Three former Dragon Ball editors have strongly criticized Shueisha for its lackluster tribute to Akira Toriyama.
Through the newest episode of KosoKoso, a Japanese podcast co-hosted by former Shonen Soar editor Kazuhiko Torishima and Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii, ex-editors Yu Kondo and Fuyuto Takeda joined Torishima in expressing disappointment over Shueisha’s dealing with of Toriyama’s passing.
All three editors labored carefully with Toriyama throughout his Shonen Soar run from 1984 to 1995 and have been deeply concerned in shaping his iconic work.
In accordance with the previous editors, Shueisha’s public acknowledgment of Toriyama’s dying was inadequate, failing to mirror his contribution to manga and popular culture correctly. No official memorial occasion was held in his honor.
Whereas Toriyama was identified for his reserved nature, they consider this could not have prevented Shueisha from making a extra significant acknowledgment of his contributions to the business.
The editors emphasised that even a small, symbolic gesture would have sufficed—akin to displaying the enduring picture of Goku waving goodbye on the façade of the Soar constructing or establishing a commemorative area the place followers might depart messages.
The editors additionally identified that followers and artists worldwide have been organizing murals, tributes, and memorial occasions for Toriyama, making Shueisha’s restricted response stand out much more.
They additional expressed concern that this angle might proceed with future generations of mangaka. “If even Toriyama didn’t obtain a significant tribute, what is going to occur with the mangaka of the subsequent generations?”
Akira Toriyama handed away on March 1, 2024, succumbing to acute subdural hematoma on the age of 68.
Born on April 5, 1955, Akira Toriyama first acquired widespread recognition for his manga Dr. Stoop, for which he gained the 1981 Shogakukan Manga Award for greatest shonen manga.
He then went on to create his most well-known work Dragon Ball, which grew to become one of the vital standard and profitable manga on this planet, promoting 260 million copies worldwide.
Toriyama was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 Tokyo Anime Award Pageant. He was additionally adorned a Chevalier of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his contributions to the humanities.
He has additionally been inducted into the distinguished Harvey Awards Corridor of Fame.
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