Celebrating Akira Toriyama – Words from LOGNET
It would be a massive understatement to say Akira Toriyama is a legend. His work has bled across multiple mediums, from having direct influence in iconic franchises like Dragon Quest to his most popular franchise Dragon Ball being homage in countless works.
He tragically left us all on March 1st, 2024. The world celebrated him and it’s Lords of Gaming’s turn to do the same.
Influential Beyond Limits – Robert Kellett, Writer
Growing up, my anime exposure was more limited than most. But between rolling my eyes at my sister’s enjoyment of Sailor Moon and eagerly watching the next Pokemon episode, I’d watch some Dragon Ball Z here and there.
The fight scenes were beyond epic and the score linked to them even more so. While not the most avid fan of the series, enjoying the latest film in theaters a few years ago was amazing, and would love to do it again.
As the Sonic guy on Lords of Gaming, I cannot understate Toriyama’s influence on my favorite franchise. The idea of Super Sonic itself and the seven chaos emeralds, direct or otherwise, is a clear homage to the legendary Super Syian and the Dragon Balls.
Even details one wouldn’t notice, like the dynamic between Sonic & Tails and the Classic Era title screen are homages to Toriyama’s work. And with the most recent Sonic Frontiers, the influence is fully embraced with the epic Titan battles.
Toriyama’s impact on gaming felt across all sectors and his influence on my favorite franchise is one I’m thankful for. Thank you for everything and may you ride on the orange clouds alongside your creations.
A Giant Among Men – Ty Tano, Social Media Manager & Senior Writer
Akira Toriyama was a giant among men. His work with Dragon Ball forever changed the manga/anime space since its debut. To this day there are still many pop culture references to the beloved franchises and talk among fans about Toriyama’s incredible storytelling.
Toriyama taught me the importance of finding joy in life and standing up for what is good in humanity. His Dragon Ball franchise also inspired my fitness journey and I found solace in the plight of Saiyans facing racial genocide as I myself am a Black transgender woman. Ultimately, Goku showed that we’re not helpless in the face of the hand life deals us, and that there is always a reason to fight, to fall from adversity, and to rise stronger because of it. Thank you Akira Toriyama, you will be missed but your stories will forever live on with this Saiyan.
Toriyama Left Us Too Soon – Daniel May, Associate Editor
While I did not grow up on the Dragon Ball anime, I did grow up on the Budokai video game series. They were a series my older cousins introduced to my siblings at a young age and dominated much of our PS2’s lifetime. Toriyama created an incredible series that has touched people in the written, visual, and interactive mediums, and he will be sorely missed by my inner child.
Rest In Peace – Mahmood Ghaffar, Editor-in-Chief
Although anime is not something I watch during my free time. However it’s not that hard to see the impact of Akira Toriyama in the field and beyond. His art style is incredibly distinctive, and will undoubtedly stand the test of time. Toriyama’s work transgresses boundaries and his influence is boundless. From Dragon Quest, to Super Saiyan, and even taking Fortnite by storm, there are few corners of art and entertainment Akira-san has not touched. You will be missed and will forever be a titan.
