WithDragon Ball Daimasoon to be released worldwide, it seems the series' creators want another shot at telling a story in which the usual cast has been returned to a smaller stature, which draws comparisons toDragon Ball GT, the most divisive entry in theDragon Ballfranchise. Some fans enjoyed the attempted regression of Goku back into a child, while others missed the more mature, action-packedDragon Ball Z.
WhileGTeventually abandoned the adventure aspect which became so controversial among fans, introducing the wildly popular Super Saiyan 4 in order to age Goku back into an adult,Daimapromises to revisit the old, adventurous spirit of the series, and do it right this time. Many fans remain skeptical of the upcoming anime, however, remembering the early portions ofGTthat often slowed the series' pacing to a crawl. However,considering Akira Toriyama’s involvement withDaima, there’s little reason not to expect the upcoming story to nailDragon Ball’s spirit in a wayGTnever could.
Daima Takes GT’s Premise But Sticks Truer To Dragon Ball’s Spirit
The Series Promises Both Lighthearted Adventures and Fast-Paced Action
Dragon Ballwas originally an adventure series with martial arts acting as a device to push the story forward, before fighting eventually took over the main focus as Goku and co. grew into adulthood. WhenDragon Ball GTattempted to recapture the magic ofDragon Ball, however, the reception from fans wasn’t great.
While many attributeGT’s lacking quality to this return to form, the truth is that there are multiple reasons the series failed. The most prominent is thatthe anime simply lacked excitement in its early goings, before introducing action-heavy arcs later in its run.Dragon Ball Daima, in returning once again to the franchise’s early, adventurous roots, will combat the boredom which infectedGTby balancing fast-paced action with the lighthearted antics for which earlyDragon Ballwas known.
This was confirmed by the series' most recent trailer, which revealed Mini Goku using both the Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan 2 forms, before firing off one of the prettiest Kamehameha the series has seen in years. This seems already completely different toGT’s unimpressive fights and enemies that plagued the first part of the anime.
Daima Doesn’t Need New Transformations Like Super Saiyan 4 To Be Incredible
Though nothing has been confirmed just yet,it’s unlikelyDaimawill introduce new forms for Goku and Vegeta, given its supposed setting after the Majin Buu Saga. For the sake of continuity, if any of the characters were to achieve something likeGT’s Super Saiyan 4, a reason would need to be given as to why the form wasn’t present inDragon Ball Super. Nevertheless,Daimashouldn’t need any flashy, new power-ups so long as the story remains consistent in its pacing and action.
The world ofDragon Ballcontains many underutilized characters and unexplored possibilities to keep the anime fresh without having to lean on the excitement of a new Saiyan form. The seemingly major roles being given to the Kais will allow for further exploration of godhood within the universe, whilethe setting of the Demon Realmwill be a first for the franchise in anime format, outside of video games and promotional material.
While the introduction of a new power-up may be welcomed by fans,Dragon BallDaimahas already shown the ability to be good without one, and to be the true successor toDragon Ball ZthatGTnever was.
Dragon Ball DAIMA
Cast
Dragon Ball Daima sees Goku and his allies inexplicably shrunk into miniature forms, prompting a journey to the Demon Realm. This animated adventure, part of the Dragon Ball franchise, explores their mission to solve the mystery and restore their original statures. Released in October 2024.
