At 68 years old, Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, one of the most influential and best-selling Japanese comics ever, has passed away.

His studio confirmed on Friday that Toriyama died due to acute subdural hematoma, a form of bleeding near the brain.

Dragon Ball enjoys immense popularity worldwide, with the comic series spawning animated adaptations and movies.

Fans worldwide are honoring Toriyama for crafting characters that have left an indelible mark on their childhood memories.

Debuting in 1984, the Dragon Ball comic series chronicles the adventures of Son Goku as he embarks on a journey to collect magical dragon balls to protect Earth from alien humanoids known as Saiyans.

At the time of his passing, Toriyama left behind unfinished projects.

Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st, with only close family and a handful of friends attending his funeral, as stated by the Dragon Ball website.

His studio expressed regret over the potential accomplishments Toriyama could have achieved, but highlighted the legacy he leaves behind with his numerous manga titles and artworks.

The studio expressed hope that Toriyama’s unique creative world would continue to be cherished by fans for years to come.

Fans flooded social media with condolences, expressing gratitude for Toriyama’s influential work and mourning his untimely passing.

Born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1955, Toriyama gained recognition in the comic book industry in the early 1980s with “Dr. Slump,” featuring the adventures of a little girl robot named Arale and her creator.

However, it was “Dragon Ball” that catapulted Toriyama to fame. The series, chronicling Son Goku’s evolution from a martial arts novice to a revered hero, resonated with fans worldwide, reflecting their own struggles and growth.

“Dragon Ball” inspired countless fan fiction writers and cosplayers, with its characters’ distinctive hairstyles becoming iconic.

The animated adaptation of “Dragon Ball” has been translated into numerous languages, and Dragon Ball action figures are popular collectibles across Asia.

Reflecting on the series’ global success in a 2013 interview, Toriyama expressed surprise and gratitude, describing it as a miracle that his work resonated with such a diverse audience.

He attributed his success to his desire to entertain Japanese boys and expressed gratitude for being accepted by society despite his introverted personality.