It’s with a heavy heart that I type this. Akira Toriyama, the creator of the Dragonball universe, passed away a week ago today. Words can’t express how your creativity, storytelling, and core message of pushing past your limits and never giving up have inspired future generations.
I still fondly remember sitting in front of the TV in primary school, eagerly awaiting every episode of DBZ to air; I didn’t care if we were late for school. The school could wait; Goku was about to become the legendary Super Saiyan. Look how far the universe has come.
When I needed to be strong, I pictured the characters you created. Especially Gohan, the kind, gentle kid who didn’t want to fight but would still be there to protect Earth. When it mattered most, in the Cell games, he stepped up and saved the planet. The father/son Kamehameha moment will forever be an iconic moment. I have it tattooed on my chest for that very reason.
As time passed, I grew even more fond of him and respected and admired Vegeta. The character has a dark past and rose above it to defend Earth and his family just as much as Goku does.
I’ll be getting more Dragonball tattoos for sure now. Rest in power, Akira. I hope King Yemma lets you keep your body in the afterlife. When Goku requires my energy for a spirit bomb, I’ll be there, raising my hands like everyone else who’s also grown to love Dragonball.
Here are some iconic moments from the series (all credit goes to the original artists):
View this post on Instagram
Above is my first tattoo.. DBZ inspired, of course. Here’s to many more..