In 2024, the Dragon Ball franchise continues to thrive, even after the passing of its iconic creator, Akira Toriyama, in March. With the record-breaking video game “Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero,” Goku’s appearance as a balloon in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and hints at the return of “Dragon Ball Super,” fans have much to celebrate. Among the most anticipated releases is “Dragon Ball Daima,” the latest television series in the storied franchise.
“Dragon Ball Daima” marks the final project that Toriyama contributed to before his death. As an avid fan of Dragon Ball, I own merchandise featuring its characters, with “Dragon Ball Z” holding a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite animes. The excitement surrounding “Dragon Ball Daima” has been palpable.
The animation quality in “Dragon Ball Daima” is exceptional, with Toei Animation delivering some of the finest visuals in the series’ history. The animators have clearly invested considerable effort to ensure the show’s aesthetic is pristine.
The series’ theme song, performed by musician Zedd, is both catchy and evocative, capturing the sense of adventure reminiscent of the original “Dragon Ball.” While it may not surpass my personal favorites from the franchise, it stands out as a distinctive addition.
The premiere episode, titled “Conspiracy,” opens with characters Gomah and Degusu watching pivotal moments from the Majin Buu Saga of “Dragon Ball Z.” Their initial pride and excitement quickly dissipate when Dr. Arinsu warns them of the potential consequences of an invasion by the Z Fighters into the Demon Realm.
In response, Gomah and Degusu travel to Earth to use the Dragon Balls to thwart the Z Fighters. With the help of Dende and Mr. Popo, they summon Shenron, asking him to transform everyone who defeated Buu into children. This nods to the first episode of “Dragon Ball GT,” where Emperor Pilaf wished for Goku to revert to childhood—a charming homage that resonates with long-time fans. The episode concludes with the characters transformed into kids.
While this introduction sets the stage for the series, the first half felt drawn out, primarily serving as a recap of the Buu Saga, akin to a reaction video on YouTube.
The second episode, “Glorio,” shifts towards a more narrative-driven approach. The characters grapple with their new childlike appearances, and it’s easy to imagine a lucrative line of merchandise from Japanese toy manufacturer Bandai if they were to create figures of these younger versions. As Goku and his friends investigate their transformations, Mr. Popo reveals that Gomah has taken Dende with him. Meanwhile, Bulma repairs their ship, and Goku retrieves the Power Pole from Korin.
The episode introduces a new character, Glorio, from the Demon Realm, who requests Goku’s assistance in confronting King Gomah. The episode ends with Goku agreeing to venture to the Demon Realm alongside Glorio, propelling the plot forward effectively.
The latest episode, titled “Daima,” picks up where “Glorio” leaves off, but unfortunately, it was the least engaging of the three. The trio pauses on a planet called Batapi for the night, introducing slight story development, though the episode felt less impactful overall.
In conclusion, while “Dragon Ball Daima” may not yet rank among my favorites in the franchise, it certainly offers a unique perspective. As the series progresses, I hope to find greater enjoyment in its unfolding narrative. Fellow Dragon Ball enthusiasts and anime fans should certainly tune in to experience this new chapter.
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