Introduction
The Dragon Ball universe has always found ways to reinvent itself, and Dragon Ball Daima is no exception. This new series is already sparking excitement by taking things back to basics—literally. From familiar faces to nostalgic feels, Daima promises a fresh-yet-classic twist that’s caught the attention of fans old and new. But what makes this latest installment feel like such a major throwback? Here’s a closer look at why Daima is shaping up to be a love letter to Dragon Ball’s early days.
What Is Daima All About?
Most of the main cast had become pint-sized versions of their adult selves.
Daima picks up right after the Buu Saga. With Earth safe and sound, Goku and the gang are finally getting some downtime, even celebrating Trunks' birthday. But, in classic Dragon Ball style, that peace doesn’t last. Gomah, the new Demon Realm king, decides to stir things up by using the Dragon Balls to make a wish that de-ages Goku and his friends—yep, they’re all kids again!
Now, Goku and the crew are off on a new quest to undo Gomah’s wish, taking them straight to the Demon Realm with fresh allies, Shin, Glorio and Panzy, joining the ride. It might give a little Dragon Ball GT nostalgia (remember kid Goku’s space adventure?), but Daima is carving its own path, diving into Toriyama’s signature humor and love for classic adventure.
Toriyama’s Signature Touch
What really makes Daima stand out is how much it feels like a classic Dragon Ball throwback. You can tell Toriyama wanted to tap back into the humor, fun, and childlike wonder that made the original series such a hit. After all the intense, universe-shaking battles, it’s nice to see Goku on a smaller adventure, focused more on martial arts, laughs, and exploration.
For fans who thought Dragon Ball Super was a little too intense, Daima brings a much-needed change of pace. Toriyama’s touch is all over the story, setting, and character designs, and it feels like he’s put his heart into giving us something that’s both fresh and nostalgic. Considering this is his final contribution to the series, it feels extra special.
Fixing What GT Broke?
Daima (left) vs. GT (right)
If you thought Daima sounded like GT 2.0, you’re not alone. When the show was first announced, fans were skeptical—another kid Goku adventure in far-off lands? But Daima manages to take GT’s premise and make it actually work. There’s a clear goal, a strong villain, and way more character charm. It's like Toriyama wanted to give us a second chance at the story that GT could've been.
Rather than pushing for ever-stronger enemies and endless power-ups like in Dragon Ball Super, Daima brings back what made early Dragon Ball fun: that sense of adventure. And for fans of Super who were hoping for Moro or Black Frieza, Daima might feel like a breath of fresh air. It doesn’t follow the typical “big bad, bigger power-up” formula. Instead, it’s a lighter, fun journey in a weird world—a throwback to what Toriyama originally loved to write.
The Animation Glow-Up
The animation has definitely leveled up, and now looks smooth and so good.
One thing that stands out immediately in Daima is the animation quality. Toei Animation has really outdone itself here. The first four episodes look fantastic, almost movie-quality, and it’s clear that the team wanted to make Toriyama’s sendoff as visually stunning as possible. The colors are vibrant, the characters stay on-model, and the fight scenes are fluid and well-choreographed.
This is a big contrast to Dragon Ball Super, which had its fair share of animation inconsistencies that became internet memes. Daima’s art style and fluidity bring back the charm of Dragon Ball Z’s iconic look while adding a modern polish that makes the series stand out in today’s anime landscape.
New Characters and World-Building
Goku, together with his newfound friends Shin, Panzy and Glorio, are on a journey to rescue Dende and gather the Demon Realm’s Dragon Balls.
Daima’s got some new faces in the mix, but don’t worry—they don’t outshine our classic crew. The Demon Realm’s new king, Gomah, feels like a throwback to Dragon Ball villains like Pilaf. He’s more of a lovable troublemaker than a major threat, which adds to the series’ lighter vibe. Then there are Goku’s new buddies, Glorio and Panzy, who bring a fun twist to the group dynamic. They’re not crazy strong, but they keep things interesting with humor and a fresh take on the adventure.
But here’s the kicker: the stakes aren’t as life-or-death as we’ve seen in Z or Super. And that’s fine! Not everything has to be a multiverse-ending, Super Saiyan 1000-level battle. Instead, the show lets us have fun, laugh, and enjoy seeing these characters in situations that don’t involve planet-sized explosions every ten minutes.
Is Daima for Everyone?
Here’s where things get tricky. Some people expected Daima to pick up from Super’s final arcs with Moro and Granolah or maybe take Goku into even crazier cosmic battles. Instead, we got a “kidification” twist and a simpler story. If you’re a fan of Dragon Ball purely for the action, transformations, and power-ups, you might feel a bit sidelined here.
Then, there’s the criticism that Daima doesn’t capture the “adult” humor and grit of classic Dragon Ball. Sure, Toriyama used to write edgy, gag-heavy stories, but he was also a young, rebellious creator in the ‘80s. Now, his final work reflects a softer, perhaps more reflective side, which makes sense for a creator who has grown and changed over the years. Daima may not have the raw humor of Dragon Ball’s early days, but it’s still got that charm and quirkiness—just a bit toned down.
Is Daima Worth Watching?
Panzy, the Princess of the Third Demon World, fistbumps with mini Goku.
In today’s anime landscape filled with dark, edgy shows like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, Dragon Ball Daima feels like a nostalgic love letter, even if it’s missing the grit of today’s shonen hits. It’s a fun, adventurous watch that’s true to Dragon Ball’s heart. While it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea (especially if you’re just in it for high-stakes fights), Daima has carved out its own vibe. It’s about revisiting old friends, sharing laughs, and reliving the joy of a world where dragons grant wishes, demons scheme, and Goku just wants to get stronger—even if he’s pint-sized again.
If you’re a long-time fan, Daima is worth a watch. And if you’re new? Well, consider it a fun introduction to what Dragon Ball has always been about. And if you want more Dragon Ball merchandise, you can always check out our collection here at ZenPlus, shipped to you straight from Japan!
“Dragon Ball DAIMA” The main Trailer / October 2024
“Dragon Ball DAIMA” The Opening animation / "Jaka Jaan”
“Dragon Ball DAIMA” The Ending animation / "NAKAMA"
What do you think?
Why did Goku and the rest of the gang become children again?
Will Goku be able to go back to his normal body at the end of the series?
Do you prefer the classic Dragon Ball vibes of Daima, or are you more into the intense battles with the fate of the world on the line?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook! We’d love to hear from you!
ZenPlus is your one-stop shop for all things Japanese. Check out our marketplace for manga volumes, cosplay, figures, and other merch from the Dragon Ball Daima franchise!
You can watch Dragon Ball Daima on Netflix, Crunchyroll and Prime Video.
About the Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
