Akira Toriyama, the visionary Japanese manga artist who created the iconic “Dragon Ball” series, passed away on March 1, 2024 at the age of 68, due to an acute subdural hematoma. Toriyama’s work transcended cultural boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless fans worldwide, including many children in the Philippines during the 2000s. Toriyama’s “Dragon Ball” series, which began as a manga in 1984, quickly grew into one of the world’s most beloved and influential franchises.
Its compelling storylines, memorable characters and epic battles captivated audiences and inspired generations. In the Philippines, the impact of “Dragon Ball” was particularly profound, shaping the childhoods of those born during the 2000s. ‘Dragon Ball’ in the PH “Dragon Ball” made its way to the Philippines in the late 1990s with a Taglish (Tagalog/English) dub that aired in 1997-1998.
Although this initial version had a marginal reach, it laid the groundwork for a cultural phenomenon. The full impact of “Dragon Ball” was felt between 2008-2010 when QTV, followed by reruns on GMA in 2014-2015, broadcasted a complete Tagalog dub. This version, produced by Alta, utilized much of the long-established Tagalog voice cast, offering Filipino children an authentic and immersive experience.
The transition to a full Tagalog dub was significant. It superseded the short-lived Taglish dub and the previous English dub by Creative Products Corp., which had been broadc.
