Hey there, it's been a while, hasn't it? I know I've been on a bit of a hiatus from the podcast, and I'm not fully back yet, but I couldn't let this moment pass without sharing something that's been weighing heavily on my heart. You see, recently we lost a true legend in the world of manga: Akira Toriyama. His passing hit me hard, harder than I expected, and I knew I had to take a moment to honor his memory. So, here I am, no scripts, no rehearsing, just me talking straight from the heart. This episode might be a bit rough around the edges, but I couldn't let this sensitive time slip by without expressing how much Toriyama's work has meant to me over the years. From Dragon Ball to Dragon Ball z, Dragon Ball Super, Sand Land, Dragon Quest and even GT, his creations have helped shaped my life and influenced my love for storytelling in ways I can't fully express. In fact it was my love for Dragon ball z that pushed me to even start podcasting! Recording this episode has been tough, to say the least. There's a heaviness in my chest as I speak, knowing that Toriyama's absence will be felt deeply in the world of manga. But amidst the sadness, I find solace in the fact that his legacy lives on through his incredible body of work. So here's to you, Akira Toriyama, thank you for everything. Your impact will never be forgotten. Music: Artist - Josh Kramer Song - Malinconia "Music licensed according to terms of use at Audiio.com/terms. Receive 70% off your first year of Audiio Pro by following this link." https://ref.audiio.com/5rez7kts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/toonloredr/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/toonloredr/support