Akira Toriyama, one of the most influential and best-selling manga authors of all time, died Friday, his studio announced. He was 68.

Toriyama died on March 1 from a blood clot in his brain, according to a statement released on Friday by his production firm, Bird Studio. According to reports, just his family and a few relatives attended his funeral service.

The Japanese author is most known for creating the iconic Dragon Ball manga series, which has inspired numerous anime series, computer games, and films.

The manga series launched in 1984 and tells the narrative of a youngster named Son Goku who sets out to acquire magical dragon balls in order to safeguard Earth against alien humanoids known as Saiyans.

It was converted into an anime in 1989 and quickly became one of the most well-known works of Japanese media worldwide. It has sold 260 million copies in total, according to his studio.

Toriyama worked for 45 years and had unfinished business at the time of his death.

“It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm,” it said. “He would have had many more things to achieve. However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world.”

He was a source of inspiration to many renowned Japanese comic book artists, such as Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the popular series ‘Naruto’, and Eiichiro Oda, the creator of one of the longest-running animes ‘One Piece.’

“We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come,” his studio said.

Fans took to X and mourned his demise. “Rest in Peace Akira Toriyama, you’ll forever be missed,” a fan wrote. “You were a legend. Thank you and Rest in peace ❤️,” added another. “Wow. This man was a legend, True one of a kind talent that influenced so many lives. Shocked and sad, but his legacy will live on for thousands of years to come I’m sure,” a third social media user wrote.

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TOPICS: Dragon Ball