Dragon Ball DAIMA is Fast Losing Steam

As a long-time Dragon Ball fan, I can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic while watching DAIMA, yet also somewhat frustrated by its current state. You see, I remember the thrill of discovering new worlds, meeting fascinating characters, and witnessing epic battles in the original series. However, with each passing episode of DAIMA, it seems we’re taking two steps forward and one step back.


The following contains spoilers for Dragon Ball DAIMA episode 5, “Panzy” available to stream on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

Key Takeaways

  • Goku gets involved in a territorial dispute on a new planet with the introduction of a potential new ally, Panzy.
  • The story progresses slowly with repeated information and no major developments, hinting at future appearances of Z Fighters.
  • Although not boring, the show is struggling to deliver substantial content, leaving viewers frustrated with the lack of progress.

Initially, when Dragon Ball DAIMA debuted, it seemed engaging and entertaining. With an appealing plotline, an amusing antagonist, and fresh locations to explore, it appeared that the show had all the elements needed to be a superior rendition of Dragon Ball GT. However, as events unfold with minimal significant developments, one might question whether the series is making a lasting impact on the Dragon Ball franchise or if the creators are merely prolonging the narrative without adding much value.

colossal space catapults resembling cotton swabs, another delightful touch from Toriyama’s whimsical humor.

A New Face in a New Conflict

Where Goku and his friend’s landed is not a welcoming place. They found themselves in the middle of a territorial dispute between two of the tribes on the planet, and while Glorio insists they stay out of it, Goku decides to get involved in the conflict. This leads them to meet someone new: a young green girl who looks like she would fit in at home in Toriyama’s other manga Jaco the Galactic Patrolman. Does that mean we will see other characters from the Jaco universe in the future? And will we get a stand-alone anime based on the Jaco manga as well? That much isn’t clear, but it is clear that having a similar-looking character is no mere coincidence.

A New Member Joins the Party

It appears that Goku’s power is creating quite a stir across the planet. A young girl, who later introduces herself as Panzy, recognizes him as the “spiky-haired troublemaker” from their neighborhood. She offers to accompany them on their quest, but the team members are hesitant about her joining. Yet, she not only knows the route to the castle they need to reach, but she is determined to join them regardless of their feelings.

Bedtime Stories are VERY Important

As our protagonists persist in their quest to locate the missing plane, King Gomah devotes his time to caring for baby Dende. Contrary to typical villains, he appears committed to his role, even reprimanding a nurse for not telling bedtime stories with enough passion (as he is crucial for the creation of new Dragon Balls, he insists on excellence). Additionally, we discover that King Gomah and Glorio belong to a unique species called the Glinds, so expect more information about them in the coming story.

The Story Kind of, Sort of, Maybe Continues…

In the upcoming recap, it’s worth noting that while currently unaddressed, the second part of the episode introduces additional characters using information we’ve already encountered. We are aware that the Dragon Balls on this planet are under the protection of warriors to prevent misuse. Furthermore, it’s clear that Goku possesses great strength, and although a training sequence is typically included to demonstrate this, in this case, it’s unnecessary because we’re already familiar with Goku’s abilities (even though I must admit, the training sequence is quite impressive, and in this instance, Goku transforms into a Super Saiyan for the first time, albeit temporarily).

On the bright side, indications point towards additional Z Fighters joining us shortly. However, the wait for something substantial feels never-ending! The fact that the series remains watchable is its only saving grace, but truthfully, it’s edging closer to becoming a negative review. There are amusing instances to keep things tolerable, yet it’s hardly a non-stop comedy either. In essence, it’s been rather… satisfactory. Yes, ‘satisfactory’ seems fitting.

There’s still a chance for things to improve as fresh characters are being added, and our protagonists are now ready to take significant action. But the question is, how much longer must we wait? Unfortunately, Vegeta, Piccolo, and Bulma haven’t made their appearances yet. We’re already one-third through this 20-episode series, and it seems the creators could be utilizing their time more effectively. It’s disheartening because, while the show isn’t terrible, it certainly falls short of being great at the moment. Here’s hoping for a turnaround next week.

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2024-11-11 00:33