Dragon Ball Daima Story And Characters: All You Need To Know

In a thrilling announcement at New York Comic-Con 2023, the Dragon Ball community received exciting news: a brand-new anime titled Dragon Ball Daima. Fans, especially those who’ve been craving more Dragon Ball Super, were buzzing with anticipation. I mean, Dragon Ball Super’s anime wrapped up back in 2018, so this was like a bolt from the blue. Interestingly, despite the ready availability of post-Tournament of Power story arcs from the Dragon Ball Super manga, this new anime promises something entirely fresh, all thanks to the creative genius behind it, Akira Toriyama, as part of the 40th-anniversary celebration of the franchise.

Back to the Origins: A Nostalgic Journey

For those who’ve been with Dragon Ball since the beginning, this new anime brings a sweet dose of nostalgia. Akira Toriyama kicked off the Dragon Ball manga in 1984, and two years later, we were blessed with the anime. The subsequent Dragon Ball Z series garnered global acclaim for its intense action sequences and mature sci-fi narrative. However, Toriyama’s original work had a lighter, more rounded character design. Dragon Ball Daima seems to harken back to this early aesthetic, a departure from the high-octane battles of Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Power.

Mark Your Calendar: Release Date and Format

Alright, now for the vital stats: Dragon Ball Daima is set to hit our screens in Fall 2024. Why’s this year special? Well, it’s the 40th anniversary of the original Dragon Ball manga’s debut. Unlike a feature film, Daima will be a full-fledged anime series. However, precise episode numbers and a specific release date remain undisclosed. It remains uncertain whether the English dub of Daima will be available simultaneously with the Japanese release, reminiscent of the significant lag experienced by Dragon Ball Super’s English dub, which took a year and a half to bridge the gap.

A New Foe and Remarkable Transformations

The teaser trailer for Dragon Ball Daima introduces a mysterious new adversary who has taken notice of Goku and Vegeta’s legendary victory over Babidi and Majin Buu. Details regarding the identities and powers of these new antagonist characters remain a closely guarded secret. What’s fascinating, though, is a wish granted to Shenron, transforming Goku and many familiar faces—Vegeta, Bulma, Master Roshi, Piccolo, Supreme Kai Shin, and Kibito—into child-like, chibi versions of themselves. But the real mystery here is the new villains who’ve made an entrance in the teaser. Who are they, and what can they do? Your guess is as good as ours. The promise of “A Story Never Before Told in Dragon Ball” hints at an entirely unique narrative and places Dragon Ball Daima on its own path.

Introducing Dragon Ball Daima’s Characters

So, we’ve seen the teaser, and it’s left us with a bunch of questions about the characters. We’ve got our old favorites looking all pint-sized and adorable. Goku, the iconic Saiyan warrior, proudly wields his Power Pole, evoking fond memories of the series’ early days. Yet, the real intrigue lies in the enigmatic new antagonist characters featured in the teaser. Their identities and the extent of their powers remain shrouded in secrecy, leaving fans eager to uncover their role in this evolving adventure. With the tantalizing promise of a story “never before told in Dragon Ball,” it’s clear that both familiar and fresh characters will usher in an exciting era for the Dragon Ball universe.

Where Does Daima Fit into the Canon?

Now, you might be wondering where this new series slots into the whole Dragon Ball timeline. Dragon Ball Daima’s placement is a topic of speculation. The anime will occur prior to the events of Dragon Ball Super, following Goku and Vegeta’s triumph over Kid Buu, which marked the conclusion of Dragon Ball Z. While the teaser introduces Supreme Kai Shin and Kibito as separate entities, unlike their Potara Fusion form, Kibito Kai, in Dragon Ball Super, a closer examination reveals that Goku and Vegeta wear attire unmarked by the angel Whis’ training symbol, a strong indication that Daima’s storyline unfolds before the events of Dragon Ball Super. As for the anime’s impact on Dragon Ball Super’s overarching narrative, that remains a mystery, with a likelihood that it may diverge into a captivating spin-off, much like the web anime Super Dragon Ball Heroes.

A Sneak Peek into the World of Daima

The teaser trailer starts with a trip down memory lane, highlighting the key Dragon Ball series and their release years. It culminates with snippets from the acclaimed Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero film, effectively building anticipation. In the teaser, we see some stunning scenes with two mysterious figures watching Goku and Vegeta’s past on massive floating screens in a fiery castle from another realm. Then, it’s Shenron time. A wish gets made, and whoosh, Goku and Vegeta suddenly look like they stepped right out of Dragon Ball’s early days with their round, cute character designs.

An Artistic Revolution

The teaser unveils captivating scenes that feature two ominous figures observing Goku and Vegeta’s past on colossal floating screens within an otherworldly fiery castle. The trailer proceeds to show the summoning of Shenron and the making of a wish, leading to Goku and Vegeta’s remarkable transformation into child-like forms reminiscent of Dragon Ball’s initial round character designs, as opposed to the sharp and imposing styles seen in DBZ and DBS. These new character designs inject a fresh artistic perspective into the series.

Expect Epic Action

This teaser might not show Beerus, Whis, or those Super Saiyan God forms, but it’s not short on action. Adult Goku and Vegeta engage in sparring sessions high in the sky, unleashing their signature beam attacks with Daima’s unique art style. The young Goku, with his classic Power Pole, is primed for battles against formidable adversaries.

Where to Catch the Action

With Toei Animation at the helm, Dragon Ball Daima is expected to follow in the footsteps of Dragon Ball Super, airing on television before becoming accessible on popular streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation. While details of the English release remain undisclosed, it’s highly probable that the series will cater to the vast English-speaking fanbase, given their enduring passion for the franchise. As the Fall 2024 release date approaches, we can look forward to more announcements and updates on this highly anticipated anime.

Final Thoughts

Dragon Ball Daima is set to breathe new life into the beloved series, revisiting its origins while unveiling fresh mysteries and transformations. Fans around the world can eagerly anticipate this exciting installment, scheduled for Fall 2024. With series creator Akira Toriyama deeply involved, fans can rest assured of a captivating journey through the world of Dragon Ball. Stay tuned for further updates and immerse yourself in the extraordinary universe of Dragon Ball Daima.