If there is an indelible image from the 1988 classic anime film Akira , this is it: Shōtarō Kaneda atop his famous motorcycle, headed straight toward the viewer.

Let’s not forget that Toriyama, being a big fan of scale models and all kinds of vehicles, worked in his studio surrounded by scale models and even several real motorcycles.

Japanese manga artist Toriyama Akira — creator of "Dragon Ball" and "Dr. Slump" — captivated generations of fans, transforming graphic storytelling around the globe. His influence was ...