Artists Pay Tribute to Dragon Ball Creator Akira Toriyama

Bird Studio has announced the passing of its founder and legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama - most well known for being the creator of ‘Dragon Ball’. He passed from an acute subdural hematoma (a bleed near the brain) on March 1st.

Before his rise to fame with the hugely popular ‘Dragon Ball’ manga, TV shows and films - as well as his character design work for games like ‘Dragon Quest’ and ‘Chrono Trigger’ - Akira Toriyama got his start in the advertising industry, designing posters at an agency in Japan for three years.

Since the release of his seminal manga series ‘Dr. Slump’ in 1980, his art continued to inspire not just the worlds of illustration and animation, but pop culture itself, for decades. The outpouring of admiration from his fellow mangakas (Japanese comic artists), world leaders and fans across the globe, reflect how deeply his impact was felt, and how sorely his presence will be missed.

To pay tribute and celebrate his life and work, we asked illustrators and animators from around the world to share their personal connections and thoughts on Akira Toriyama’s art and influence.

Above: Akira Toriyama's self portrait character, Tori-Bot

Alexei Bochenek

Creative director at Titmouse

Toriyama was so much more than just an artist and storyteller - though he was incredible as both. He wielded dynamite. His work was so explosive, it blew a hole in whatever cross-cultural barriers might have existed before his imagination lit the fuse, opening up a new path for fans around the world to discover a vast realm of expression and entertainment that stretched out before them.

Our industry of animation owes so much to Toriyama and to 'Dragon Ball' for inspiring creators and fans alike to simply love cartoons, regardless of where they’re from. He made life difficult for his peers by setting an impossible standard of just how creative and captivating a story could be; how much action and drama an animated series could contain. To this day, his work remains a powerful catalyst for growing the culture of comics and animation, blowing new fans’ minds, sending them searching to find something that hits them as hard as his work - and when they can’t find it, to pick up a pencil and make it themselves.

Ralph Karam

Founder and creative director at Le Cube 

Legend is a word that sounds removed, distant. As a '90s kid, Akira Toriyama’s presence was always so close - right there on the living room television, or the pages of manga scattered across the floor. Watching his masterfully crafted stories was more than just entertainment, it was truly formative. I didn’t even know it rationally yet but could feel his fierce character designs and storytelling techniques shaping my creativity and influencing my path in animation.

As a creator in the animation industry, I owe a debt of gratitude to Toriyama-sensei. His unwavering commitment to excellence has served as both inspiration and aspiration in my work. As we bid farewell to this multi-generational master, this familiar legend, I picture him at peace now; exploring the cosmos in search of precious Shenron wishes.

Above: Still from the upcoming 'Dragon Ball DAIMA' series, Toei Animation

Nicole Tocco

Production coordinator at Hornet 

Toriyama-sensei didn’t just give us all a timeless classic; he completely changed the landscape of manga and shōnen fiction, and invited people globally to share in that love. So many people all around the world, including me, were wildly inspired by 'Dragonball Z' and 'Dragon Quest' when we were younger, setting us on the paths of creation and wonder that have persisted with us well into our adulthood. I remember sitting with my friends in our living rooms, watching back-to-back episodes of 'Dragon Ball' and trying to recreate our favourite moments through drawings - it is these experiences that bred in me an unimaginable love for art and storytelling.

Thank you for 40+ years of endless creativity and innovation, Toriyama-sensei. I hope you rest well.

Icaro Yuji

Head of art at Black Madre

I was very sad to hear about the passing of master Akira Toryiama. 'Dragon Ball' had a huge impact on my childhood. A very special friend introduced me to the anime and encouraged me to try drawing the characters. At the time, we didn't have easy access to all the episodes of the anime, so we made up characters and parts of the story to fill in what was missing. It was a magical time and had a significant impact on my life. Akira Toryiama's legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and his work will remain an eternal source of joy and creativity. Rest in peace, master.

James Gorman

Junior animator at Blue Zoo Animation

With Akira Toriyama's recent passing, the world has lost a truly legendary artist. Toriyama's masterful blend of drama and comedy - alongside his unforgettable character designs for Piccolo, Frieza or my personal favourite, Cell - inspired countless fans worldwide, evident by the incredible artwork artists across the globe have produced.

One of my fondest memories is the excitement surrounding the release of 'Dragon Ball Super: Broly', a movie Toriyama wrote the original script for, when it first hit the cinema. It was the first time in years I had queued up to see a film and I felt such excitement and energy from all around. While I anticipate 'Dragon Ball Daima', it's with a heavy heart, knowing it is one of the last Dragon Ball projects Toriyama was involved with.

My heart goes out to Toriyama's family; I hope King Yemma granted Mr. Toriyama a fast pass so he can be at peace.

Above: Trailer for 'Dragon Ball DAIMA', Toei Animation

Neko Harris

Illustrator at Retrospect

For me, Akira's work was foundational - a stepping stone that I needed to help identify myself as an artist. From his bold outlines to his cell shading to his deep character development, his style continues to be the standard for how I address and adapt all of my personal creations, as well as incorporate subtle nuances, even to this day. He will forever be missed.

Mariano Fernández Russo

Creative director for Hornet's Clubcamping

Around the Cell Games Saga in 'Dragon Ball Z', I remember the shock: what were those shapes that totally were noses, [that] made the characters look so classy? I just couldn`t seem to draw and make them work! I had never seen anything like that. Not even in 'Dragon Ball'. My 12-year-old mind couldn't get it. How was it possible?

And not just the noses. The hairstyles, the eyes, the muscles, the clothing, the powers, the world building. Sensei Toriyama´s style is so iconic, so ground-breaking that whenever the topic about 'finding your style as an artist' comes up, I instantly think of Goku. It's automatic.

It's also my standard for what 'finding your style' should be. My mind is forever wired to Akira Toriyama and his legacy, and I couldn't be more grateful.