As Dragon Ball fans continue to celebrate the iconic franchise’s 40th anniversary, the release of Dragon Ball DAIMA has sparked excitement among audiences. This new series feels both fresh and nostalgic, expertly tapping into the spirit of the original Dragon Ball anime while introducing new characters and plotlines. Although Goku’s character has evolved into a seasoned warrior, DAIMA returns to his younger, adventurous roots—complete with his trusty Power Pole.
While Dragon Ball DAIMA introduces several fresh faces, some of the new characters feel as though they could have easily stepped out of the original series. Here are 10 DAIMA characters who carry the same energy, charm, and quirks that made the original Dragon Ball so beloved:
10. Gomah: A Villainous Figure with Emperor Pilaf Vibes
Episode 1, “Conspiracy”
In Dragon Ball DAIMA’s debut episode, viewers are introduced to the self-proclaimed Supreme Demon King, Gomah. Much like Emperor Pilaf from the original series, Gomah is an egotistical figure who believes he deserves to rule over the Demon Realm. Despite his inflated sense of self-importance, Gomah is far from physically imposing. His antics and domineering attitude toward his underlings, including Degesu and Neva, draw strong parallels to Pilaf’s tyrannical rule over his subordinates, Shu and Mai. Gomah’s grandiose aspirations and tendency to boss others around echo Pilaf’s own relentless pursuit of power, making him a fitting villain for the Dragon Ball universe.
9. Glorio: A Rogue Demon Who Could Fit Into the Original Series
Episode 1, “Conspiracy”
Glorio, a skilled gunman from the Demon Realm, quickly becomes a key ally to Goku and his companions. Hired by King Kadan to overthrow Gomah’s regime, Glorio is tough yet altruistic, a characteristic that resonates with fans of Dragon Ball’s earlier heroes. Glorio’s demeanor and sense of honor remind many of Tien, a character who once posed a challenge to Goku in early tournaments. His complex personality and hidden motives would not feel out of place in the original Dragon Ball series, and his contributions to the ongoing battle against the forces of evil further align him with the franchise’s classic heroes.
8. The Gendarmerie: Demonic Soldiers with a Familiar Power
Episode 4, “Chatty”
The Gendarmerie is a group of soldiers employed by Supreme Demon King Gomah to maintain order in the Demon Realm. Their role is to enforce Gomah’s cruel rules, such as extracting years from Demons’ lifespans for noncompliance. Much like the Red Ribbon Army from the original Dragon Ball, the Gendarmerie is a militaristic force whose presence provides a consistent antagonist for Goku. Their magic-based stun guns and ruthlessness create a sense of danger that mirrors earlier threats, such as the Red Ribbon Army and King Piccolo’s minions.
7. Dr. Arinsu: A Brilliant Scientist with a Mysterious Agenda
Episode 1, “Conspiracy”
Dr. Arinsu is a highly intelligent Demon scientist who resides in the Demon King Palace. While her loyalty to Gomah is questionable, her vast knowledge and calculated demeanor hint at a more complex role in the story. Dr. Arinsu’s character design and ambitions bear similarities to the likes of Dr. Gero or other high-ranking members of the Red Ribbon Army from the original series. Her potential to be a formidable antagonist—or even a conflicted ally—makes her one of Dragon Ball DAIMA’s most intriguing characters.
6. Panzy: A Scrappy Outlaw with a Heart of Gold
Episode 4, “Chatty”
Panzy, initially introduced as the “Masked Majin,” is a plucky outcast who takes on the Gendarmerie in an attempt to free the Demon community. Though her gadgets and inventions don’t always go as planned, her determination to fight for the greater good mirrors Goku’s early selfless acts in the original Dragon Ball. With her tough girl attitude and resourcefulness, Panzy brings to mind characters like Chi-Chi, whose toughness was evident from a young age. Her growing friendship with Bulma is also a nice nod to the strong female relationships that were central to the original series.
5. Degesu: A Supreme Kai of the Demon Realm
Episode 1, “Conspiracy”
Degesu, a Supreme Kai of the Demon Realm and brother to Shin, brings the concept of a divine being corrupted by power to Dragon Ball DAIMA. His role in the story, supporting Gomah while secretly plotting against him, recalls the early days of Dragon Ball, where gods and deities like King Piccolo’s minions threatened the world. Degesu’s character promises to bring more layers to the traditional villain archetype, similar to how characters like Tambourine or Piano from the original series added depth to the lore.
4. The Bar Demons: Classic Dragon Ball Threats
Episode 3, “Daima”
In Dragon Ball DAIMA, Goku and his allies find themselves encountering a colorful cast of demons, including some who engage in a bar fight that feels ripped straight from the original Dragon Ball. These creatures—ranging from anthropomorphic animals to beasts with various attributes—evoke memories of the strange and quirky threats Goku faced on his journey. The scene recalls the early episodes of Dragon Ball, where bizarre and comical characters were often featured in humorous and action-packed sequences.
3. Warp-Sama: A Mysterious Security Figure
Episode 1, “Conspiracy”
Warp-Sama is an imposing figure who controls the entrances and exits to the Demon Realm. This gigantic security system, which is not a goldfish despite its appearance, enforces strict clearance protocols and operates under a system of multiple, similar entities scattered across the universe. Although Warp-Sama’s unusual nature initially feels out of place, his role as a guardian of the Demon Realm’s entryways is similar to figures like Mr. Popo or Kami, who also played pivotal roles in regulating access to powerful locations in the Dragon Ball universe.
2. The Tamagami: Deadly Security Guards of the Demon Realm Dragon Balls
Episode 1, “Conspiracy”
The Tamagami are an elite force of warriors tasked with protecting the powerful Demon Realm Dragon Balls. These formidable knights are more akin to a security system than traditional characters, as they are primarily used to prevent anyone from claiming the Dragon Balls. Their design and role evoke memories of other powerful guardians in Dragon Ball, such as the Dragon Balls’ original protectors or the challenges Goku faced to collect the Dragon Balls in his youth. The Tamagami’s strength and intimidating presence make them a fitting challenge for Goku in the DAIMA universe.
1. Goku: A Return to His Adventurous Roots
Throughout Dragon Ball DAIMA
While the new series introduces numerous intriguing characters, none capture the spirit of the original Dragon Ball like Goku himself. In DAIMA, Goku is once again a younger version of himself, ready for adventure and equipped with his iconic Power Pole. This reversion to his earlier days, filled with optimism and determination, perfectly complements the themes of exploration and self-discovery that defined the original series. Goku’s familiar determination, combined with his growth as a fighter, offers a nostalgic yet exciting new chapter in the Dragon Ball saga.
Dragon Ball DAIMA may be full of new and exciting elements, but it is the characters who evoke the charm of the original anime that resonate most with fans. These characters—whether they are heroic, villainous, or somewhere in between—bring a sense of continuity and excitement that makes DAIMA a fitting tribute to the beloved franchise.
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