Akira Toriyama, creator of hit manga "Dragon Ball" dies aged 68

Akira Toriyama, the renowned Japanese manga artist and creator of the "Dragon Ball" franchise, passed away at the age of 68 due to an acute subdural haematoma. Toriyama was born in Nagoya, central Japan, and gained fame for his comedy manga "Dr Slump" in the early 1980s. He is known for creating the fantasy martial arts universe featuring Son Goku, which has become one of Japan's most successful global hits and one of the best-selling manga franchises of all time. The news of his death was announced by his production studio on March 8. Despite having several works in progress at the time of his passing, the studio expressed deep regret that they would not be completed.