Akira Toriyama: 'Manga Artists' Say Goodbye to the Master

In the early hours of March 8th, we learned through social media about the passing of the legend Akira Toriyama ( Dragon Ball, Dr. Slump ). Therefore, several famous manga artists in the industry paid tribute to master Toriyama.

Publisher Shueisha about Akira Toriyama

Akira Toriyama , who published numerous works in JUMP magazines, has passed away. At Shueisha and the editorial department, we are deeply saddened by the sudden news of his passing. The manga he drew, such as 'Dr. Slump,' 'Dragon Ball,' 'Sand Land,' and many others, were read and loved worldwide, transcending national borders. His fascinating characters and his overwhelming sense of design greatly influenced many manga artists and creators. We want to express our gratitude for his great achievements and pray that his soul rests in peace.

Yuji Horii, author of Dragon Quest

I'm still in disbelief at the sudden news of Toriyama-san's passing. I've known Toriyama since he was a writer for Shonen Jump, and on the recommendation of my editor, Torishima, I decided to ask him to draw the art for the games when we released Dragon Quest. In the 37+ years since, he's designed characters, monsters, and drawn so many fascinating pieces of art that I don't even know where to begin. Dragon Quest's history has been marked by Toriyama-san's character designs. He and the late Sugiyama-san were longtime friends of mine and worked on Dragon Quest. I can't believe he's gone… I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry.

Masakazu Katsura, Author of Zetman and DNA

I feel exhausted and my energy is low. I don't want to discuss these things. But I will write something. As I begin writing, there are so many things I want to express that it will probably be very long, but I will try to make it as concise as possible. Right now, I don't have any cohesive feelings, so please excuse my ramblings. Even when I think about it, when I visited your house, when you came to my house, when we went out to have fun, it was all just happy memories, and every time I called you, I laughed until I was exhausted. You were a fun person. You were messy, handsome, talkative, and humble.

In my day job, drawing manga, we'd do collaborations and stuff like that, and that was fun too. But 99% of the time, we never talked about manga. As manga artists, we were so different in the scenarios we saw and the level of artists that I never realized your greatness. I understand that. But I didn't feel it at all when I was in contact with you. It's your personality. That's why, more than a great manga artist, I still think of you as just a friend. Last summer, before my surgery, it seems you somehow found out and sent me an email. Emails are rare, and you were quite concerned about my health.

We've known each other for 40 years, but I'd never received such a kind email from Toriyama-san. I thought it was going to snow. Usually, he just jokes or says nonsense. I don't have time to worry about others. When I called him, I think it was a little while before, I said, "I'll probably die first, so please throw a farewell party or something, and I'd like you to organize it, Toriyama-san! Also, please give a speech so I can be a foil!" He promised, but he couldn't keep his promise.

I don't know why I didn't call him after he emailed me, and that's what I regret so much. I just regret that we can't have long phone conversations about trivial things anymore. We have all sorts of things to talk about. I'd like to talk to you again, even if I have to listen to my usual ramblings about things that don't interest you. It's not good that the last time you responded to my email asking for you to get back to me, you wrote a casual "OK." That's deeply hurtful.

Riichiro Inagaki, Author of Dr. Stone

It's too shocking to think about anything else, but for now I just pray that his soul rests.

Tatsuya Endo, author of Spy x Family

If it weren't for Akira Toriyama, I probably never would have considered becoming a manga artist. Even now, when I think about the "reader's perspective," I always remember the days of my childhood, eagerly awaiting Dragon Ball every week. Thank you for all your wonderful work. I sincerely pray for the repose of Toriyama Sensei's soul.

Ryuhei Tamura, author of Beelzebub

I was shocked to learn of Akira Toriyama's death. Like many people connected to the world of manga, he was undoubtedly a role model for me. I still can't organize my feelings... I pray with all my heart that he rests in peace.

Toyotaro, Dragon Ball Super artist

I started drawing manga because I wanted to be praised by Sensei Toriyama. He meant everything to me.

Kentarou Yabuki, author To Love-ru and Ayakashi Triangle

This is a long post. To calm myself down. Let me explain my personal thoughts. When I was a child, I changed schools a lot and tended to be lonely. Everything changed when I could make new friends wherever I went by talking about Dragon Ball. I learned the joy of drawing manga by copying many of Mr. Toriyama's illustrations. I became addicted to Dracula and Chrono Trigger. The first time my drawing appeared in Jump was thanks to a postcard from the Dragon Ball readers' project. I believe this gave me confidence and led me to enter manga contests a few years later. I never had the opportunity to meet him in person, but even if I had, I would have been too afraid to approach him… That's how much I admired him.

I would like to thank Akira Toriyama for the illustrations he made for the 10th anniversary of "To LOVE-Ru" and for his kind comments. I will treasure them for the rest of my life. He created many happy memories for me and for everyone else. I deeply appreciate Mr. Toriyama's kindness. I pray that someday I can see him with a smile... May he rest in peace.

About Dragon Ball creator Toriyama:

Akira Toriyama began his creative journey in 1978 with the captivating story of Wonder Island, which came to life in the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump.

However, it was with Dr. Slump, published weekly in Shonen Jump from 1980 to 1984, that he won the hearts of the public , generating 18 bound volumes and becoming the basis of the first anime inspired by a work by Toriyama.

Finally, the legend Akira Toriyama shone even brighter with the iconic Dragon Ball series. Recognized as one of the pillars of the "Golden Age of Jump," Dragon Ball became a global phenomenon, leading Toriyama to dedicate himself intensely to the series from 1984 to 1995. During those eleven years, he produced 42 volumes, totaling nearly 10,000 pages of thrilling adventures. Furthermore, Dragon Ball's success spawned an anime series, feature-length films, video games, and countless merchandise.

Source: WSJ_Manga