Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama dies

Japanese manga artist and character designer Akira Toriyama, the influential creator of the Dragon Ball manga and anime franchise, has died at the age of 68.

Akira Toriyama breathed his last on March 1 due to a blood clot in the brain, Dragon Ball’s official website announced on Friday.

He was one of the most influential and best-selling Japanese comics of all time, reports BBC.

Members of Toriyama’s family completed a funeral service immediately.

However, dates for official farewell events are yet to be announced.

The post expressed sadness and regret at Toriyama’s sudden passing and also gratitude to Toriyama’s fans.

He [Akira Toriyama] was passionately working on many projects.

Akira Toriyama made his debut with “Wonder Island” in 1978.

The manga artist created many popular works such as “Dr Slump” and “Dragon Ball” for the Weekly Shonen Jump comic book.

Dragon Ball became an international phenomenon. It has been adapted into animation and live-action films.

Dragon Ball, which began serialization in 1984, is hugely popular around the world while the comic series also spawned cartoon and film versions.

Akira Toriyama had uncompleted works at the time of his death.