Manga enthusiasts worldwide are grieving the loss of Toriyama Akira, the renowned creator of "Dragon Ball." The news of Toriyama's passing, at the age of 68, was announced on Friday, leaving a profound impact on fans globally.

Toriyama's journey in the manga industry began in 1978 when he embarked on his career. Just two years later, he introduced "Dr. Slump," a serialized story featuring an android girl and her eccentric inventor, which swiftly gained widespread acclaim and became a bestseller.

In 1984, Toriyama unleashed "Dragon Ball" upon the world, a tale chronicling the adventures of Son Goku, a young boy endowed with extraordinary strength. This series mesmerized readers across continents, eventually amassing a staggering 260 million copies in sales.

Beyond his contributions to manga, Toriyama left an indelible mark in the realm of video games by crafting character designs for the immensely popular role-playing game "Dragon Quest."

The news of Toriyama's demise reverberated swiftly across borders, triggering an outpouring of tributes from fans everywhere.

A fan from Shanghai expressed, "His creations exude a profound sense of justice, facilitating friendships among fans. His departure is undeniably a monumental loss to the manga community."

Similarly, a fan from New York reminisced, "In my childhood, I devoured his works voraciously... aspiring to emulate the valor of Goku. In his honor, I contemplate revisiting those cherished volumes."

Acknowledging Toriyama's influence, the Chinese government also extended its condolences. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, remarked, "His creations have garnered immense popularity in China, with countless individuals expressing grief across social media platforms."

Toriyama's impact transcended generations, inspiring countless manga artists, including Oda Eiichiro, the mastermind behind the globally acclaimed series "One Piece."

In a statement, Oda emphasized how Toriyama's creations had shaped multiple generations and served as a wellspring of inspiration across diverse genres and industries. He expressed his hope that Toriyama's afterlife mirrors the joyous world he crafted through his works.

As the manga community mourns the loss of one of its luminaries, Toriyama Akira's legacy continues to shine brightly through the hearts and minds of fans worldwide, leaving an indelible imprint on the world of storytelling and imagination.