Dragon Ball Daima Episode #1 Review: Toriyama's Last Goku Adventure Starts Strong

The first episode of Dragon Ball Daima has finally arrived, and while several elements feel like recycled plot devices, it's filled with brilliant universe-building and Akira Toriyama charm that has already made the series a step up from its predecessors in many ways. More than six years ago, Dragon Ball Super's electrifying finale filled city streets with excited fans worldwide. Now, with a lot more time in production and involvement from the franchise's creator, Dragon Ball Daima is on its way to thrill those fans once again.

When Daima was first teased last year, it provided many mysteries for fans to ponder regarding its plot and characters. The trailers featured stylish animation, a lack of Dragon Ball Super content, younger versions of the beloved cast, and a brief peak of the unexplored Demon Realm. With all that appearing in the announcement, fans knew they were in for something special. Now that Dragon Ball Daima's first episode has been released, it's clear how beneficial Toriyama's involvement was and how much of a difference enough production time can make.

Daima's Story Might Already Be Stronger Than Goku

The Dragon Ball Daima Anime Is Rumored To Run For At Least 20 Episodes

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There are reasons that Akira Toriyama's manga took off as well as it did, and a lot is because of Dragon Ball's epic world-building and expert balance of comedy, drama, and action. Thankfully, all those elements sing in Dragon Ball Daima's debut episode. Fans who have yet to watch Dragon Ball Super can dive right into the new series because Daima starts soon after the Majin Buu Saga, and episode #1 successfully expands the universe in a way that doesn't disrupt the storylines of other beloved Dragon Ball series.

Dragon Ball Daima's first fifteen minutes not only beautifully summarize the Majin Buu saga with stunning new animation, but it also introduces viewers to the Demon World's new rulers and gives them a fascinating look into the realm that's only been teased in Dragon Ball canon. While DBS violently expanded the franchise by introducing multiple universes along with Gods and Angels, Daima's expansion ties directly into the cause and effects of DBZ's final arc, arguably a much smoother transition into continuing the story of Goku and his friends than the franchise's other sequel series'.

Related Dragon Ball Daima Gets Global Netflix Release Date Dragon Ball DAIMA surprises fans with the announcement that the series is coming to Netflix as well, making for a jam-packed premiere this Fall.

After the previous King of the Demon Realm, Dabura, was soundly defeated by Majin Buu, his position went to the first villain of Dragon Ball Daima, King Gomah. With the help of Supreme Kai Shin's brother and an ancient Namekian, the new antagonists decide to head to Earth after witnessing the events of the Buu saga and discovering the Earth's Dragon Balls. This says a lot about the new villains whose measures to reduce conflict with Goku and his friends immediately result in what might be one of the best Dragon Ball adventures yet.

After the franchise introduced planet-obliterating foes, it was tough to craft antagonists who could create tension and realistically threaten the likes of Goku and Vegeta. However, Daima's first episode circumvents this issue by introducing antagonists more similar to the scheming Emperor Pilaf than the intimidating Lord Beerus. Gomah and his lackeys successfully use the Dragon Balls to make everyone who helped defeat Buu into children so that they would be easier to beat if they pursued them into the Demon Realm. While the first episode ended after that, its visual splendor will stick in viewers' minds for much longer.

Movie Quality Visuals and Animation Set A New Bar For Dragon Ball Anime

Dragon Ball Daima is Produced by Toei Animation and Directed by Yoshitaka Yashima and Aya Komaki

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After years of anticipation for a new Dragon Ball anime, it was difficult not to be slightly disappointed when Daima immediately began with a recap of DBZ and its Majin Buu Saga, storylines fans know very well. However, that disappointment is quickly obliterated as if it was struck by an Instant Transmission Kamehameha thanks to the flashbacks being completely reanimated with stunning detail in a style even more reminiscent of Toriyama's manga when compared to the DBZ anime's visuals. Thankfully, viewers get introduced to a refreshing location that's only been teased in the past: The Demon Realm.

The brief look at the Demon Realm painted a dreary picture of a world primed for exploration after the episode's exposition-filled first half. New character designs also spoil viewers and expertly paint King Gomah as a villain who's challenging to feel intimidated by but whose otherworldly features create an aura of caution for what chaos he may bring. Much like the recent anime adaptation of Akira Toriyama's Sand Land, the comical villain commands every scene they are in, especially when paired with Supreme Kai Shin's siblings, who must have a more prominent role to play in Daima's future.

After the first episode stylishly and effectively bridged the gap between DBZ and Daima, the setting switches to Earth during the celebration of Kid Buu's defeat. Just as some fans might complain that the first episode of a new Dragon Ball series lacked action, Goku and Vegeta have a sparring match mixed with well-choreographed and animated combat that was a refreshing experience lacking the repeated punch and kick animations that DBS was rife with. If the short match between Saiyan rivals is anything to go by, Daima may feature some of the best Dragon Ball battles yet.

Final Thoughts & Review Score

Screen Rant Gives Dragon Ball Daima Episode #1 A 9/10

After the tragic passing of the legendary mangaka in March 2024, fans worldwide mourned the loss of a talent that brought many people joy and inspiration. Dragon Ball Daima has been in the works for years and remains the last project the legendary creator worked on. Toriyama's influence can be felt in the first episode's masterful introduction to the Demon World and its residents, who'll help Goku create excitement in the episodes to come.

Unlike the other anime sequel series, Dragon Ball GT and Super, Toriyama provided much more than character designs for Daima and helped write much of its plot, designs, and world-building. If episode one is anything to go by, Akira Toriyama left fans with a beautiful and well-constructed treat that will once again be a thrill to enjoy together as weekly episodes of Dragon Ball Daima see the franchise once again set the bar high for the anime medium.

Source: Dragon Ball Perfect Shots/X, Toei Animation/YouTube