Akira Toriyama, creator of 'Dragon Ball' manga, dies at 68
Japanese manga creator Akira Toriyama, who created the Dragon Ball comic and TV series starting in the 1980s, died March 1 of an acute subdural hematoma at age 68, the BBC reported.
His hugely popular series follows a boy named Son Goku whose mission is to collect magical dragon balls that defend Earth against alien humanoids called Saiyans. A film and extensive merchandise were made in addition to the comics and TV series.
The most popular U.S. series in the franchise was called Dragon Ball Z and was intended to be the end of the story. Toriyama had uncompleted works at the time of his death.
"He would have many more things to achieve. However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world," his studio said.
"We hope that Akira Toriyama's unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come," it added.
"When I was drawing the series, all I ever wanted to achieve was to please boys in Japan," Toriyama said about his creation.