Photo/Illutration Manga artist Akira Toriyama in 1981 (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Acclaimed manga artist Akira Toriyama, creator of the global hits “Dragon Ball” and “Dr. Slump,” died on March 1 due to acute subdural hematoma, according to his publisher Shueisha Inc. He was 68.

A private funeral was held for close family members.

Tributes are pouring in from across the industry in the face of the passing of the modern manga giant. 

“He departed too early, leaving too big a gap behind him,” said Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the best-selling manga series “One Piece.” “I’m overwhelmed with the sadness that I will never see him again.” 

Toriyama's agencies, Bird Studio and Capsule Corporation Tokyo, said in a joint statement that he was working hard on many ongoing projects at the time of his passing.  

“It's truly a shame that he's gone, leaving so much unfinished work behind,” they said. “We hope that the unique world of Akira Toriyama's works will continue to be loved by everyone for many years to come.” 

Born in Aichi Prefecture in 1955, Toriyama made his debut in 1978 with "Wonder Island" published in Weekly Shonen Jump.

The lovably goofy comedy "Dr. Slump," which began in 1980, became a huge hit and won the Shogakukan Manga Award in 1982.

The first episode of "Dragon Ball," his signature action saga, was published in 1984. He was also known for designing characters from the iconic video game "Dragon Quest."

Toriyama had a large global fan base and received the 40th anniversary special award at the Angouleme International Comics Festival in France in 2013.

Related News