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Akira Toriyama, an influential figure in the world of anime and creator of the Dragon Ball franchise, died at the top of the month, according to reports. Akira Toriyama, who did not relish the limelight, was said to still be working on several projects up until the time of his sudden passing.
Akira Toriyama was born in the capital city of Nagoya of a prefecture, Aichi, in Japan on April 5, 1955, as explained in an Associated Press report. Toriyama said that Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy and other manga series popular in the 1960s informed his interest in drawing anime, and he was also fond of series such as Ultraman.
Toriyama published his first manga in 1978 with Wonder Island but it was his Dr. Slump series in 1980 that launched him into becoming a star of his world. In 1984, Toriyama began the first manga run for Dragon Ball, which ran until 1995. The series was then adapted into an anime television series in 1986 and ran until 1989. The anime series received a sequel Dragon Ball Z, running from 1989 to 1996.
Beyond Dragon Ball, Toriyama also designed characters for the popular Dragon Quest video game series as well. Dragon Ball inspired several toys and video games which influenced an entire generation of fans and still holds sway in many circles today. That was evidenced in the outpouring of admiration and respect for Toriyama after the news of his death was announced by his Bird Studio company on March 8.
Akira Toriyama is survived by his wife Yoshimi Katō, and their son and daughter. He was 68.
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Photo: Getty
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Dragon Ball Z remains one of the most popular anime and manga series of all time, and the rich lore created by Akira Toriyama has inspired generations of fans since the 1980s. Lee®, an iconic clothing brand that has existed for over 130 years, joined forces with the sprawling Dragon Ball Z universe and launched its first-ever capsule collection featuring shorts, tops, and more.
On Thursday (April 27), the Lee® X Dragon Ball Z capsule collection went on sale in the United States and features a carefully-curated set of pieces that includes unisex graphic tees, unisex drawstring shorts, women’s graphic knit hooded dress, men’s packet front tees, and a men’s graphic camp shirt. The collection features images that will be readily familiar to fans of anime and manga, and they’re designed with retro sensibilities that bring the style of the 1990s and early 2000s together in a seamless fashion.
“A generation of fans were introduced to anime through Dragon Ball Z in the ‘90s, and that same generation grew up wearing Lee®. This capsule takes a fun approach to blend authentic nostalgia with trend. We’re excited to introduce it to fans of yesterday and today,” said Joe Broyles, global vice president of collaborations, Lee®.
Pricing and sizes for the Lee® X Dragon Ball Z capsule collection can be viewed below:
Men’s Graphic Camp Shirt (S-XXL), $70
Men’s Pocket Front Tees (S-XXL), $45
Women’s Graphic Knit Hooded Dress, (XS-XL) $70
Unisex Drawstring Shorts, (XS-XXL) $60
Unisex Graphic Tees (XS – XXL) $35
We’re told that other regions where Lee® is sold will have their own exclusive styles and will be available at Lee.com, Lee.EU, and in the brand’s European and North Carolina retail stores. The collection will also be on sale at Lee® retail locations across Asia.
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Photo: Lee®
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