Akira Toriyama tribute: Peruvian artists' massive Dragon Ball mural takes centre stage

In a heartfelt tribute to the late Akira Toriyama, the mastermind behind the beloved Dragon Ball series, a group of Peruvian artists has crafted a colossal commemorative wall mural in Lima, Peru. Stretching an impressive six metres in height and spanning over 110 metres in length, the mural stands as a testament to Toriyama's enduring legacy and the profound impact of his iconic creation.

A Monumental Tribute
Displayed at the Estadio Nacional del Metropolitano in Lima, the mural is a labour of love from over 45 artists across Lima, spearheaded by ‘Peko’, a graffiti artist from La Victoria district.

The artwork intricately weaves together over 70 characters from the Dragon Ball universe, including fan favourites such as Goku, Gohan, and Piccolo. Notably, a meticulously detailed portrait of Toriyama himself graces the mural, immortalising the visionary alongside his beloved creations.

Uniting Fans Worldwide
Toriyama's passing on March 1 left a profound void in the world of manga and anime, sparking an outpouring of tributes from fans and industry insiders alike. His influence transcended borders, with major entertainment entities in the Western world also paying homage to his legacy.

Archie Comics marked the occasion with a special Dragon Ball crossover illustration featuring Goku and Archie, while Toonami aired a four-hour marathon of Dragon Ball Z Kai episodes in response to fan requests.

Fond Farewells from Fellow Creators
The impact of Toriyama's work resonated deeply with fellow manga artists, many of whom grew up inspired by his creations. Gege Akutami, the creator of Jujutsu Kaisen, expressed his grief with a simple yet poignant message: "I am unworthy of any words. May you rest in peace."

Shonen Jump also honoured Toriyama with a collection of heartfelt farewell statements from prominent manga artists, underscoring the profound influence he had on the industry.

A Continuing Legacy
Despite Toriyama's untimely passing, his legacy lives on through ongoing projects and adaptations. Toei Animation is pressing ahead with the production of Dragon Ball Daima, the next chapter in the Dragon Ball anime franchise, slated for release in Fall 2024.

Meanwhile, fans eagerly await the return of Toriyama and Toyotarou's Dragon Ball Super manga, which is currently on hiatus following the release of Chapter 103.

Where to Experience Dragon Ball

For fans eager to delve into the world of Dragon Ball, VIZ Media offers an extensive collection of Toriyama's manga in English. Additionally, Toei Animation's anime adaptations are available for streaming on platforms like Hulu and Crunchyroll, ensuring that Toriyama's timeless saga remains accessible to audiences worldwide.