Is Dragon Ball Daima a Worthy Addition to the Franchise?

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After wrapping up the epic saga of Dragon Ball Daima, it’s an ideal moment for fans to reflect on its merits as a significant addition to the Dragon Ball anime series. The latest installment, Dragon Ball Daima, was unveiled in honor of Akira Toriyama’s original manga release 40 years ago, and followed Goku and the Supreme Kai embarking on a fresh escapade within the Demon Realm. Crafted by the late Akira Toriyama himself, this new tale served as an emotional tribute to the creator, who passed away last year.

Despite not initially being created as a tribute for the 40th anniversary celebration, Dragon Ball Daima, with its blend of nostalgia and original ideas, seems to perfectly capture the essence of four decades of Dragon Ball history. While opinions on its quality may vary, one thing is certain: it adds to the chronology of the Dragon Ball anime series. In essence, regardless of whether it’s universally considered a great anime or not, simply existing makes it good.

Dragon Ball Daima Took a While to Get Going

In the initial airing of “Dragon Ball Daima,” the first episode served as an extended debut, seamlessly connecting the happenings of “Dragon Ball Z” with the upcoming new journey. The anime tantalized fans with a sneak peek into the kind of series that was to follow, yet ended in an unexpected twist – Goku and his companions being transformed into children. This development has garnered mixed reactions since the initial promotional materials were unveiled; however, the premiere’s nods to nostalgic moments made it a well-received start overall.

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Initially, it felt like the storyline was taking its sweet time to pick up speed, which was quite unfortunate given the high anticipation. As Goku and his companions delved deeper into the Demon Realm, the episodic structure of the series made for a more leisurely journey than the first episode had hinted at. It took some time for fans like myself to adapt, especially those expecting non-stop action akin to Dragon Ball Super. However, these smaller, character-driven adventures echoed the spirit of classic Dragon Ball or even Dragon Ball GT, a conscious decision by the creative team that I can appreciate.

In the 20-episode run of “Dragon Ball Daima,” the series took some time to fully ignite its grand adventure. It was particularly noteworthy when Goku Mini showcased his full range of skills, making it a bit complex. The smaller adventure segments were essential for these brief battles to seem more impactful in contrast. However, reducing the number of episodes dedicated to these smaller moments might have provided additional time for more significant fights. Ultimately, whether you prefer the slower pace or seek more action depends on your taste for “Dragon Ball,” but it’s undeniable that this series started off gradually.

Dragon Ball Daima Changed the Canon Forever, Good and Bad

The main charm of “Dragon Ball Daimaō” didn’t lie in its battles, rather it was the fresh insights about the “Dragon Ball” universe that kept viewers hooked. “Dragon Ball Daimaō” occupied a tricky spot in the series timeline, occurring post-Majin Buu arc and pre-arrival of Beerus and Whis at the beginning of “Dragon Ball Super.” This era was largely uncharted territory in the narrative, which meant minimal major twists for the audience. However, the plot twists primarily emerged from character development instead.

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As a keen observer, I’ve noticed that with each fresh revelation about the Demon Realm in Dragon Ball, ardent fans have been gifted substantial expansions to the storyline. It was disclosed that Namekians, along with all beings sporting pointy ears, are demons. Moreover, it was revealed that the Demon Realm gave birth to the multiverse and tasked the Kais to oversee each of its dimensions. Lastly, we learned that Majin Buu was not solely the creation of Bibidi, which means there could be more like him. These intriguing disclosures, rather than the action sequences, proved to be the main attractions for long-time fans, setting the stage for an imminent escalation.

In the finale, Dragon Ball Daima caused quite a stir, rushing through events at an unprecedented pace and seemingly disregarding timeline consistency. Unlike earlier segments, the latter part moved swiftly and displayed a certain recklessness. Goku officially unveiled Super Saiyan 4, Vegeta presented his interpretation of Super Saiyan 3, and these transformations were casually introduced without considering their potential impact on Dragon Ball Super’s upcoming storylines. It’s a shame that the conclusion felt somewhat chaotic compared to the meticulous plotting in the series’ early stages.

The final episodes of “Dragon Ball Daima” didn’t live up to fan expectations due to an uneven pacing, with more emphasis given at the start and end, leaving less impactful moments in between. A more consistent weekly balance could have improved the overall viewing experience. However, despite its flaws, it remains a good series. Not only does it mark the return of “Dragon Ball”, but also it’s likely the last new story from the late Akira Toriyama, making it significant in itself.

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2025-03-06 07:13