'Dragon Ball' creator Akira Toriyama dies at 68

This photo (left) taken in May 1982 shows Japanese manga artist Akira Toriyama, whose death was announced on March 8. The 68-year-old was the author of the hugely popular and influential titles 'Dragon Ball' and 'Dragon Ball Z'. — Photo: AFP

The creator of Japan's hugely popular and influential Dragon Ball comics and anime cartoons, Akira Toriyama, has died aged 68, his production team said on Friday.

First serialised in 1984, Dragon Ball is one of the best-selling manga franchises of all time and has spawned countless anime series, films and video games.