Accepting change can be tough, especially when it clashes with long-held perceptions. I completely understand the skepticism when Dragon Ball Daima was announced back in October 2023. Like many, I found it hard to wrap my head around the idea of returning to weekly Dragon Ball episodes only to see Goku and the crew back to their child forms. After the explosive conclusion of Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Power five and a half years ago, this seemed like a hard sell. However, as I cautiously started watching the initial episodes, I quickly realized my initial hesitations were misplaced, and perhaps many of you felt the same way.
Fast forward to 2025; it’s almost trendy to criticize the Dragon Ball series, and there are some valid reasons for that. Unlike the precisely orchestrated fight scenes of Attack on Titan or Jujutsu Kaisen, Dragon Ball sometimes opts for a blur of action, suggesting speed over finesse. Dragon Ball Super often relied on ever-changing power tiers and transformations, which diluted the tension by introducing new forms seemingly on a whim (Super Saiyan Blue Evolved, anyone?). Goku is often depicted as clueless, Gohan seems to be continually sidelined, and Vegeta just can’t seem to catch a break. Enter Daima, which is changing the narrative.
With just 15 beautifully crafted episodes, Daima has revitalized the essence of Dragon Ball. Remember when Goku’s Super Saiyan transformation was a rare, spine-tingling event? In Daima, Goku taps into that golden form sparingly, using it only when necessary, which brings back its legendary status. The real standout is the focus on classic hand-to-hand combat, with a bit of Power Pole magic, that lends a grounding realism to the fantastical elements of the series. The game-changer? Seeing Vegeta achieve Super Saiyan 3 in episode 12. This moment not only corrected a longtime inconsistency (how did Goku and Gotenks reach SSJ3 before him?) but also signaled that Daima was willing to rewrite and improve the existing Dragon Ball lore.
The fight sequences are some of the best we’ve seen since the jaw-dropping battles in 2018’s Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie. The choreography is superb; for instance, Goku skillfully dodges Tamagami Number Three’s ki blasts and executes gravity-defying flips to evade attacks. These meticulously designed combat scenes remind us of what’s at stake beyond mere visual spectacle.
Daima also excels in expanding beloved arcs from Dragon Ball Z without straying into the divisive plots that Dragon Ball Super sometimes entertained. Remember, while Dragon Ball Super is not fully appreciated, and its Tournament of Power might be one of the best storylines in Dragon Ball history, it occasionally delved too deeply into divine machinations. The Fused Zamasu vs. Vegito Blue showdown was remarkable, yet its resolution left many unsatisfied. Starting Daima right after the Buu saga and expanding on that storyline, all while respecting its legacy, has been masterfully executed.
Admittedly, Goku hasn’t gained any intellectual prowess, and his confrontations aren’t as intense as his legendary battles against Cell or Frieza. A lot of time is spent on exploring rather than fighting. But the introduction of intriguing characters like Glorio, Dr. Arinsu, and Panzy transforms these journeys through the Demon Worlds into captivating adventures, unearthing aspects of Dragon Ball’s history that were underappreciated. With only a month until Daima’s season finale, whether you’re a fan or a skeptic, I urge you to dive into this extraordinary series. Reflect on its impact and recognize that Daima might just be the refreshing change the Dragon Ball franchise has desperately needed.
