Toonami’s Touching Tribute to Akira Toriyama
Toonami marked a poignant moment over the weekend as it aired a touching tribute to Akira Toriyama, the legendary creator of Dragon Ball Z Kai. The special broadcast was a celebration of Toriyama’s impressive work, life, and his lasting impact on the anime industry.
The late-night block began with Toonami hosts TOM and SARA expressing their deep respect for the creator. “Man, losing one of the greatest manga creators of all time really sucks,” said TOM. SARA added, “But Akira Toriyama’s monumental influence on the medium will live on forever.”
Highlighting the significance of Dragon Ball Z to Toonami’s history, TOM reflected, “Back in ’98, Dragon Ball Z put Toonami on the map.” SARA continued, “And the Dragon Ball franchise has been our rock ever since.”
As the evening progressed, eight episodes of Dragon Ball Z Kai were aired, each chosen to commemorate the anime’s 20th anniversary and Toriyama’s artistic genius. Dragon Ball Z Kai is a remastered version of the original Dragon Ball Z series, designed to deliver a more streamlined and visually enhanced viewing experience.
Akira Toriyama’s untimely passing earlier this month, at the age of 68, was due to an acute subdural hematoma. While Dragon Ball Z was not his first project, it remains his most recognized and cherished work, resonating with millions of fans and leaving an indelible mark on the anime and gaming industries globally.
Toonami’s tribute to Akira Toriyama is a testament to his creative brilliance and the joy he brought to countless individuals through his work. His legacy will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
Join Toonami in this special anime marathon and pay homage to a visionary who transcended the boundaries of storytelling to create a universe that has become a staple in pop culture.
