Even though the world has lost a fan-favorite and the most well-known mangaka of all time, Akira Toriyama’s legacy will forever remain through his contribution to the manga and anime industry.

Dragon Ball Z
Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z

However, if the artist hadn’t possessed pride and stubbornness, we wouldn’t have witnessed our most beloved Dragon Ball, especially Kakarot/Goku. Before Akira Toriyama became an acclaimed manga artist and character designer, he faced significant challenges and even rejection.

Despite the initial drawbacks and failure, Toriyama was determined to make his career in the manga and anime industry. He kept drawing and making characters until his magnum opus, Dragon Ball gained universal love and a dedicated fanbse.

Akira Toriyama Faced Challenges in Manga Due To Initial Flops: His Pride Overshadowed Failure

There’s no doubt that a mangaka’s career is remarkably unimaginable. With the ability and skills to craft fan-favorite characters and a whole new world, the artists play a significant role in the entertainment industry. While most manga and anime creators are drawn to the industry because of their love and interest in drawing and depicting through pictures, Akira Toriyama‘s story isn’t the same.

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During his 20s, the mangaka started working in an advertising agency and designed posters for three years. However, at the age of 23, he realized that he had no interest in that job and quit. Since Toriyama had no money, he entered the manga and anime world, where the artist faced initial flops and rejection.

Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball

Akira Toriyama’s early career was an uphill battle, as various publications rejected his pieces and believed his work wasn’t well-suited for the manga and anime world. Following the rejection, Toriyama could have quit the industry, but thanks to his pride and stubbornness, he didn’t fail. According to a post shared on X (earlier Twitter):

“Only reason Akira Toriyama kept drawing manga was because he was stubborn after his first attempts were considered flops. His pride wouldn’t let him quit after that initial failure.”

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The mangaka continued to draw characters, and following his determination not to quit, Akira Toriyama crafted one of the most iconic shonen mangas in history. Soon after the creation of Dragon Ball, Toriyama transformed into a successful and globally renowned artist. Apart from Goku, other famous characters Akira Toriyama created include Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta, and the list won’t end.

Fans and Artists Pay Heartflet Homage to Akira Toriyama Around The Globe

Akira Toriyama
Akira Toriyama

Dragon Ball isn’t just an anime and manga series, it’s a show that made fans fall in love with Goku, who went on the most engaging quest to discover the dragon balls. Akir Toriyama’s death has sent shockwaves among fans and artists around the globe, as they paid tribute to the mangaka.

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It feels like the end of an era, but fans will forever remember Akira Toriyama for his unimaginable contribution to the anime and manga industry. The artist led a private life and only appeared in a few interviews about his work. According to the official statement shared on X, Toriyama died of an acute subdural hematoma at the age of 68.

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