Retronauts Episode 606: Farewell, Akira Toriyama

1955-2024

We’ve experienced a dozen tragedies since the sudden passing of Akira Toriyama last month, but when the news broke that the creator of Dragon Ball, Dr. Slump, and scores of lovable creatures in the video game world left us at the age of 68, we here at Retronauts had to honor his legacy with a special podcast

After we sat down to record this episode back in March, a few things have changed. The new animated series based on Toriyama’s Sand Land has begun streaming in many nations around the world (try Disney+ or Hulu, depending where you live) and the open-world video game will hit store shelves later this week. No word yet on that full-length film that hit Japanese theaters last year though.

Whether you’re up to speed on the latest Toriyama creation or just curious as to why the internet started collectively sobbing on March 8, 2024, as host I (Diamond Feit) think this episode does a great job of summarizing so much about why we loved Akira Toriyama’s creativity and sense of humor. Joining me on the podcast are Retronauts regulars Bob Mackey and Kevin Bunch, along with special guest Matt Alt, author of Pure Invention: How Japan’s Pop Culture Conquered the World—something that would not have happened without the incredible appeal of Akira Toriyama’s art.

Description: Diamond Feit, Kevin Bunch, Bob Mackey, and special guest Matt Alt bid farewell to a legendary artist, cartoonist, and cultural force for good in a podcast dedicated to the memory of Akira Toriyama.

Retronauts is a completely fan-funded operation. To support the show, and get exclusive episodes every month, please visit the official Retronauts Patreon.

MP3, 43 MB | 1:30:46 Direct download Retronauts on iTunes Retronauts at Audioboom

Artwork for this episode by Nina Matsumoto and editing thanks go to Greg Leahy.