A new television anime series of “Dragon Ball,” based on the late Akira Toriyama’s popular manga, will be aired from this fall, Fuji Television Network Inc. said Monday.
Hi how are you? I’m very sad by the news of the death of a famous manga artist, at the same time, however, I’m glad to announce the above-mentioned happy news.
Prior to his death, Mr.Toriyama said on the franchise’s official website that he had been working on the latest series, “Dragon Ball Daima,” creating the storyline, setting and designs for new episodes. It depicts the adventures and battles of protagonist “Goku” who shrinks during the series.
The 68-year-old monumental figure in Japanese manga and anime world died of an acute subdural hematoma on March 1.
After his death was announced Friday, foreign and domestic fans mourned his loss by posting messages on social media platforms and gathering at spots linked to Mr.Toriyama and characters created by him.
Contents
About Japanese manga artist Akira Toriyama
Cartoonist Akira Toriyama, famous around the world for the “Dragon Ball” series and “Dr. Slump,” among other works, publisher Shueisha Inc. has announced.
He was originally from Aichi Prefecture. After working at an advertising agency, he began contributing to Shueisha’s Shukan Shonen Jump weekly manga magazine in his early 20s.
He debuted with “Wonder Island” in 1978, followed by the serialization of “Dr. Slump” in 1980.
This comic manga depicting the outlandish daily lives of Senbei Norimaki, an inventor in Penguin Village, Arale, a humanoid robot created by Senbei, and the unique villagers was made into an animated TV series and gained popularity.
“Dragon Ball” was serialized in the same magazine between 1984 and 1995. The story of the main character, Son Goku, and his friends’ quest to find “dragon balls,” which would grant them one wish if they collected seven of them, became a huge hit.
It evolved into a story about Goku training under martial arts master Kame-Sen’nin to try to conquer the Tenkaichi Budokai (the world’s largest martial arts tournament).
“Dragon Ball” was adapted into an anime and movie series, and became the driving force behind Shonen Jump’s circulation surpassing 6 million copies in the mid-1990s.
It was also published in foreign countries in local languages, and its anime was broadcast in more than 80 countries, making it one of the most representative works of Japanese manga.
Foreign fans in Tokyo mourn loss of ‘Dragon Ball’ creator Toriyama
Foreign fans of Akira Toriyama, best known as the creator of the “Dragon Ball” manga series, gathered at spots in Tokyo linked to his work and anime culture on Saturday to remember him after his death was announced the previous day.
Fans from Mexico, Taiwan and elsewhere were drawn to a statue of series protagonist Goku, situated outside the head office of a toy and merchandise firm.
A 36-year-old Portuguese voiced his love for the hero, saying many in his home country were mourning.
A 37-year-old man from Poland, visiting Japan for sightseeing with his wife, expressed admiration for Goku’s unwavering determination, adding he had wanted to take a photo with the statue before leaving for home on Sunday.
The death of Toriyama, who also worked on the character designs for the iconic “Dragon Quest” video game series, from an acute subdural hematoma on March 1 at the age of 68 was announced Friday by publisher Shueisha Inc., shocking fans worldwide.
Dragon Ball, serialized from 1984 to 1995, was a huge hit, selling over 260 million copies and spawning a franchise that included anime series, films, video games and toys.
At Comic Zin Akihabara, a bookstore popular with foreign visitors, a man in his 40s from the United States expressed his gratitude to Toriyama as he has loved Dragon Ball above all other Japanese cartoons since first reading it at the age of 15.
At another bookstore in Tokyo, a section dedicated to Toriyama was quickly set up on Friday along with an in-memoriam sign. Yukari Yamaguchi, in charge of comics at the shop, said, “His work was a source of strength for many people across generations.”
Trailer scheduled to air this fall
Finally, I hope that the new creators will carry on the spirit of the author and spread manga and anime culture for the people of the world who have hope for early ending of current conflicts and eternal peace.
Thanks for visiting, have a nice day!
