Toriyama-sensei Hommage

Last month, when I painfully discovered, like the rest of the world, the departure of Toriyama-sensei, I made this little traditionally-drawn hommage strip. I didn't share it to the world, only some close circles. (I haven't shared my drawing work on social medias in ages, because of the BS that were the nfts back then, followed by the BS that is currently the AI training systems...)

I just realized that on the 5th, it was Toriyama-sensei's birthday, so I thought it was a great opportunity to finally share this strip with you.

Now for the lil story time: My relationship with Dragon Ball is pretty sweet and similar to a lot of people of my age. In France, we were among the first non-japanese countries to discover the adventures of that cute little spiky-haired boy, through a tv program called "Club Dorothée". I wasn't born yet when DB was aired, but was there right on time for DBZ. This anime certainly was the very first I was introduced to, and is, along with the 92 Batman animated series, one of my first memory of any possible animated tv shows. How many times have we performed Kamehamehas my Big Bro and I, played with DBZ action figures or watched the OAVs we owned on VHS...

Toriyama's work was among the many inspirations that got me into the art/animation field decades later. So again, Toriyama-sensei, a big thank you for all the good things you brought us through your work. Performing a Genkidama as I write these lines.

#akiratoriyama #dragonball #dbz

[TayoEXE]

Goku hugged him like he hugged seeing Grandpa Gohan again as a child. Toriyama gave Goku life, so I imagine if he was aware somehow, I'm sure he'd grateful.

[cataclysmicbane]

Toriyama would say there was a mishap. He was always so nonchalant in interviews and in his writing. RIP to the man who helped make me who I am today.

[airbornefame-]

This can make a grown man
And thats ok

[KaiMangaKnight]

This would make a man cry over 9000 tears... maybe just 8000...

[Chowo]

I don´t remember seeing Adult Goku cry or even shed a tear in the Anime so I find this picture especially heartwarming.

[god-svsw]

Dragon Ball never dies. See you again in 1000 years.

[gabrielkamenrider]

Oh my heart just like Stan Lee meeting his Creations

[yappaplay]

That ‘Hoyo’ was a nice touch to Toriyama-sensei’s other beloved work. Bye’cha sensei.

[waltuh]

This is a way better way to pay homage to him than all those Instagram Accounts using AI Art. Rip the goat Toriyama

[philipthompson]

R.I.P. to a legend. Akira Toriyame Sensei thank you for everything.

[wander]

Love the artstyle and pacing, mimicing Akira's style of drawning manga. Made the whole thing feel more genuine.

[Jetblast]

Toriyama really was the reason a shounen character started to actually grow and we could see Goku age through his life.

[IsaiahEichler-pkgd]

I don't care if this is canon or not, it's canon to me.❤

[akunbora]

😭😭

I shocked at first, I thought this was from Super official release.. which makes it canon🥲

[alecgany]

Someone must be cutting onions in here!!

[jordangarcia]

Now to ask the most important question... Will Toriyama train under King Kai?

[EndThusIAm]

This is the work I've loved the most in respect for Toriyama. Getting to see him hanging out with King Kai, and just maybe, continuing to make beautiful work!

[trerchry]

Bro I was already in the feels seeing the preview without the music; but now rewatching with the music.. I just had to stop 4 seconds in.

2020s have been a rough time for me.. Grandmother passed in ‘21, then aunt in ‘23 last year.. Now in ‘24, the creator of my favorite series growing up passes.. It’s been a tough time overall. Toriyama, you’ll be deeply missed by us.❤

[ronniepickett]

Rest in peace, toriyama . your creation will be just fine and will be remembered for many generations.

[disgruntleddude]

May your rest ever be peaceful and joyous, Toriyama-san. You brought the world so much wonderful entertainment and so many unforgettable characters. Thank you.