Letters | Why death of Dragon Ball comic creator hit Hong Kong fans hard

Inspired by Chinese literary classic Journey to the West, the Dragon Ball comic series features Goku, a boy who possesses exemplary martial-art skills and later meets friends and foes along his dragon-ball-hunting journey. Dragon Ball actually started off as a humour-laden comic. It was only after gradual character and plot development that the series transformed into an action-packed, fight-scene-heavy comic that pitted heroes against villains.

The result of this transformation was the birth of multiple memorable characters such as Piccolo, Cell, Freiza, Buu, Vegeta and Gohan. Science and futuristic technology were often featured in the comic, adding intrigue and suspense. Interstellar travel, as in the journey to Planet Namek to look for new dragon balls, as well as time travel (for example, the protagonist Trunks travelling back in time to warn Goku and his friends of the imminent danger posed by humanlike androids) were featured heavily. The tremendous success of the Dragon Ball comic spawned animated films and spin-off merchandise.

I remember vividly that in the 1990s, I often stayed up late to watch the animated version of Dragon Ball on television, earning an earful from my parents. As a primary school pupil, I checked when the newest issue of the Dragon Ball comic would be available at the news stand. The tremendous anticipation I harboured while awaiting the most up-to-date development of the story, together with the sheer joy of finding out that the protagonists prevailed over the antagonists, is a precious part of my memories of childhood.

In retrospect, Dragon Ball and Goku have taught me important life values. Goku often found himself in perilous situations where he had to become stronger physically to beat the villains and save the Earth. His dogged determination, perseverance and benevolence certainly have had an impact on how I approach life.