Dragon Ball Daima illustration fails to meet expectations, sparking fans' desire for cancellation
A new crossover illustration between Dragon Ball Super manga and Dragon Ball Daima anime disappoints fans, sparking controversy and negative reactions
On November 29, 2023, the Dragon Ball Daima anime series received a new illustration from Toyotaro, the illustrator of the Dragon Ball Super manga. The simple illustration featured Goku and Vegeta in their child forms striking an action pose, with a note at the bottom seemingly reaffirming Daima’s Fall 2024 premiere window.
The announcement of the Dragon Ball Daima anime in October 2023 elicited a range of reactions from fans online. Some praised the decision to return to the series’ roots by depicting Goku and the others as children once again, while others staunchly opposed this direction, particularly in light of the potential for a Dragon Ball Super season 2.
Dragon Ball Super manga and Dragon Ball Daima anime crossover illustration doesn’t quite go as planned
Conflicting opinions surround Toyotaro’s celebratory Dragon Ball Daima illustration. While some see it as uplifting, others express concern over a potential Daima manga arc, given the unfavorable response to the Super Hero recap arc. Both the Daima anime and the Super manga are currently facing criticism, causing Toyotaro’s original intentions behind the illustration to be overlooked.
Why Daima anime and Super manga are in hot water, explained
The Dragon Ball Daima anime and Super manga, created by Akira Toriyama, have not been well-received by fans. This may come as a surprise to some, but there are clear reasons behind their negative perceptions.
Many fans were disappointed by the Daima anime, as they were hoping for an announcement of Super season 2 rather than a completely new series. There was also anticipation for the Super Gallery Project to lead into the release of Super season 2. However, it has become clear that the project is actually meant to set up the premiere of Daima in Fall 2024.
Dragon Ball Daima has faced valid criticism from fans. In the GT anime, the decision to have Goku revert to his childlike form has raised concerns about the series' future. The fact that other characters have also been depicted as younger versions of themselves suggests that Daima is treading dangerously close to undermining its core plot. On the other hand, the Super manga has faced more direct disapproval. The series' extended retelling of the Super Hero film, shortly after introducing what appears to be one of the strongest forms in Black Frieza, has left many fans feeling dissatisfied. This dissatisfaction has been compounded by the perceived shortcomings of a previous arc, casting doubt on the current trajectory of the series.
Fan reaction
A small sample of the varied fan reactions to Toyotaro's celebratory Dragon Ball Daima artwork (Image via Our Website)
The dislike for both the Dragon Ball Daima anime and the Super manga series was evident in the responses to the post featuring Toyotaro’s celebratory illustration. Many fans expressed concern that the Super manga might decide to follow in Daima's footsteps rather than moving on to new material.
Some fans focused solely on the illustration, praising Toyotaro’s exceptional artwork. Others went as far as to express excitement for the Daima anime, showing that at least a portion of the fanbase is open to the series and its bold choices.
Be sure to keep up with all Dragon Ball anime and manga news, as well as general anime, manga, film, and live-action news as 2023 progresses.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the Dragon Ball Daima illustration and the overall direction of the franchise. On the one hand, I am excited about the prospect of a new Dragon Ball anime series, especially one that will focus on Goku and Vegeta as children. I grew up watching Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT, and I have always been a fan of the series. I am also intrigued by the idea of a new story arc that will explore the origins of the Dragon Balls.
On the other hand, I am concerned about the quality of the Dragon Ball Daima anime. The illustration that was released does not exactly inspire confidence. The animation looks stiff and uninspired, and the character designs are not very appealing. I am also worried that the story will be too similar to Dragon Ball GT, which was not well-received by fans.
Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about the Dragon Ball Daima anime. I am hoping that the final product will be better than what we have seen so far. However, I am also prepared for the possibility that it will be a disappointment. Only time will tell.
