It's time for citizens of the universe to lend their condolences. Legendary Japanese artist and creator of the Dragon Ball series, Akira Toriyama, passed away from a serious medical condition at the age of 68. Toriyama's body of work not only left an indelible mark on the anime and manga landscape but also played a pivotal role in shaping the world of gaming.

The visionary creator was heavily involved with the character and visual designs of classic video games such as Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger, as well as the many Dragon Ball game titles. The somber announcement was made on March 7. The official Dragon Ball X (formerly Twitter) account revealed that Akira Toriyama had passed away at the age of 68.

The cause of Toriyama's untimely death was disclosed - in a rather unusual move when something like this happens - as an acute subdural hematoma, a tragic turn of events that has left fans mourning the loss of a creative genius.

The announcement, accompanied by a statement from Bird Studio and Capsule Corporation Tokyo, expressed deep regret that Toriyama had several ongoing projects that he approached with great enthusiasm. The statement also acknowledged Toriyama's substantial contributions to the world of manga and art over his illustrious 45-year career.