Dragon Ball creator dies

James Overton, News and Features Writer

March 18, 2024

Akira Toriyama, world-renowned artist and manga author, passed away on March 1 due to a blood clot in his brain.

Toriyama’s publishing company, Bird Studio, announced his passing on March 8 stating that there was a small, private service held by family and close friends.

Toriyama first gained fame for his comedic work “Dr. Slump,” but is mostly known for the globally beloved franchise, Dragon Ball.

Ever since 1984, Toriyama’s series has told the story of Son Goku and his friends as they protect Earth from threats ranging from galactic warlords to time-traveling robots.

Fans across the globe are mourning the loss of Toriyama, with even people from Buenos Aires coming together to participate in a spirit bomb, a technique from Dragon Ball that involves a large group of people raising their hands skyward, in order to honor the author.

Though Toriyama is gone, Dragon Ball will continue on with its current manga series, Dragon Ball Super. The series was entrusted to a close friend and coworker and a new series is scheduled for late 2024.

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About the Contributors

James Overton, News and Features Writer

In his first year as a Chatterbox staff member, James Overton is ecstatic to work as a writer for the news and Features section. He hopes to improve and broaden his style of writing through this journalistic experience. Overton also participates in the WHHS theater productions, is a member of fencing, ping pong, and esports club. Overton also enjoys volunteering at the zoo. Later on in life, Overton aspires to be either a molecular biologist or a TV writer, and hopes that WHHS prepares him for the aspects of either of these careers. James enjoys playing video games, the piano, and solving puzzles when he’s not busy with extracurriculars.

Marwa Khzir, Managing Editor of Online Content

In her third year as a Chatterbox staff member, junior Marwa Khzir is excited to work as the Managing Editor of Online Content for the Chatterbox. Marwa Khzir hopes to improve her writing while also publishing as many articles as she can for the Chatterbox. Khzir's previous journalism experience includes News Writing 1, News Writing 2 and B/W Photography. Khzir is also involved in various extracurricular activities such as a Student Ambassador, a member of StuCO 2025, and the Fundraising Head for YPC (Youth Philanthropy Council). Khzir hopes to get into Law School and be a defense attorney in the future, helping wrongfully convicted prison members with getting freedom. Khzir enjoys playing soccer with her family and a favorite pastime for her is baking goods with her mom.