Akira Toriyama is known the world over, even by people who have never read a comic, never watched a TV episode nor played one of his video games on any regular basis. Through his creations, the shy Nagoya native etched his name into the annals of pop culture history. Throughout the decades, with so many creations, he made us laugh, made us cry, and gave us hope. This man was never an ordinary man, he was a brilliant artist - a titan of the manga industry. His innovative art style, dynamic storytelling, and unforgettable characters have left an indelible mark on several generations of fans and creators alike.
A self-confessed lazy man, he presented himself as a chronic procrastinator, but if you think about it carefully, it would be impossible for someone with those characteristics to fulfill a schedule as demanding as Dragon Ball's weekly manga chapters.
I believe that the world didn't gather around computers and smartphones to collectively share the grief of losing that bottomless well of creativity that was Akira Toriyama... I believe the world gathered around to share the overwhelming joys that Toriyama's creative genius gave us. And although most of us don't share the joy of having known him personally, we still gather around on this March 8th to celebrate, to pay tribute to a man who had magic and shared it with us throughout his entire career.
Amongst all the manga, TV shows, and videos he created (or collaborated on) I'm certain that Son Goku is one of his most recognizable. Dragon Ball wasn't all cheerful adventures and epic battles; Son Goku became a symbol that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Toriyama's storytelling prowess brought Goku's struggles to life, weaving a narrative of perseverance and triumph in the face of adversity. Through Goku, he instilled in us the belief that no obstacle is insurmountable, reminding us with every chapter or episode that even in the face of overwhelming odds, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. That lesson ignited a flame of hope in the hearts of millions. Countless folks throughout the world were effectively saved from an early and self-inflicted demise by this man's storytelling. His art will survive till the end of times, but his ability to uplift and heal so many of his readers is Akira Toriyama's greatest contribution and, perhaps, his most lasting legacy.
No new stories will come from his pen, and for that we weep, but the lessons of perseverance, the power of friendship, and the importance of laughter will continue to inspire generations to come. We, the fans, are forever grateful for the work he created, a galaxy where heroes like Goku and Arale and Jaco...
He went out of this world with his mind bubbling with new ideas and projects he left unfinished. Others will finish them, I'm sure. It won't be the same, of course, but in some ways, it isn't much different than when he was alive.
I know that Akira Toriyama will always be remembered as one of the greatest geniuses of our time and that his works will continue to inspire countless generations of fans, and that makes me smile.
So, I hope the master rests in peace and I just want to say: thank you for all the years of happiness, and thank you so very much for all your hard work.
鳥山先生、今まで本当にありがとうございました！
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| One of the many homages - author unknown |
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