Embracing change can often feel daunting, particularly when established perceptions clash with emerging trends.
When Dragon Ball Daima was first announced in October 2023, I found myself filled with doubt.
After a five-year hiatus following the much-loved Tournament of Power arc in Dragon Ball Super, the idea of revisiting the series through a younger, childlike Goku and his friends seemed disheartening.
However, my initial reservations transformed after watching the first few episodes, leading me to realize that my first impressions had been misguided. Responding to Criticism As we enter 2025, it’s clear that Dragon Ball has faced its share of criticism, much of which is valid.
When compared to the intricately designed action sequences of shows like Attack on Titan or Jujutsu Kaisen, Dragon Ball often seems to rely on fast-paced, chaotic battles.
The series has also been scrutinized for continually unveiling new transformations, which at times undermined the suspense of confrontations—take, for instance, the sudden emergence of Super Saiyan Blue Evolved.
Fans have questioned Goku’s character depth, lamented Gohan’s underutilization, and expressed frustration with Vegeta’s frequent defeats.
Yet, Dragon Ball Daima rises to these challenges beautifully. Spread over just 15 elegantly animated episodes, Daima breathes new life into the Dragon Ball legacy by returning to its core principles.
Notably, the once-ubiquitous Super Saiyan transformation is now a rare sight, making its first appearance only in the fifth episode when Goku briefly taps into the form to face King Kadan’s forces.
He quickly reverts to his base form, emphasizing a more grounded approach to combat that favors hand-to-hand encounters—occasionally enhanced by the beloved Power Pole—over extravagant displays of raw power.
Episode 12 highlights this shift when Vegeta transforms into Super Saiyan 3, elegantly resolving a significant inconsistency from earlier storylines and reinforcing the idea that Daima can adapt and expand the Dragon Ball canon. Combat and Character Development The fight choreography stands out as some of the most impressive we’ve witnessed since Broly’s epic clash in the 2018 film, Dragon Ball Super: Broly.
Scenes where Goku dodges Tamagami Number Three’s energy blasts and executes breathtaking maneuvers while landing powerful strikes inject a sense of urgency and emotional weight into the confrontations.
These battles establish real stakes, moving beyond mere spectacle filled with flashy energy beams. Moreover, Daima expands upon cherished arcs from Dragon Ball Z while steering clear of some of the more contentious themes explored in Dragon Ball Super.
Although Super has its merits—often overlooked and with its Tournament of Power regarded as a highlight—its focus on god-like beings sometimes muddled the overall narrative.
By setting its storyline directly after the well-received Buu saga, Daima builds intelligently on that legacy, ensuring continuity without dismissing past events. While Goku’s naïveté harkens back to his earlier days, the narrative pivots away from relentless battles toward exploration and character growth.
The introduction of new characters like Glorio, Dr. Arinsu, and Panzy brings vitality to the storyline, transforming what could have been mundane explorations of the Demon Worlds into captivating journeys.
These adventures delve into Dragon Ball’s rich lore, shedding light on aspects that fans have long overlooked. A Revitalized Direction As the conclusion of Daima’s season draws closer, I urge both loyal fans and critics to immerse themselves in this engaging series.
A thoughtful viewing may uncover a renewed appreciation for the revitalized direction of the Dragon Ball franchise, proving that Daima truly is the refresh the series has been craving and deserving.
Source: Kotaku