Akira Toriyama: 'Manga artists' say goodbye to the master

In the early hours of March 8, we learned through social media about the passing of 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 death. The manga he drew, like 'Dr. Slump', 'Dragon Ball', 'Sand Land' and many others have been read and loved all over the world, crossing national borders. His fascinating characters and overwhelming sense of design have greatly influenced many artists and manga creators. We want to express our gratitude for your great achievements and pray that your soul rests in peace.

Yuji Horii, author of Dragon Quest

I still can't believe the sudden news of Toriyama-san's passing. I've known Toriyama since he wrote 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 launched Dragon Quest. In the 37+ years since then, he has designed characters, monsters, and drawn so many fascinating works of art that I don't even know where to begin counting them. The story of Dragon Quest was marked by Toriyama-san's character designs. He and the late Sugiyama-san were my friends for a long time and worked on Dragon Quest. I can't believe he's gone... I don't know what to say anymore. I am really sorry.

Masakazu Katsura, Author of Zetman and DNA

I feel exhausted and my energy is not at its peak. I don't want to discuss these things. But I will write something. As I start 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. I have no cohesive feelings at the moment, so 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, pretty, talkative and humble.

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

We've known each other for 40 years, but I've 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 earlier, I said, “I'll probably die first, so please have a going-away 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 could not fulfill his promise.

I don't know why I didn't call him after he emailed me, and that's what I regret so much. My only regret is that we can no longer have long phone conversations about trivial things. I have all kinds of things to talk about. I would 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 me to get back in touch, you wrote a relaxed OK. This is deeply painful.

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 would never have considered becoming a mangaka. Even now, when I think about the “reader’s perspective”, I always remember the days of my childhood when I looked forward to “Dragon Ball” every week. Thank you for all this wonderful work. I sincerely pray for the rest of Sensei Toriyama's soul.

Ryuhei Tamura, author of Beelzebub

I was shocked to learn of Akira Toriyama's death. Like many people linked to the world of manga, he was undoubtedly a reference for me. I still can't organize my feelings... I pray with all my heart that you rest 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 text. To calm me down. Let me explain my personal thoughts. When I was a child, I changed schools a lot and tended to be alone. Everything changed when I could make new friends anywhere by talking about 'Dragon Ball'. I learned the pleasure of drawing manga by copying many of Mr. Toriyama's illustrations. I got hooked on 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 scared to get close to him… That's how much I admired him.

I would like to thank Akira Toriyama for the illustrations he did 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 everyone's lives. I greatly appreciate Mr. Toriyama's kindness. I pray that someday I can see you with a smile… May you 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 these eleven years, he produced 42 volumes, totaling almost 10,000 pages of exciting adventures. Furthermore, the success of Dragon Ball gave rise to an anime series, feature films, video games and a multitude of products.

Source: WSJ_Manga