Akira Toriyama: His Greatest Iconic Works From Dragon Ball To Dragon Quest
We were heartbroken and devastated to learn of Akira Toriyama’s passing on March 1, 2024, leaving behind a legendary legacy that few others can match. He’s one of the most influential creators in perhaps all of pop culture and while his works are many, his greatest was and will always be Dragon Ball, a seminal franchise that has in turn inspired and influenced countless others.
While the late legend was best known for Dragon Ball, he was also known for his other works across a variety of different mediums, including video games. His art style was distinctive and unique, and there’s nothing else like it. One look at his art and you’ll know instantly, this could only be Akira Toriyama.
Most importantly, many of Akira Toriyama’s legions of fans across the world of all ages will miss the late legend. Many grew up with his work, which has shaped their lives. Many have also been inspired to become artists or designers because of his work.
As a remembrance and tribute to the late Akira Toriyama, here are some of his greatest and most iconic works:
Dragon Ball (1984 to now)
It would be remiss of us not to mention Dragon Ball in this article, despite it being his most well-known work. Since Akira Toriyama started the Dragon Ball manga all the way back in 1984 (2024 actually marks the franchise’s 40th anniversary), the franchise has grown to become something akin to Japan’s equivalent of DC Comics’ Superman in the West in terms of pop culture and historical footprint.
Son Goku is Japan’s Superman and he’s a character that transcends the medium he was from. Even if someone’s never watched a single anime episode or read any manga in their life, it’s highly likely that they would still be able to recognise Goku.
Dragon Ball itself is still going strong 40 years later with new movies (most recently, 2022’s Dragon Ball Super Super Hero), sequel manga/anime (the upcoming Dragon Ball Daima) and games (the upcoming Dragon Ball Sparking Zero!) still being embraced and highly-anticipated by legions of fans across the world.
If there’s a single work of Akira Toriyama that will be remembered until the end of time, it’s Dragon Ball.
Akira Toriyama is Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball is Akira Toriyama.
Here are the openings to all the mainline Dragon Ball anime series so we can all bawl our eyes out:
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