Akira Toriyama dead at 68: Dragon Ball creator dies from bleeding near brain as fans mourn his loss and honor his legacy in Japanese manga

Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama has died at the age of 68 as a result of bleeding near his brain, his studio said Thursday.

Toriyama died on March 1 from an acute subdural hematoma, according to the Dragon Ball studio.

The studio said it was their 'deep regret' that Toriyama 'still had several works in the middle of creation,' and 'had many more things to achieve'.

The statement added: 'However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world. We hope that Akira Toriyama's unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.'

The comic Dragon Ball came out in 1984 and evolved into a massive success, with spinoff films, games and cartoons. 

Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama has died at the age of 68 as result of bleeding near his brain, his studio said Thursday. Pictured in May of 1982

Toriyama died March 1 as result of the medical condition known as an acute subdural hematoma, according to the Dragon Ball studio in a statement on social media 

The statement continued: 'Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years.

'We hope that Akira Toriyama's unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.'

The studio said that 'a funeral service was held with his family and very few relatives,' requesting privacy for his family, and for fans to refrain from visiting, sending flowers, gifts or any other offerings.

No decision have been made in regards to a 'commemorative gathering' in Toriyama's memory, the studio said, adding that it will provide further information when it's available.

'We deeply thank you for your understanding and support as always,' the studio said in wrapping up the statement.

Dragon Ball is centered around Son Goku, a boy who is on a quest to assemble a collection of magic dragon balls amid a fight to protect the planet from the Saiyans, a group of alien humanoids.

The martial arts-influenced franchise also features popular characters such as Piccolo, Bulma and Krillin. 

In the late 1980s, it had been adapted into an anime show by Toei Animation, reaching massive levels of success on an international scale, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Dragon Ball is centered around Son Goku, a boy on a quest to assemble magic dragon balls amid a fight to protect the planet from the Saiyans, a group of alien humanoids 

A massive illustration of the character was seen at a convention in Barcelona, Spain in November of 2019 

The comic Dragon Ball came out in 1984 and evolved into a massive success, with spinoff films, games and cartoons 

A Dragon Ball-themed float was among those on display during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC in 2019 

The Dragon Ball-inspired float was back in action in November of 2022 in the parade in NYC 

Toriyama also had been busy working on anime genre video games including Chrono Trigger and Dragon Quest, according to the outlet IGN. He was rumored to have been working on a Dragon Ball Z spinoff called Dragon Ball Daima, focused on the characters Goku and Vegeta.

At New York Comic Con 2023 last fall, Dragon Ball Daima executive producer Akio Iyoku said on a panel that Toriyama had been 'deeply involved beyond his usual capacity' working on the details of the high-profile project.

Iyoku said Toriyama had 'planned entirely new episodes for the storyline so please look forward to the start of the series,' which is scheduled to come out this autumn.

Toriyama was born April 5, 1955 in Nagoya, Japan and began his career sending his work into Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine, according to THR.

He was first published in 1978 with a comic called Wonder Island, based on an ex-World War II kamikaze pilot stranded in a place called Wonder Island. He released a follow-up titled Wonder Island 2 the next year.

Toriyama enjoyed early success with the manga Dr. Slump, which Weekly Shōnen Jump would serialize from 1980-1984.

Dr. Slump was set in a location called Penguin Village, focused on a female robot and her creator, according to THR. The breakout success sold more than 35 million copies and would be adapted into an animated TV series from Toei Animation between 1981-1986.

Dragon Ball debuted to huge numbers upon its 1984 debut, according to THR, selling more than 150 million copies and being adapted into a TV series from 1986-1989. A spinoff called Dragon Ball Z ran from 1989-1996, and more animated shows from the franchise have hit the air in the decades since. 

Gamers in Seville, Spain were pictured at a December 2018 convention playing Dragon Ball 

A number of fans took to social media Thursday evening with emotional condolences for Toriyama and reverence for the contributions he made in his field 

A number of fans took to social media Thursday evening with emotional condolences for Toriyama and reverence for the contributions he made in his field.

'Wow. This man was a legend, True one of a kind talent that influenced so many lives,' a tweet from the account @DotoDoya read. 'Shocked and sad, but his legacy will live on for thousands of years to come I'm sure.'

A tweet from the handle @zentreya read: Incredibly saddening. I’ve been recently watching DB as well. Many memorable characters and worlds created. Thank you for helping others imagination’s and for giving other’s strength. Rest in peace.'

One user posted a Dragon Ball-related GIF of a character weeping, saying, 'I’m literally crying. Rest in Peace to the goat of all goats.'

Said one user: 'Legends never die, RIP Akira, you created one of the best shows ever and touched so many of our hearts growing up. Thank you for everything.'

Another user said, 'Rest in Peace Akira Toriyama, you'll forever be missed,' accompanied by a Dragon Ball-related image of a character with a halo.

Another fan described Toriyama as 'a legend,' adding, 'Thank you Akira Toriyama for entertaining and inspiring so many of us. Rest in peace.'

Said one fan: 'Thank You Akira Toriyama. You have touched so many lives and inspired millions throughout the entire world. May you rest in peace, you will NEVER be forgotten.'

Tributes continued to pour in Thursday in memory of the late Dragon Ball creator 

One user noted the tremendous reach and impact of Toriyama and the Dragon Ball franchise, saying, 'This is so heart breaking, he and his work played a huge role in the lives of myself and many many others.

'Rest in peace and thank you for all the wonderful memories.'

Said one fan: 'Worst news this year. He was everyone’s hero. Thank you Akira Toriyama. This hurts. What a legend.'

One fan called news of Toriyama's passing 'incredibly heart shattering to read,' marveling at the wide-spanning impact he made in his field.

'He was a generational genius who influenced my childhood and so many others in such a meaningful way,' the user said. 'His legacy will never fade and with that he will continue to inspire generations more.'

Toriyama is survived by his wife Yoshimi Katō and two children.