A titan of imagination, crafting epochs of fantasy, sci-fi and heroism that impacted pop culture
The anime world was shrouded in sorrow on March 1 as we bid farewell to one of its brightest stars, Akira Toriyama, who tragically lost his battle with acute subdural haematoma at the age of 68, leaving a profound void in the realm of creativity and imagination.
Toriyama’s impact, epitomised by his masterpiece, Dragon Ball, reached across borders, captivating audiences worldwide, despite its origins in Japanese.
As we come to terms with his absence, we’re prompted to contemplate the depth of Toriyama’s creations, each a tribute to his unmatched vision and artistic talent that outdid mere entertainment, shaping the core of manga, anime, and video game culture, fundamentally changing the way stories are told. Yet, amidst the sombre realisation of his passing, we find solace in the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
THE DRAGON BALL PHENOMENON
Dragon Ball, born in 1984, embodies Akira Toriyama’s monumental legacy, evolving into a pop culture cornerstone with a global impact. Following the adventures of Son Goku in search of the Dragon Balls, the series blends action, humour, and drama to captivate audiences worldwide.
While Goku’s transformation from a naive boy to a formidable warrior drives the narrative, it’s the nuanced characters like the Saiyan Prince Vegeta who add depth to the Dragon Ball universe. Vegeta’s journey from antagonist to hero, fuelled by pride and redemption, showcases Toriyama’s mastery in character development.
His evolution resonates deeply with fans, representing themes of honour, rivalry, and personal growth. Vegeta’s arc, marked by emotional depth and resilience, cements his status as a beloved figure in the hearts of fans worldwide.
A defining feature of Dragon Ball is its innovative fusion of science-fiction with martial arts action. Toriyama adeptly incorporated advanced technologies, alien worlds, and time travel into traditional combat narratives, creating a unique blend that appealed to a wide audience.
This synthesis not only expanded the scope of the series but also allowed for the exploration of themes such as resilience, sacrifice, and the quest for power, making the series a hallmark of genre blending.
The fusion not only broadened the series’ appeal but also allowed Toriyama to explore complex narratives, from intergalactic battles to time-travelling adventures, pushing the boundaries of the manga and anime genres.
The incorporation of technology and sci-fi elements became a hallmark of Toriyama’s storytelling, captivating readers and viewers with imaginative scenarios that bridged the gap between fantasy and futuristic innovation.
BEYOND THE BATTLES
While Dragon Ball remains Toriyama’s magnum opus, his contributions to other media such as Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger further exemplify his versatility and creative genius.
Moreover, before the global phenomenon of Dragon Ball, there was Dr Slump, an often overlooked yet crucial chapter in the career of manga icon Akira Toriyama. Set in the whimsical world of Penguin Village, Dr Slump introduced readers to Toriyama’s unparalleled humour, boundless creativity, and penchant for crafting bizarre yet endearing scenarios.
Through the misadventures of its quirky cast, including the brilliant yet eccentric inventor Senbei Norimaki and the mischievous android Arale, the series showcased Toriyama’s ability to weave engaging narratives filled with memorable characters.
Dr Slump not only solidified Toriyama’s status as a leading manga artist but also served as a precursor to the comedic elements that would later define Dragon Ball, illustrating the breadth of his storytelling prowess and the enduring legacy of his early works.
NARRATIVE WIZARDRY
Toriyama’s venture into video game design, notably through his involvement in Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger, profoundly shaped the gaming landscape.
His distinctive character designs and creative vision played a pivotal role in shaping the visual and narrative essence of these games, which have since attained legendary status for their captivating storytelling, immersive environments, and captivating gameplay.
Toriyama’s unmistakable artistic touch is instantly recognisable to fans, evidence to his extraordinary talent in crafting narratives and characters that outdo the manga and anime arena, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.
Meanwhile, the unveiling of Dragon Ball Daima in October 2023 served as a poignant tribute to Toriyama’s enduring influence on the manga and anime landscape.
Anticipated fervently by fans, the series represents not only the timeless allure of the Dragon Ball universe but also its remarkable ability to enthral and resonate with new generations.
As the Dragon Ball saga continues to grow and broaden its universe, it serves as a vibrant homage to Toriyama’s limitless creativity and lasting legacy.
CREATIVE SUCCESSOR
Following Toriyama’s passing, the responsibility of carrying forward the Dragon Ball legacy has fallen upon Toyotarou, a manga artist widely regarded as Toriyama’s protege and eventual heir.
Renowned for his contributions to Dragon Ball Super, Toyotarou shares Toriyama’s vision and unwavering commitment to the series, pledging to uphold its tradition of compelling storytelling and character evolution.
With Toyotarou at the helm, fans can anticipate the future of Dragon Ball with confidence, knowing that Toriyama’s essence will endure and flourish under his stewardship.
Akira Toriyama’s influence on manga, anime, and video games is unquestionable. From Dragon Ball to Dr Slump and his impactful contributions to iconic video games, Toriyama’s creations have resonated with creators and fans across the globe.
His skill in merging genres and weaving captivating characters and storylines has profoundly shaped pop culture. As we contemplate his legacy, it’s clear that Toriyama’s works have surpassed their beginnings to become essential components of global culture. While Toriyama’s journey may have ended, his spirit lives on through Toyotarou and the enduring love of fans worldwide. His imagination and vision will continue to inspire and entertain future generations, immortalised in manga, anime, and video games.
