Last weekend in Peru, an extensive mural was inaugurated that pays tribute to the deceased Akira Toriyamacreator of the globally popular “dragon ball“, in which the endearing characters of this saga were captured. Let us remember that “Dragon Ball” is one of the most viewed animated series that over the years has managed to captivate the audience, adding millions of fans around the world.
This mural is located on block 9 of Paseo de la República Avenue, in the La Victoria district. The group in charge of the work is made up of 30 urban artists and shows the legacy left by the Japanese artist. “Peko”, the artist in charge, commented with a national media about the details of the mural:
- «The project was born when we were about to complete a small project in the Dragon Ball neighborhood, and the news just broke and we wanted to project ourselves to a larger one. We started calling our friends to create a mural of what Akira Toriyama has been and all the legacy he leaves».
And he also explained:
- «We started in the center where Sheng Long is and he continued running as people arrived to paint, but there were inconveniences, since there were no scaffolding or paint, but we tried to get the support of the people in the neighborhood and on the street to be able to finish because this It is a self-managed project. We manage it as “Cash in the City” and we try to give positive value to the city through this type of murals».
And there was no shortage of community comments:
- «This really made me cry, as a 90’s baby who basically grew up in the 2000’s watching Dragon Ball Z, finding out about Toriyamas’ death and only at the age of 68, was very tragic. But I think it’s also kind of proof that we’re really getting older. Many of our favorite actors, musicians, celebrities, artists, etc., who we grew up listening to and watching, are getting older. I think it would be a good idea to take a break from the hustle and bustle of our lives and spend time with our loved ones, enjoy the moments we spend together, because we all have a clock inside us, and that clock won’t last forever.».
- «That’s fucking amazing, an instant tourist attraction, I wish I could go see this in person. It’s great how Akira Toriyama’s work has been so successful around the world and especially in Spanish-speaking countries.».
- «This is a gorgeous, spectacular collaboration, and Toriyama’s painting in particular is stunning. The artist captures the depth, shading and textures of the original image fabulously well and is a worthy centerpiece of the mural. Rest in peace, Akira Toriyama, and thank you for all your incredible works, your humor, and your kindness».
- «I hope the local government will work to preserve this MASTERPIECE and ensure that if anyone dares to purposely spoil it with their amateur art, it can be easily erased and the culprit will be forced to sit through a 24 hour DBZ marathon to realizing your mistake in putting your amateur art on top of something that is supposed to be a tribute to a great artist and storyteller, as he helped inspire other generations of artists and storytellers».
- «If there are people who are obsessed with Dragon Ball in Latin America, it is Peru. I take my hat off to every artist who collaborated so that this mural, which by the way was spectacular, was achieved. Good for Peru, representing how Dragon Ball is an icon of our generations».
- «Many thanks to all the artists who have contributed to this project. I would fly to Peru just to see it in person, if I could. I hope it stays there forever and one day it does. Toriyama-sensei would surely appreciate this tribute. He makes me cry, but I’m very happy about it. This is a treasure».
- «I’m still shocked this guy is gone. I’m 49 years old and if I still watch Dragon Ball Z, I started watching it in the late 90s and I hold it in the same regard as Stan Lee. Unfortunately I will not look at the Dragon Ball franchise the same way I did when he was alive he was an inspiration to many of us artists bless his wonderful soul and bless his friends and family we have lost a damn legend».
- «The best thing the man did was to be the best creator of his existence. I can’t explain how much I respect him as creation was my childhood and I loved Dragom Ball. Your style and content will be lost even if you are no longer here we can hope that someone can pick up your goals and make something even more inspiring for the new generation to come».
- «I wish I could see this masterpiece. Everything about it is amazing, especially the giant photo of him in the center».
- «This is how you pay tribute to a legendary artist who changed the lives of BILLIONS of people».
Fountain: National Institute of Radio and Television of Peru
