The creator of Dragon Ball, one of the most influential and best-selling Japanese comics of all time, has died at 68.
Akira Toriyama succumbed to acute subdural hematoma, a type of bleeding near the brain, his production team said Friday. Dragon Ball is hugely popular around the world and the comic series has also spawned cartoon and film versions.
Mr Toriyama had uncompleted works at the time of his death. The Dragon Ball comic series debuted in 1984. It follows a boy named Son Goku in his quest to collect magical dragon balls to defend Earth against alien humanoids called Saiyans.
Mr Toriyama died last 1 March and only his family and very few friends attended his funeral, according to a statement from the Dragon Ball website.
“Following his wishes for tranquillity, we respectfully inform you that we would not accept flowers, condolences gifts, visits, offerings and others,” it said.
— CutC by bbc.com
