‘Dragon Ball’ creator Akira Toriyama dies at 68

Akira Toriyama (pic), the creator of the best-selling Dragon Ball and other popular anime who influenced Japanese comics, has died, his studio said. He was 68.

Toriyama’s Dragon Ball manga series, which started in 1984, is an international million-seller that also turned into hugely popular anime series, video games and films.

Toriyama died March 1 of a blood clot in his brain, his production office Bird Studio said in a statement.

“It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm,” the studio said yesterday.

“He would have had many more things to achieve. However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world.”

The office thanked his fans for their support of his creative activities for over 45 years. “We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved ... for a long time to come.”

Dragon Ball, the story of a boy Son Goku and his adventure in search of seven magical balls to make his wishes come true, has sold 260 million copies altogether, according to the studio. — AP