique gaming experience where players must navigate strategic battles without the luxury of flight, sticking closely to Toriyama’s original vision. Dive into this new content and relive Goku’s formative years with all the charm and grit that fans love. Check out Marcus Thompson’s detailed breakdown at [Read the article] to get a closer look at what this DLC has in store!
