It's never been a more exciting time to be a Dragon Ball fan and Dragon Ball DAIMA's premiere has reinvigorated the franchise. It's only appropriate that an anime that was produced in celebration of Dragon Ball's 40th anniversary would feel so reminiscent of the original anime. Dragon Ball DAIMA effectively builds upon four decades of storytelling and even though this version of Goku is wiser, stronger, and more accomplished than his younger self, there's still a tremendous amount in common between them.
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Dragon Ball DAIMA returns to a de-aged Goku, an adventurous Dragon Ball quest, and it even pulls Goku's Power Pole out of retirement as a viable battle tool. Dragon Ball DAIMA creates many parallels to the original Dragon Ball. However, there is also an abundance of new characters who would perfectly fit into the original series.
10 Gomah's Devious Delusions Of Grandeur Align With Those Of Emperor Pilaf
Episode 1, "Conspiracy"
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Dragon Ball DAIMA hits the ground running when it comes to villainous individuals. Many intimidating antagonists rise to the forefront, but Gomah leaves a major impression as a problematic player. Gomah gets thrust into the spotlight in Dragon Ball DAIMA's first episode when the Demon Realm learns of Dabura's unfortunate death. Gomah steps in to fill the gap that's left from the previous Demon King's passing and it doesn't take long for Supreme Demon King Gomah to properly throw his weight around. Gomah is content to boss around both Degesu and Neva, who he expects to carry out his bidding. Gomah doesn't exactly look powerful, and his ego is certainly bigger than his muscles.
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This brings the original Dragon Ball's Emperor Pilaf to mind, and these two characters share quite a bit in common. Gomah and Pilaf are two villains who are convinced that they deserve the world, and they'll do whatever it takes to be praised and worshipped. The ways in which Gomah bosses Degesu and Neva around is reminiscent of Pilaf's abusive relationship with his own underings, Shu and Mai. Subsequent Dragon Ball DAIMA episodes highlight that Gomah has erected grandiose statues of himself throughout the Third Demon World, and he's enlisted his army to torture those who don't exhibit the proper level of fealty. Pilaf was equally violent towards the general public and both of these characters act as if they can do whatever they want without any cause for concern. It's easy to picture Gomah's grand Demon Realm Dragon Ball wish getting thwarted because Panzy interrupts with a request for something frivolous.
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9 Glorio Is A Rogue Demon Ally Who Has Helped Out The Heroes
Episode 1, "Conspiracy"
Glorio has quickly become one of Dragon Ball DAIMA's most intriguing characters and it will be a shame if his appearance remains limited to this anime alone. Glorio is a prolific gunman who has been hired by the King of the Third Demon World, Kadan, to overthrow Gomah's rule. Glorio travels to Earth to recruit Goku and he becomes a valuable ally to Goku and Shin as they orient themselves in the Demon Realm. Glorio possesses impressive knowledge on all three Demon Worlds and apparently has business that he carries out in the First Demon World, although many details about himself and his past remain a mystery.
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Dragon Ball DAIMA Just Foreshadowed Glorio Betraying Goku
DAIMA Episode 4, "Chatty," foreshadows that Goku's new ally may betray him to fulfill his plans.
Glorio is an important figure in the sense that he's proof that not every Majin is an evil individual and that the Demon Realm isn't such a black-and-white environment. Glorio, and others who are like him, are capable of independent thought and standing up for what's right. Glorio's tough demeanor, but altruistic attitude nicely aligns with the original Dragon Ball. There are shades of Tien in Glorio, especially regarding how he challenges Goku, but it also wouldn't come as a surprise to see Glorio competing in any of the World Martial Arts Tournaments or one of Fortuneteller Baba's warriors.
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8 The Gendarmerie Is An Unscrupulous Force Of Soldiers
Episode 4, "Chatty"
The Supreme Demon King seems to be powerful enough to handle business on his own, but he's currently situated in his cushy Demon King Palace in the First Demon World. Gomah still wants to command authority over the entire Demon Realm and he's able to accomplish this with the help of his Gendarmerie soldiers. The Gendarmerie receive a notable showcase in Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 4, "Chatty," where they terrorize a village of Demons and magically take years off of their lifespan if they don't adhere to Gomah's cruel requests.
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The Gendarmerie have many members and possess basic combat skills, but it appears that most of their power comes from the magic-based stun guns that they wield. Panzy and Goku both launch attacks on the Gendarmerie, which gets the latter in quite a bit of trouble and turns him into a Demon Realm fugitive. The Gendarmerie feel like they're cut from the same cloth as Dragon Ball's Red Ribbon Army or even King Piccolo's Dark Vassals. It's not hard to picture Goku taking out tons of Gendarmerie soldiers as he storms Red Ribbon's Muscle Tower. In fact, he'll probably experience a similar scenario when he finally reaches Gomah's grand headquarters.
7 Dr. Arinsu Is A Brilliant Demon Scientist Who Has Stayed In The Shadows
Episode 1, "Conspiracy"
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Dragon Ball DAIMA's earliest episodes give a lot of attention to notorious Demon Realm residents Gomah, Degesu, and Neva, but Dr. Arinsu is also a seemingly important member of their inner circle. Dr. Arinsu hangs out in the Demon King Palace and seems to have doubts over Gomah and Degesu's ability to pull off their mission, while also having her own agenda when it comes to Dragon Ball wishes. Dr. Arinsu, like Degesu, is also one of Shin's siblings, which will surely prompt an awkward confrontation later on in DAIMA.
Dr. Arinsu's connection to Degesu and Shin is compelling, but what's even more interesting is that she's a brilliant scientist who might even be able to put Bulma's brains to shame. Dr. Arinsu, despite being a Demon, seems to be more focused on intelligence than brute strength. Dr. Arinsu's cool, collected, and scathing demeanor brings to mind many of the top-ranking Red Ribbon Army individuals. She'd fit in just fine with Commander Red, Colonel Silver, and Staff Officer Black. Dr. Arinsu might function as a more effective version of what Dragon Ball was going for with Colonel Violet or end up turning her into a conflicted character who is more akin to someone like Launch.
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6 Panzy Is A Scrappy Outlier Who Contributes To The Greater Good
Episode 4, "Chatty"
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Panzy, who is initially introduced under the mysterious alias of the "Masked Majin," opposes the Gendarmerie forces and tries to liberate the innocent Demon community. Panzy has a penchant for gadgets and innovative creations, like her Wasabi Bomb, but their accuracy and success rate often leaves much to be desired. Panzy, like Glorio, proves to be a kind-hearted Demon who works together with the heroes and demonstrates an interest in technology. It's too soon to tell, but DAIMA's opening and closing theme songs indicate that a touching friendship will form between Panzy and Bulma.
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Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 4 Power Ranking
Goku, Glorio, and Panzy show their strength as more of Demon Realm is explored in Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 4.
Panzy has her heart in the right place, even if he can't always deliver on this front. This optimistic attitude is par for the course in the original Dragon Ball and it'd be easy to picture Goku making friends with a plucky outcast who has been abandoned by society. Panzy's introduction is not dissimilar to Chi-Chi's young exploits in Dragon Ball. They both exude a tough girl attitude that's charming.
5 Degesu Is A Majin Supreme Kai Who Is Content To Support Gomah's Wicked Wishes
Episode 1, "Conspiracy"
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Dragon Ball Super created one of its most complex villains with Zamasu, an evil renegade Supreme Kai apprentice from Universe 10. Dragon Ball DAIMA returns to this concept, albeit with slightly different circumstances, with Degesu. Degesu is a Supreme Kai of the Demon Realm who is the brother of Shin. Evidently, all Supreme Kai come from the Demon Realm, only Shin is an aberration and the black sheep of his wicked family.
Degesu seemingly has incredible power, yet most of his role at this point in DAIMA has been to bolster Gomah's confidence. That being said, Degesu's resentment towards Shin and his interest in acquiring the Tertian Oculus relic will surely be crucial plot points before DAIMA is over. The concept of a powerful divine being who is corrupt brings several of the original Dragon Ball's top villains to mind. Degesu may head down a comparable arc to some of Demon King Piccolo's top soldiers, such as Tambourine or Piano.
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4 DAIMA's Bar Demons Feel Like Vintage Dragon Ball Tertiary Threats
Episode 3, "Daima"
Dragon Ball DAIMA has done excellent work when it comes to highlighting the many diverse Demons that inhabit the Demon Realm. It'd be easy for every Majin entity to have a similar look, but DAIMA has carefully showcased a wide range of monsters. Some of these creatures are more generic bandits or beasts, but there's a satisfying cross-section of Demons who challenge Goku, Shin, and Glorio upon their entry into a bar.
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These Demons cover a lot of ground, including a lupine-like wolf creature, all of whom would perfectly fit into the original Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball routinely featured anthropomorphic animals, dinosaurs, bear thieves, and other oddities in successful attempts to flesh out its universe. These surly demonic bar patrons have the exact same energy and nobody would blink if they challenged the original Dragon Ball's Goku in the wilderness or were cheering in the crowd of a World Martial Arts Tournament.
3 Warp-Sama Is A Cryptic Figurehead Who Cares About Order
Episode 1, "Conspiracy"
Warp-Sama is one of the odder entities to be introduced in Dragon Ball DAIMA, which is saying something. This gigantic security system, who is definitely not a goldfish, is in charge of any entrances and exits to the Demon Realm. Warp-Sama adheres to strict clearance protocols and he has a volatile temper that often gets the better of him. Dragon Ball DAIMA explains that Warp-Sama isn't a singular entity and that many of them are spread across the universe as separate entry points to the Demon Realm.
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Every Way Dragon Ball DAIMA Weakens Goku, Explained
King Gomah's plan to weaken the Z Fighters in Dragon Ball DAIMA was a resounding success, but it has unforeseen positive benefits for Goku.
A character this enormous and unusual might initially seem like it'd be out of place in the original Dragon Ball. However, Warp-Sama's subversive energy and important role quickly brings Mr. Popo, Korin, or Kami to mind. These characters also felt ridiculous and out of place upon their introductions and it's entirely possible that something as grandiose as Warp-Sama would feel commonplace at this point if he made his first appearance in the original series.
2 The Three Tamagami Are The Ultimate Dragon Ball Security System
Episode 1, "Conspiracy"
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Dragon Ball DAIMA has spent a lot of time setting up the Demon Realm Dragon Balls to be extremely powerful relics. In fact, it's been several generations since anyone has been able to successfully collect these Dragon Balls and make a wish on them. The primary reason that no one has been able to acquire these three Dragon Balls is the Tamagami knights who guard them. Each Demon Realm Dragon Ball is protected by a different Tamagami.
At this point, the Tamagami feel less like characters and more like a deadly security system. However, it's likely that these powerful safeguards will gain a bit more of a personality when they're finally encountered. The Tamagami, even though they're demonic creations, conjure feelings that are similar to the Red Ribbon Army's Major Metallitron or Buyon. They seem like intimidating interlopers who are designed to weed out the weak and preserve the villains' empire.
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1 Neva Is An Ancient Evil Namekian Who Pines For Greater Power
Episode 1, "Conspiracy"
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Neva, an evil Namekian from the Demon Realm, is treated like a bit of a punchline in Dragon Ball DAIMA's first episode. However, Neva also highlights his impressive powers and why he's not someone to underestimate. Gomah and Degesu wouldn't even be able to carry out their plan and turn Goku and company into children without Neva's help regarding the acquisition and activation of Earth's Dragon Balls. Neva is also responsible for the creation of the Demon Realm's Dragon Balls, as well as their Tamagami guardians, which indicates even more proficient power from the elderly antagonist. It looks like DAIMA may gradually be setting Neva up to be its grand villain and he already shares a lot in common with Dragon Ball's Demon King Piccolo.
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It even looks like Neva may have his youth restored - or at the least, adorn the Tertian Oculus - which would create even more parallels with King Piccolo. It's been a long time since Dragon Ball has properly explored a Namekian villain and Neva is a worthy addition to the franchise. At this rate, it's possible that Neva will become even more dangerous than Demon King Piccolo and cause even greater chaos in the process.
Dragon Ball DAIMA
Not Yet Rated
Action
Adventure
Animation
Fantasy
Martial Arts
Due to a conspiracy, Goku and friends are transformed into children. They intend to travel to a mysterious new world to undo this change
Seasons 1
Story By Akira Toriyama
Writers Akira Toriyama
Franchise(s) Dragon Ball
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