The highly anticipated addition to the Dragon Ball universe, Dragon Ball Daima, is set to make its debut soon, generating excitement among fans eager to see which characters will feature in this new chapter. Trailers and promotional materials have teased the return of many beloved figures, alongside a few new faces that are sure to add fresh dynamics to the story.
Familiar Faces Return with a Twist
As expected, Dragon Ball Daima brings back iconic characters like Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and the rest of the Dragon Team. However, there’s a twist—thanks to a new villainous force, these characters have been physically regressed to their childhood forms, reminiscent of Goku’s early adventures. Goku, wielding the Power Pole, can still transform into a Super Saiyan despite his smaller stature, much like in the Dragon Ball GT series. Vegeta, his eternal rival, remains by his side, and both are joined by their now-younger sons, Goten and Trunks, who have been turned into infants.
Piccolo, who recently shone in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, also returns, accompanied by Krillin and Android 18. Notably, Krillin appears to be struggling the most with this transformation, as depicted in the trailer, while Android 18 is seen holding their daughter, Marron, who intriguingly remains unaffected by the curse.
Where is Gohan?
One of the most striking omissions from the current lineup is Gohan, a key figure in previous Dragon Ball arcs, particularly in Dragon Ball Z and Super Hero. Despite his prominence in past series, neither he nor his family—Videl and Pan—have appeared in any of the promotional material for Daima. This absence is particularly surprising given Gohan’s history as a child hero, which would seem to fit perfectly with the series’ premise. The absence of other major characters like Beerus, Whis, and Broly further deepens the mystery. It’s possible that Gohan and others will make an appearance later, or their roles are being deliberately kept under wraps.
Old Allies and New Adventures
While Dragon Ball Daima doesn’t seem to include every major supporting character, it does feature a significant number of familiar faces. Bulma and Chi-Chi, two of the franchise’s strongest female characters, appear in the trailer, alongside Chi-Chi’s father, Ox-King, and Mr. Satan, Gohan’s father-in-law. Although Mr. Satan’s best friend, Majin Buu, doesn’t appear in the trailer, he is present in promotional art, suggesting he might play a significant role given the series’ focus on the Demon Realm.
Yamcha and Master Roshi, both classic fighters from the Dragon Team, are confirmed to return, with Yamcha’s companion Puar and their old rival Oolong also making appearances. However, characters like Tien Shinhan, Chiaotzu, and Yajirobe are currently unconfirmed. Android 17 and Jaco, two of the newer heroes, are also missing, though the presence of Shenron, the eternal dragon, assures fans that the essence of Dragon Ball is alive and well.
The Supreme Kai’s Unexpected Role
One of the biggest surprises in Dragon Ball Daima is the prominence of Shin, also known as Supreme Kai. Typically a secondary character, Shin is featured heavily alongside Goku in the series’ teasers and promotional art, suggesting that his role will be crucial to the storyline, especially with the focus on the Demon Realm. His aide, Kibito, will also appear, although the absence of the more popular King Kai raises questions about the series’ direction.
New Characters and Villains
Dragon Ball Daima introduces a host of new characters, adding fresh intrigue to the series. Among them are Glorio and Panzy, also known as the Masked Majin, both demons from the Demon Realm and likely new allies to Goku. Their appearances and roles remain largely mysterious, but they are prominently featured in the promotional materials, hinting at their importance.
The primary antagonist revealed so far is Gomah, another demon from the Demon Realm, who seems to be responsible for the heroes’ transformations. The absence of iconic villains like Frieza, Cell, or newer threats like Jiren and the Heeters suggests that Daima will focus on entirely new challenges, potentially including a return of Dabura, the Demon Realm’s former ruler.
Looking Ahead
With more characters likely to be revealed as the premiere date approaches, the mystery surrounding Gohan and other notable absentees continues to build anticipation. Fans will get their answers when Dragon Ball Daima premieres on October 11, 2024, promising a blend of nostalgia and new adventures in the ever-expanding Dragon Ball universe.