Welcome fellow anime enthusiast! Today we will explore the life and work of an influential creator and discover how his contributions have shaped the way we view and appreciate anime today. As we remember his remarkable legacy, let’s honor the creativity, imagination, and inspiration he shared with countless fans across the globe. Now, fasten your seatbelt as we are about to explore the significance of his creations in the anime realm.

Who is Akira Toriyama?

Akira Toriyama, a name that resonates with millions of anime enthusiasts around the globe. Known for his exceptional contributions to the world of manga and anime, Toriyama’s work has played a major role in introducing Western audiences to the world of Japanese manga and anime. His characters and stories have become cultural touchstones, beloved by fans of all ages. In addition, his work has left an indelible mark on the industry, shaping the way we perceive and enjoy these art forms. 

On March 8, 2024, the news broke that Akira Toriyama, the brilliant mind behind Dragon Ball and other beloved series, had passed away due to an acute subdural hematoma. He left behind numerous projects, now entrusted to his close friend and protégé, Toyotaro.

Toriyama’s impact stretched over 45 remarkable years, touching fans worldwide. Many of us cherish memories of his work from earlier times. Some fell in love with his unique style through Dragon Ball, while others admire his character designs in iconic games like Chrono Trigger and Dragon Quest.

Akira Toyiyama’s Anime List

Below is a curated compilation of notable works from Akira Toriyama’s extensive anime catalog. Akira Toriyama’s legacy continues to resonate through his diverse body of work, shaping the landscape of manga and anime for generations to come.

1. Dr. Slump and Arale-chan (1981) – credited as the original author
2. Dr. Slump and Arale-chan: Hello! Wonder Island (1981) – credited as the original author
3. Dr. Slump: “Hoyoyo!” Space Adventure (1982) – credited as the original author
4. Dr. Slump and Arale-chan: Hoyoyo! The Great Race Around the World (1983) – credited as the original author
5. Dr. Slump and Arale-chan: Hoyoyo! The Secret of Nanaba Castle (1984) – credited as the original author
6. Dr. Slump and Arale-chan: Hoyoyo! The City of Dreams, Mechapolis (1985) – credited as the original author
7. Crusher Joe: The Movie (1983) – contributed as a special guest designer (MAX 310)
8. Dragon Ball (1986) – credited as the original author and creator
9. Dragon Ball Movie 1: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986) – credited as the original author
10. Dragon Ball Movie 2: Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987) – credited as the original author
11. Dragon Ball Movie 3: Mystical Adventure (1988) – credited as the original author
12. Kosuke and Rikimaru: Dragon of Konpei Island (1988) – credited as the original creator, scriptwriter, character designer, and color designer
13. Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989) – credited as the original author and story creator
14. Dragon Warrior (1989) – involved in character design
15. Dragon Ball Z: The World’s Strongest (1990) – credited as the original author and story creator
16. Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (1990) – credited as the original author and story creator
17. Kennosuke-sama (1990) – credited as the original author and designer
18. Pink Mizu Dorobo Ame Dorobo (1990) – credited as the original author, designer, and character designer
19. Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991) – credited as the original author and creator
20. Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge (1991) – credited as the original author
21. Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler (1992) – credited as the original author and creator
22. Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! (1992) – credited as the original author and creator
23. Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993) – credited as the original author and creator
24. Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound (1993) – credited as the original author and creator
25. Dr. Slump and Arale-chan: N-cha! Penguin Village is Swelling Then Fair (1993) – credited as the original author
26. Dr. Slump and Arale-chan: N-cha! From Penguin Village with Love (1993) – credited as the original author
27. Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (1994) – credited as the original author and creator
28. Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994) – credited as the original author and creator
29. Dr. Slump and Arale-chan: Hoyoyo!! Follow the Rescued Shark… (1994) – credited as the original author
30. Dr. Slump and Arale-chan: N-cha!! Excited Heart of Summer Vacation (1994) – credited as the original author
31. Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (1995) – credited as the original author and creator
32. Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon (1995) – credited as the original author and creator
33. Nouvelle Fantasia Gulliverboy (1995) – involved in mecha design
34. Dragon Ball GT (1996) – credited as the original author and creator
35. Dragon Ball Movie 4: The Path to Power (1996) – credited as the original author
36. Dr. Slump (1997) – credited as the original author
37. Chokin Senshi Cashman (1997) – credited as the original creator
38. Doctor Slump: Arale’s Surprise Burn (1999)
39. Blue Dragon (2007) – contributed to character design
40. Dragon Ball: Yo! The Return of Son Goku and Friends!! (2008) – credited as the original creator
41. Blue Dragon: Trials of the Seven Shadows (2008) – involved in character design
42. Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009) – credited as the original author and creator
43. Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013) – credited as the original creator, story contributor, and character designer
44. Dragon Ball Z Kai: The Final Chapters (2014) – credited as the original author and creator
45. Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015) – credited as the original creator, screenplay contributor, and character designer
46. Dragon Ball Super (2015) – credited as the original creator and author, story contributor, and character designer
47. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) – credited as the original creator, character designer, and screenplay contributor
48. Super Dragon Ball Heroes (2018) – credited as the original creator
49. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022) – credited as the original creator, character designer, and screenplay contributor
50. Sand Land (2023) – credited as the original creator
51. Dragon Ball Daima (2024) – credited as the original creator, story contributor, and character designer
52. Sand Land: The Series (2024) – credited as the original creator and story contributor, involved in character design

Akira Toriyama’s Early Career

Background and Upbringing

Toriyama was born in Nagoya, Japan in 1955. As a kid, he loved drawing and was inspired by classic manga and anime like Astro Boy and Walt Disney cartoons. He studied at a technical school but eventually dropped out to pursue his passion for art.

In the 1970s, Toriyama began submitting his work to manga magazines and eventually landed his first professional gig as an assistant to manga artist Kazuhiko Torishima. This experience helped him hone his skills and develop his own unique style.

One of Toriyama’s biggest influences was the martial arts film star Jackie Chan, which is why many of his characters are skilled fighters. He also drew inspiration from Chinese folklore and mythology, which can be seen in his iconic Dragon Ball series.

Creation of popular manga series

In 1984, Toriyama created Dragon Ball, a manga series that would become a worldwide phenomenon. The story follows the adventures of Goku, a young warrior with a heart of gold, as he searches for the mystical Dragon Balls. The series was a huge hit and spawned multiple anime adaptations, movies, and video games.

Toriyama’s work is known for its vibrant artwork, quirky humor, and unforgettable characters. His influence on the world of manga and anime is undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire artists and fans around the globe. So next time you’re enjoying Dragon Ball or any of Toriyama’s other works, remember the journey that led him to become one of the greatest manga creators of all time.

Evolution of Toriyama’s Style

Now, let’s take a closer look at how his style has evolved over the years and the impact it has had on the world of anime and manga.

Changes in artwork and storytelling over time

When you compare Toriyama’s early work to his more recent creations, it’s like witnessing an artist’s growth right before your eyes. These are the noticeable changes and improvements of his works.

• Early work:
  • Simpler, more cartoonish artwork style
  • Characters like Goku and Bulma had a distinct charm
• The transformation over time:
  • Characters became more detailed
  • Landscapes became more vibrant
  • Action sequences became more dynamic
• Artwork evolution:
  • Jaw-dropping battles in Dragon Ball Z
  • Lighthearted adventures in the original series
• Storytelling evolution:
  • Epic battles in Dragon Ball Z
  • Whimsical humor in Dr. Slump
  • Blend of action, humor, and heart in storytelling

Akira Toriyama’s Legacy

Let’s talk about the enduring popularity of Dragon Ball. Can you believe that this epic saga first hit our screens in the 1980s? Fast forward to today, and it’s still going strong. Whether it’s the original Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, or the more recent Dragon Ball Super, the series has a dedicated fanbase that spans generations. The action-packed battles, larger-than-life characters, and themes of friendship and perseverance have kept us hooked for decades.

Recognition in the anime community

Throughout his career, Toriyama has received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to the anime community.

• Shogakukan Manga Award (1981) for “Dr. Slump”
• Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize (1988) for “Dragon Ball”
• Animage Anime Grand Prix award for Best Anime (1986, 1987) for “Dragon Ball”
• Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material – Asia (2013) for “Dragon Ball”

Overall, Akira Toriyama’s awards and recognition in the anime community are a testament to his immense talent and the impact of his work. His creations have captivated audiences for decades, and his influence on the industry is undeniable. As one of the most celebrated manga artists of all time, Toriyama’s legacy continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.

Toriyama’s Influence On Western Anime 

Toriyama’s work, the Dragon Ball series quickly became a massive hit in Japan, spawning not only a successful anime adaptation but also a plethora of movies, video games, and merchandise. Iconic characters like Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo have become household names in Japan and around the world.

In addition, the impact of Dragon Ball goes beyond just entertainment. The series has had a significant influence on Japanese pop culture, inspiring countless other manga and anime creators to push the boundaries of storytelling and world-building. The concept of power levels, epic battles, and transformation sequences that are now common in anime can all be traced back to the influence of Dragon Ball.

Wait there’s more!

Toriyama’s influence doesn’t stop at the borders of Japan. Dragon Ball has made a massive splash in Western pop culture, becoming a cornerstone of many childhoods and a gateway into the world of anime for countless fans. From video games, and merchandise to references in popular TV shows and movies, the impact of Toriyama’s creation is felt far and wide. 

The success of Dragon Ball led to the creation of an animated adaptation that aired in the United States and other Western countries, introducing a whole new audience to Toriyama’s unique style and storytelling. 

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Overall, Akira Toriyama’s anime creations, particularly Dragon Ball, have had a lasting influence on Western pop culture and media. From inspiring other creators to captivating audiences with its memorable characters and epic battles, Toriyama’s work continues to be a powerhouse in the world of entertainment. As long as there are fans of anime and manga in the West, Toriyama’s legacy is sure to endure.

Who Has Been Influenced By Akira Toriyama’s Works?

One of the most obvious answers is Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto. Kishimoto has openly stated that he was heavily influenced by Toriyama’s work, particularly Dragon Ball, and it’s easy to see the similarities in their art styles and storytelling techniques. The epic battles, larger-than-life characters, and sense of adventure that are present in both Dragon Ball and Naruto are a testament to Toriyama’s influence on Kishimoto.

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Another artist who has been influenced by Akira Toriyama is Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece. Oda has cited Toriyama as one of his biggest inspirations and has even included references to Dragon Ball in his own work. The sense of humor, intricate world-building, and unforgettable characters in One Piece are all reminiscent of Toriyama’s signature style.

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Even outside of the realm of manga and anime, Akira Toriyama’s influence can be felt. Video game designers, such as the creators of the popular Dragon Quest series, have drawn inspiration from Toriyama’s character designs and whimsical worlds. 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Akira Toriyama has had a massive impact on how anime became so popular in the West. You see, his brainchild “Dragon Ball” isn’t just any old show – it’s an absolute icon that’s introduced tons of folks to the wonderful world of anime. Starting from humble beginnings, this series has stood the test of time and still has fans hooked worldwide, reshaping how we view and enjoy anime.

When we think about Toriyama’s influence on the industry, it’s all about creativity, fresh ideas, and that spark of inspiration. His colorful drawings, gripping tales, and unforgettable characters have made a mark on the anime scene. Over the years, he’s racked up a bunch of awards and honors, proving he’s one of the top dogs in the manga world. From the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award to the renowned Eisner Award, these accolades show just how much fans adore his work and how it’s stayed popular across the globe.

But wait, there’s more! Toriyama’s impact isn’t limited to Japan – “Dragon Ball” has become a massive deal in Western pop culture too. You can see its influence everywhere, from cool video games and must-have merchandise to sneaky references in your favorite TV shows and movies. His creations are like fine wine – they’ve aged beautifully and are cherished by fans young and old. His legacy is a beacon of inspiration and joy, keeping audiences entertained worldwide. So, as we applaud his incredible career and contributions, let’s raise a toast to the creativity, imagination, and sheer awesomeness he’s shared with fans across the globe. Cheers to Toriyama!