Summary
The following contains spoilers for Dragon Ball DAIMA episode 3, “Daima” available to stream onCrunchyrolland Netflix.
As we enter the third episode ofDragon Ball DAIMA, an even more clear picture of where this series is going is starting to emerge. What’s more, with this recent episode, it is starting to resemble anotherDragon Ballseries more closely (a very specific one to be exact).
So closely, in fact, that there could be a good faith argument that this was a stealth remake that we are just now picking up on. What series is that you might ask? Let us discuss.
Previously On…
The last timewe joined our heroes, they had all been turned back into children by Gomah and his henchmen. Due to a technicality though, Gomah only got one of his wishes granted, and decided to kidnap a baby Dende until he is able to summon the Dragon Balls again to get the other two wishes he desires. Goku and his friends need to re-train and get used to their new bodies, and this has resulted in Goku taking back his Nimbus cloud and red staff (which Master Roshi had been using as a tool to dry his laundry). When the episode ended, they were approached by a new figure named Glorio, who clued them in on Gomah’s plan and has offered to help them in their plight.
Who is Glorio?
We didn’t know much about Glorio when the previous episode ended. We know that he was spying on Gomah when his plan was being hatched (which is why he was not surprised that the Z Fighters had all been de-aged), but otherwise we are not sure who he is or what his motivations are. Needless to say, he has now offered to help Goku and his friends, so we just have to wait and see what he is planning in this episode.
Outer Space Calls
In what could be considered anothercallback toDragon Ball GT(and will likely feed into the theory that Akira Toriyama wanted to do the concept ofDragon Ball GTright this time), the episode begins with Goku, Kaioshin, and Glorio leaving the Earth behind and flying through the universe to head towards the Demon Realm. Like that other show, humor is more on display than grand adventure, with the first thing our heroes needing to do is gain passage to the Demon Realm by appeasing to Warp-sama (who appears to be one of the guardians of the universe). Of course, leave it to Goku to create issues by telling the space God that he looks like a goldfish, prompting Kaioshin to remind hiim that he needs to be more respectful to the gods they are asking for help from.
A Pin Number Saves the Day
In true Toriyama fashion, the solution is a lot more absurd than you would anticipate. Glorio has already gotten passage from Warp-sama, and gains new passage by giving him the pin number. Yes, you read that right: in the world ofDragon Ballyou can travel through the universe through warp gods so long as you have the correct pin number.
The Demon Realm IS Huge Though
AlthoughDragon Ball DAIMAis putting more eggs in the humor basket than most are likely prepared for, that doesn’t mean the series isn’t givingDragon Ball Zvibes at moments. For once the characters enter the Demon Realm, it is revealed that there are several worlds they can visit. New creatures are being introduced, as are new dangers. Goku isn’t having much luck with the new gravity though, which means the unfriendly natives have a rare upper hand against him (though Glorio can certainly move a lot faster thanks to his familiarity with the new worlds). Still, in terms of out right action, the series is taking its time getting there.
Most of the episode involves our three protagonists traveling from one destination to another via Bulma’s flying capsule (just LIKEDragon Ball GT). You may have noticed that several references were made toDragon Ball GTin this review, and that is because the story beats, the setup, and even some of the jokes are so reminiscent of it. It really is starting to feel likeDragon Ball DAIMAwas an unannounced retelling ofDragon Ball GT. Granted, that series has not been de-canoned by this show (it takes place before the final episode ofDragon Ball Z, which meansDragon Ball GTis still canon in a technical sense), but it is a sign of how good that series could have been had Toriyama been more involved. Dragon Ball Z fans may still moan the lack of action, but if you’vebeen watchingDragon Ball Superthis feels like a natural sequel.
Dragon Ball DAIMA
Dragon Ball Daima is the latest anime in Akira Toriyama’s legendary franchise. After being transformed into a child, Goku must travel to a new world to try and turn things around.
