Does ‘Dragon Ball’ DAIMA’ Deserve Its Perfect Reviews?

By the mid-’80s, Japan introduced a significant piece of pop culture: the popular series called “Dragon Ball.” This series, filled with adventures featuring Goku and his unique companions, became both influential and beloved. They set out on a mission to find seven magical orbs, known as Dragon Balls. Once gathered, these balls possess the power to grant wishes, leading to thrilling escapades and challenges.

Back in 1984, manga legend Akira Toriyama opened up new horizons for me as a movie buff, introducing the mesmerizing world of Dragon Ball. Stepping into the anime scene initially as a manga, then transforming onto our screens two years later, it sparked curiosity among Western viewers and welcomed us into this captivating realm. The vibrant community of Dragon Ball enthusiasts remains robust to this very day, with countless episodes readily accessible to quench the thirst of both old-timers and newcomers alike.

Last October, a year after its announcement, Dragon Ball DAIMA finally graced our screens. It’s been showered with praise ever since. But I can’t help but wonder: Does it truly deserve all that acclaim?

Akira Toriyama: The Passing of a Visionary

Back in the early ’80s, I took my initial strides into the world of comics with “Dr Slump,” a tale centered around the robot Arale and her creator. However, it wasn’t until “Dragon Ball” that I truly made a global impact. On March 1st, 2024, the world lost a great manga artist, Akira Toriyama, at the age of 68 due to an acute subdural hematoma – a condition characterized by pressure from brain bleeding. This tragic news left fans mourning. Following a modest and respectful funeral, the official “Dragon Ball” website shared their sorrow: “We are deeply saddened that he had numerous works in progress with immense passion.” They also expressed, “He would have undoubtedly accomplished much more.

From 1995 onwards, Toriyama took a step back as the main driving force behind Dragon Ball, but he continued to contribute to the franchise in various roles until his passing. However, he became deeply immersed in the production of Dragon Ball Daim, taking charge of the storyline, characters, and other elements. This re-engagement sparked excitement among fans who appreciated the original feel of the early days. With feelings running high, reviews often carried a touch of nostalgia and were likely more positive than they might have been under different circumstances.

‘Dragon Ball DAIMA’ Seen in a Positive Light

In the series titled “Dragon Ball DAIMA,” we’re taken back to the initial days of “Dragon Ball” and notice some resemblances to “Dragon Ball GT.” The story unfolds when Gomah, the demon king, launches an attack that reduces Goku and his companions in size. In a bid to regain their original forms, they embark on a thrilling journey to the Demon Realm. To cope with his diminished stature, Goku reverted to using the Power Pole, a weapon last seen during the early Dragon Ball storylines.

Thus far, the program has garnered universal acclaim from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The captivating visuals have been highly praised by reviewers, with Gizmode stating that “DAIMA excels by engaging in playful dialogue with GT’‘s tagline while incorporating fresh pieces of lore the series hasn’t showcased since Super, and top-notch animation is seamlessly integrated for added enjoyment.” The show appears to have found a golden balance, allowing longtime fans to enjoy it alongside their children. It functions as a self-contained series, filled with humor and action, although the battles are less intense than typical.

The Strengths of ‘DAIMA’ Can Also Be Its Weaknesses

The less serious aspects of the new Guko series seem overly childish for some adults, failing to engage them, and the lighter tone has left others yearning for a deeper storyline. Furthermore, this new show seems to contradict the established lore from before. Although the connection to Toriyama and his work on Dragon Ball DAIMA might influence opinions negatively, all franchises are subject to criticism about their continuity. The fact that there won’t be another Toriyama-led series has led many viewers to appreciate the current offering.

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2025-01-10 06:31