Legend is a word meant to describe something that has left a serious impact on the world, in my opinion, and someone who will be remembered for centuries.
That someone is Akira Toriyama who was the creator of Dragon Ball.
Beginning in 1983, we witnessed Goku grow from a young boy who can transform into a great ape into someone with god-like strength. With the numerous series and iconic moments, it's hard to forget the hard work this one man had put into the entire franchise.
I started with Dragon Ball Z, with the Saiyan Saga. I had never watched the original show, but Z was good enough. I thoroughly enjoyed the series, watching Vegeta transform into a Great Ape, witnessing the epic transformation into the iconic transformation of Super Saiyan and witnessing him defeat Frieza. He was a savage.
"I don't understand why you call Saiyans by such mindless names. The only thing it does is reveal your own fear and ignorance. I guess name calling is your only attack because you're too weak too challenge me any other way."
"You've been coming at me with everything you've got, but it's finally caught up with you and your power level is falling fast. At this rate, I don't even see the point in fighting you anymore. Your pride is already shot and in the end I guess that's good enough for me. You were so sure of your own power that you never imagined anyone in the universe could bring you down...especially a Saiyan."
The savagery of those lines were so incredible and the Cell Saga was just as good in my opinion. It really got you questioning whether or not they were really gonna win, in my opinion. But I'm not here to talk about that.
On March 1, 2024, due to an acute subdural hematoma, the legend himself had been killed. After his private funeral, which only his family attended, it was announced one whole week later on March 8.
I wish for the fans of Dragon Ball and all of Toriyama-sama's creations remember his great name and to remember the joy we all had when watching Dragon Ball. We all put our hands up when Goku was doing a Spirit Bomb. We all tried to do a Kamehameha. We all tried to go Super Saiyan. We all tried to do those things before. It goes to show just how much the franchise has influenced us.
In memory of Akira Toriyama, I leave this single chapter so we can all be reminded of the great times.
Akira Toriyama
1955-2024