There is no denying that the art of Akira Toriyama has made a significant impact on pop culture. From Marvel movies to hip-hop tracks to sports, his influence can be seen in various forms of entertainment. On Thursday, Bird Studio, the company Toriyama founded in 1983, announced his passing at the age of 68 from acute subdural hematoma. Despite his untimely death, Toriyama’s work continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
Toriyama’s most famous creation, the “Dragon Ball” series, started in 1984 and quickly gained global success. Inspired by the classic Chinese epic “Journey to the West,” Toriyama added his humor and martial arts focus to create a unique manga and anime. The animated TV show, “Dragon Ball Z,” brought his work to millions of U.S. homes through Cartoon Network’s programming block Toonami in 1996.
What set “Dragon Ball Z” apart from other American cartoon shows at the time was its sprawling, slow-building story. The show introduced the concept of story arcs and multipart sagas, captivating young viewers and acclimating them to serialized TV long before the era of Netflix binge-watching. Additionally, Toriyama’s focus on determination and self-improvement resonated with many athletes who found inspiration in his storytelling.
Beyond the world of TV and anime, Toriyama’s influence extended to video games. He collaborated with Japanese software company Enix to create “Dragon Quest,” one of the most influential video game franchises of all time. He also served as the lead artist for the critically acclaimed Super Nintendo role-playing game, “Chrono Trigger.”
One of Toriyama’s trademarks was his distinctive art style. His exaggerated expressions and depictions of emotions made his characters easily recognizable. Furthermore, his storytelling extended beyond facial expressions. Toriyama’s most iconic hand gesture, with Goku’s wrists clamped together, shooting out fireballs that destroy mountains, became synonymous with magical martial arts and even inspired the fighting video game genre.
Toriyama’s impact goes beyond his artistic style. He popularized the depiction of spiritual energy, known as “chi,” as a visible presence bathing our bodies in light and fire. In contrast to the invisible and faith-based “force” in “Star Wars,” Toriyama made the human spirit feel tangible and powerful.
Looking ahead, the legacy of Akira Toriyama will continue to shape the entertainment industry. His influence on storytelling, character design, and art style can be seen in numerous current works. As the industry evolves, future trends may incorporate elements inspired by Toriyama. The use of serialized storytelling, focus on determination and self-improvement, and visually striking art styles might become even more prevalent.
Additionally, the fusion of different forms of media, such as collaborations between anime/manga and video games, may become increasingly common. The success of “Dragon Ball” and “Dragon Quest” collaborations serves as a testament to the potential of blending these mediums.
As for recommendations for the industry, embracing diverse storytelling and representation might fuel further growth and engagement. Exploring different cultural influences, like Toriyama did with “Journey to the West,” can provide fresh perspectives and attract new audiences. Investing in the development of original and innovative art styles will also help push the boundaries of creativity and captivate viewers.
In conclusion, Akira Toriyama’s art and storytelling have left an indelible mark on pop culture. His influence can be seen in various forms of entertainment, from movies to music to sports. As we move forward, his legacy will continue to shape the industry, inspiring future creators and captivating audiences with his unique style and storytelling techniques.
