The unveiling of Dragon Ball Daima on October 12, 2023, has brought great joy to Dragon Ball fans. This new anime marks the return of beloved characters such as Goku and Vegeta, as well as the introduction of fresh faces and an exciting new journey in the anime universe.
Goku's adventures have been absent from television since the conclusion of Super in 2018, so the internet is already buzzing with anticipation. The trailer indicates that this latest installment will air during the Fall 2024 anime season and is being brought to life by none other than Akira Toriyama, the creator of the franchise.
What does Daima mean? Dragon Ball Daima announced and explored
The anime, which is fairly new, lacks comprehensive information about its content, apart from the initial trailer that was unveiled at New York Comic Con on October 12, 2023. However, there are a few known facts that are likely to generate excitement among fans. One point of discussion and speculation revolves around the name of the anime, Dragon Ball Daima. "Daima" is a term coined by Toriyama and Toei Animation, loosely translated to "Evil" in English.
Daima cleverly adopts an animation style reminiscent of chibis, similar to Goku's transformation in Dragon Ball GT or the art style in Dragon Ball Fusions. However, unlike the criticized GT, Akira Toriyama is heavily involved in the show's production. The extent of Toriyama's involvement remains undisclosed as Toei Animation has remained tight-lipped on the matter. Nevertheless, fans are relieved by this announcement, while others cynically compare it to a return to GT. Furthermore, Daima may hold additional significance, resembling how Toriyama intended Dragon Ball Z to be the conclusion of Goku's story.
Story speculation and release date
Some highlights from the recently released trailer (Image via Our Website)
Dragon Ball Daima is set to release during the Fall 2024 season, although the exact date may be subject to change. This anime is being launched to commemorate the franchise's 40th anniversary, which began in 1984 and has continued till the present day. While no further details have been divulged, the trailer provides enough material for speculation regarding the story's content.
Commencing with a flashback spanning from the original Dragon Ball series to the present year of 2023, the trailer showcases notable moments from Dragon Ball, Z, GT, and Super. It then introduces the new animation style, a mysterious duo, the summoning of Shenron, and a transformation where everyone becomes chibis. According to a press release, the protagonists undergo a transformation due to a conspiracy involving two individuals resembling demons who are observing the characters.
Other notable features included the introduction of Chi-Chi and Bulma, Krillin taking on the role of the Turtle School master in the Dragon Ball Online MMO, the separate appearances of the Supreme Kai and Kabito, and most importantly, Goku and Vegeta appearing ready for battle against new threats. While the chibified art style may be unsettling for some fans, others are accepting of it, considering it is reminiscent of how the franchise originally began.
Given that this is a new anime being aired after Super, some fans are wondering if it will have more comedic elements rather than focusing primarily on action. With only the trailer and screenshots to rely on, it is safe to assume that it will incorporate both aspects, as evidenced by scenes of Goku and Vegeta engaged in combat, though speculation still persists.
Fans eager to watch Daima will have to exercise patience until the Fall 2024 season for its release. In the meantime, they can enjoy exploring previous seasons by streaming them on platforms such as Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation. The ongoing discussions among fans, speculating the elusive significance behind Daima, will persist until its premiere.