Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama dies
The world of manga and animation is in mourning. Akira Toriyama, the legendary creator of Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, has passed away at the age of 68 due to a stroke on March 1, 2024.
As a tribute to his legacy, All Stremio’s blog wants to dedicate a small article remembering his masterpiece: Dragon Ball. But first, let’s talk a bit about the artist himself.
Born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1955, Toriyama was drawn to drawing from a young age. His professional debut came in 1978 with Wonder Island, but success followed with Dr. Slump (1980-1984), a comedy narrating the adventures of a robot girl.
However, his magnum opus arrived in 1984 with Dragon Ball. Inspired by the Chinese novel Journey to the West, the series tells the story of Son Goku, a young warrior seeking the seven dragon balls to fulfill his wishes.
Dragon Ball became a global phenomenon, captivating millions of readers and viewers with its blend of action, humor, and endearing characters. The series has spawned numerous sequels, movies, video games, and merchandise.
Toriyama was also a prolific character designer for video games, contributing to titles like Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, and Blue Dragon.
His legacy is immense. Dragon Ball not only achieved commercial success but also influenced a generation of manga and anime authors.
We bid farewell to a true master.
Some Curiosities About Akira Toriyama:
- He was a big fan of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, reflected in Dragon Ball’s fight scenes.
- He enjoyed drawing animals, and many Dragon Ball characters are based on them (e.g., Oolong is a pig, and Puar is a cat).
- He was very introverted and preferred to work alone.
The Impact of Akira Toriyama:
- Dragon Ball has been translated into more than 40 languages and has sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
- The series has been adapted into anime, movies, video games, and various types of merchandise.
- Dragon Ball has inspired a generation of manga and anime authors.
If you haven’t watched Dragon Ball and are curious, you may be wondering about the correct order to follow. Below is the chronological order of all the movies and series in the saga:
Series:
1. Dragon Ball (1986-1989, 153 episodes)
The beginning of everything, more focused on adventures than action, with Goku centered on the Monkey King legend and the fight against martial arts masters rather than extraterrestrials capable of destroying planets. It is probably the best as a series.
2. Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996, 287 episodes)
3. Dragon Ball GT (1996-1997, 65 episodes)
Without Toriyama, the studio decided to continue the adventures of an aging Goku who, despite being a grandfather, turns back into a child due to the dragon balls. Although its first half is the weakest of the saga until Super, its conclusion is truly spectacular, including one of the best endings in the genre.
4. Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009-2015, 159 episodes)
Up to this point, we have the classic series, and from here, a divergence that you may like more or less.
5. Dragon Ball Super (2015-2018, 131 episodes)
A recent anime series, controversial due to its late release, takes seven empty years from the original series to build a new story. Despite a weak start and less polished animation, the series redeems itself with a memorable final arc, a tournament between universes that approaches the excellence of the original series.
6. Super Dragon Ball Heroes (2018-present)
7. Dragon Ball: Daima (2024-)
Many questions surround the new Dragon Ball series, but everything points to it being set after Dragon Ball Super. The plot would revolve around an older Goku who, somehow, returns to his child’s body. However, this time he wouldn’t be alone, as several characters would also revert to their childhood.
Movies:
1. The Legend of Shenlong (1986)
2. Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle (1987)
3. Mystical Adventure (1988)
4. The Immortal Garlic Junior (1989)
5. The Last Battle/Lonely Final Battle (1990)
6. The World’s Strongest (1990)
7. Super Battle in the World (1990)
8. The Super Warrior Son Goku (1991)
9. The Best Rivals (1991)
10. The Tree of Might (1992)
11. The Three Great Super Saiyans (1992)
12. The Ultimate Battle (1993)
13. A Different Future: Gohan and Trunks (1993)
14. The Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans (1993)
15. The Silver Warriors (1993)
16. Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan (1994)
17. The Ultimate Battle (1994)
18. Fusion Reborn (1995)
19. Wrath of the Dragon (1995)
20. The Path to Power (1996)
21. The History of Trunks (1997)
22. Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!! (2008)
23. Episode of Bardock (2011)
24. Battle of Gods (2013)
25. Resurrection ‘F’ (2015)
26. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
27. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)
Enjoy the complete chronology of the series and the film, I can only say: rest in peace, master.
