Akira Toriyama: Late manga pioneer’s seven greatest works beyond Dragon Ball

Akira Toriyama, the visionary behind Dragon Ball, passed away at 68, leaving behind a profound legacy that transcends his iconic creation. His studio announced his demise on Friday, attributing it to a brain bleed.

While Dragon Ball remains his most celebrated work since its inception in 1984, Toriyama’s influence extends across numerous other comics, games, and stories, shaping the industry indelibly.

Among his notable contributions is his breakout manga, a whimsical and humorous tale that showcases his exceptional artistry and wit. It follows the adventures of a young robot residing in a village populated by anthropomorphic animals, alongside her creator. This narrative laid the foundation for much of the style and charm synonymous with Dragon Ball, cementing Toriyama’s status as a master storyteller.

Dr Slump (1980)

Toriyama’s seminal manga is a delightful and whimsical comedy, brimming with stunning artwork and a playful sense of humor. Centered around a young robot residing in a quaint village alongside a diverse cast of anthropomorphic animals and her creator, the narrative unfolds as a captivating fish-out-of-water tale. This charming story not only captivates readers with its endearing characters and imaginative world but also lays the groundwork for the iconic style and atmosphere that would later define Dragon Ball, earning Toriyama widespread acclaim for his unparalleled storytelling prowess.

Dragon Quest (1986)

Toriyama’s influence extended beyond the realm of comics into the gaming industry, leaving an indelible mark. His initial venture into gaming with Dragon Quest marked the beginning of a globally renowned franchise that continues to thrive to this day.

With his exceptional talent for character design and creature creation, Toriyama played a pivotal role in shaping the iconic human and monster designs, as well as the renowned box art of the game. Dragon Quest, following the journey of the hero Roto, embraced the genres that had defined Toriyama’s illustrious career, solidifying his legacy in the gaming world.

Chrono Trigger (1995)

Nearly ten years later, Toriyama embarked on another creative journey, collaborating with Final Fantasy’s Hironobu Sakaguchi and Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii to craft a revered franchise. Their collaborative effort resulted in a time-traveling adventure RPG that captured the hearts of gamers worldwide upon its release on the Super Nintendo. Even today, this iconic game remains a cornerstone of gaming history, celebrated for its innovation and lasting impact on the industry.

Kajika (1998)

Toriyama’s creative genius shines in his unique take on a redemption narrative, as he introduces readers to the titular young child born evil. After committing a heinous act, the protagonist embarks on a lifelong journey to attain goodness. True to Toriyama’s signature style, the story is imbued with humor, sweetness, and rich, fantastical lore. With its engaging storytelling, “Kajika” offers readers an easy yet captivating read, condensed into a single volume.

Blue Dragon (2007)

Over two decades after Dragon Quest, Toriyama ventured back into gaming with a Japanese role-playing game. Blue Dragon introduced a traditional turn-based gameplay style, reminiscent of classic Japanese RPGs, to the Xbox 360. Despite not achieving massive success upon release, the game has since developed a dedicated following. Its influence extended to inspiring two seasons of an anime adaptation, featuring captivating character designs by Toriyama himself.

Jaco the Galactic Patrolman (2013)

Toriyama showcased his talent for crafting found family narratives in this brief series. An unexpected buddy comedy unfolds as a retired scientist’s life is disrupted by the arrival of a futuristic alien policeman. While technically a prequel to the Dragon Ball series within the same universe, its distinct storyline allows it to stand alone as a unique creation.