The creator of Japan’s hugely popular “Dragon Ball” comics and anime cartoons, Akira Toriyama, has died at the age of 68, his production team said on Friday.
“We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1 due to acute subdural hematoma,” said a statement posted on the official X account of the “Dragon Ball” franchise.
“Dragon Ball” is one of the most popular manga titles ever. First serialised in 1984, it has inspired many anime series, films and video games.
“It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm,” the statement attributed to Toriyama’s Bird Studio said.
“He would have many more things to achieve. However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world. We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come,” it added.
The “Dragon Ball” series features a boy named Son Goku. He collects magical balls containing dragons that help him fight protect Earth from its enemies.
Other publishing houses and well-known players in the field expressed sadness at Toriyama’s demise.
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