Dragon Ball Daima Episode #1 Review: Toriyama's Last Goku Adventure Starts Strong

The first episode ofDragon Ball Daimahas finally arrived, and while several elements feel like recycled plot devices, it’s filled with brilliant universe-building and Akira Toriyama charm that has already made the series a step up from its predecessors in many ways. More than six years ago,Dragon Ball Super’s electrifying finale filled city streets with excited fans worldwide. Now, with a lot more time in production and involvement from the franchise’s creator,Dragon Ball Daimais on its way to thrill those fans once again.

WhenDaimawas first teased last year, it provided many mysteries for fans to ponder regarding its plot and characters. The trailers featured stylish animation, a lack ofDragon Ball Supercontent, younger versions of the beloved cast, and a brief peak of the unexplored Demon Realm. With all that appearing in the announcement, fans knew they were in for something special. Now thatDragon BallDaima’s first episode has been released, it’s clear how beneficial Toriyama’s involvement was and how much of a difference enough production time can make.

goku in front of dragon ball daima characters

Daima’s Story Might Already Be Stronger Than Goku

TheDragon Ball DaimaAnime Is Rumored To Run For At Least 20 Episodes

There are reasons that Akira Toriyama’s manga took off as well as it did, and a lot is because ofDragon Ball’s epic world-building and expert balance of comedy, drama, and action. Thankfully, all those elements sing inDragon Ball Daima’s debut episode. Fans who have yet to watchDragon Ball Supercan dive right into the new series becauseDaimastarts soon after the Majin Buu Saga, and episode #1 successfully expands the universe in a way that doesn’t disrupt the storylines of other belovedDragon Ballseries.

Dragon Ball Daima’s first fifteen minutes not only beautifully summarize the Majin Buu saga with stunning new animation, but it also introduces viewers to the Demon World’s new rulers and gives them a fascinating look into the realm that’s only been teased inDragon Ballcanon. WhileDBSviolently expanded the franchise by introducing multiple universes along with Gods and Angels,Daima’s expansion ties directly into the cause and effects ofDBZ’s final arc, arguably a much smoother transitioninto continuing the story of Goku and his friends than the franchise’s other sequel series'.

Dragon Ball Daima Gets Global Netflix Release Date

Dragon Ball DAIMA surprises fans with the announcement that the series is coming to Netflix as well, making for a jam-packed premiere this Fall.

After the previous King of the Demon Realm, Dabura, was soundly defeated by Majin Buu, his position went to the first villain ofDragon Ball Daima, King Gomah. With the help of Supreme Kai Shin’s brother and an ancient Namekian, the new antagonists decide to head to Earth after witnessing the events of the Buu saga and discovering the Earth’s Dragon Balls. This says a lot about the new villains whose measures to reduce conflict with Goku and his friends immediately result in what might be one of the bestDragon Balladventuresyet.

After the franchise introduced planet-obliterating foes, it was tough to craft antagonists who could create tension and realistically threaten the likes of Goku and Vegeta. However,Daima’s first episode circumvents this issue by introducing antagonists more similar to the scheming Emperor Pilaf than the intimidating Lord Beerus. Gomah and his lackeys successfully use the Dragon Balls to make everyone who helped defeat Buu into children so that they would be easier to beat if they pursued them into the Demon Realm. While the first episode ended after that, its visual splendor will stick in viewers' minds for much longer.

Movie Quality Visuals and Animation Set A New Bar For Dragon Ball Anime

Dragon Ball Daimais Produced by Toei Animation and Directed by Yoshitaka Yashima and Aya Komaki

After years of anticipation for a newDragon Ballanime, it was difficult not to beslightly disappointed whenDaimaimmediately began with a recap ofDBZand its Majin Buu Saga, storylines fans know very well. However, that disappointment is quickly obliterated as if it was struck by an Instant Transmission Kamehameha thanks to the flashbacks being completely reanimated with stunning detail in a style even more reminiscent of Toriyama’s manga when compared to theDBZanime’s visuals. Thankfully, viewers get introduced to a refreshing location that’s only been teased in the past: The Demon Realm.

The brief look at the Demon Realm painted a dreary picture of a world primed for exploration after the episode’s exposition-filled first half. New character designs also spoil viewers and expertly paint King Gomah as a villain who’s challenging to feel intimidated by but whose otherworldly features create an aura of caution for what chaos he may bring. Much like the recentanime adaptation of Akira Toriyama’sSand Land, the comical villain commands every scene they are in, especially when paired with Supreme Kai Shin’s siblings, who must have a more prominent role to play inDaima’s future.

After the first episode stylishly and effectively bridged the gap betweenDBZandDaima, the setting switches to Earth during the celebration of Kid Buu’s defeat. Just as some fans might complain that the first episode of a newDragon Ballseries lacked action, Goku and Vegetahave a sparring match mixed with well-choreographed and animated combat that was a refreshing experience lacking the repeated punch and kick animations thatDBSwas rife with. If the short match between Saiyan rivals is anything to go by,Daimamay feature some of the bestDragon Ballbattles yet.

Final Thoughts & Review Score

Screen Rant GivesDragon Ball DaimaEpisode #1 A 9/10

After the tragic passing of the legendary mangaka in March 2024, fans worldwide mourned the loss of a talent that brought many people joy and inspiration.Dragon Ball Daimahas been in the works for years and remains the last project the legendary creator worked on. Toriyama’s influence can be felt in the first episode’s masterful introduction to the Demon World and its residents, who’ll help Goku create excitement in the episodes to come.

Unlike the other anime sequel series,Dragon Ball GTandSuper, Toriyama provided much more than character designs forDaimaand helped write much of its plot, designs, and world-building. If episode one is anything to go by,Akira Toriyama left fans with a beautiful and well-constructed treatthat will once again be a thrill to enjoy together as weekly episodes ofDragon Ball Daimasee the franchise once again set the bar high for the anime medium.