Dragon Ball fans have a reason to celebrate once again, as a new anime, Dragon Ball Daima, is set to debut next month. The excitement surrounding this release has been building, particularly because this will be one of Akira Toriyama’s last known works that he directly contributed to. With a recently unveiled trailer, the anticipation for this anime is at an all-time high.
As with any new addition to the Dragon Ball series, fans have many questions, chief among them being where Dragon Ball Daima will fit within the existing continuity of the series. This article aims to address this burning question.
The Return of Dragon Ball
Since the conclusion of Dragon Ball Super in 2018, fans have been eager for a new series. Although the franchise remained active with movies like Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Superhero, the anime itself remained dormant. Now, with Dragon Ball Daima, fans will soon be able to dive back into a fresh adventure.
Dragon Ball has cemented itself as one of the biggest anime franchises of all time. Its world is so expansive that there’s always room for more stories to be told, and Toriyama and his team have ensured that Dragon Ball remains an enduring phenomenon.
Where Does Daima Fit in the Dragon Ball Timeline?
One of the most intriguing questions about Dragon Ball Daima is its place in the Dragon Ball timeline. Fans have been debating how the new series will connect to the other installments, especially since the trailers depict Goku and the other characters in their child forms.
For those curious, Dragon Ball Daima is set between Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super. It’s a sequel to Dragon Ball Z, taking place after the events of the Kid Buu saga but before Goku discovers the Super Saiyan God form and meets Beerus and Whis. Specifically, the story is rumored to begin with Trunks’ 9th birthday, shortly after the events of the Majin Buu saga, and about three years before the Battle of Gods.
This placement clears up much of the confusion around the return of the characters’ child-like forms. Despite this drastic transformation, it’s believed that the story will later tie back into Dragon Ball Super, potentially creating a bridge between the two series.
The Power of Dragon Ball
Regardless of where Dragon Ball Daima fits in the timeline, one thing is certain: it’s already a guaranteed success. The Dragon Ball name alone ensures a massive fanbase, whether the series turns out to be a masterpiece or not. Fans have proven time and again that they will tune in, driven by nostalgia and their love for the franchise.
While Dragon Ball Super had its fair share of critics, it still attracted millions of viewers worldwide. The same can be expected for Dragon Ball Daima. That being said, fans are hopeful that this new series will deliver a more compelling story that lives up to the legacy of Dragon Ball Z.
Honoring Akira Toriyama’s Legacy
The release of Dragon Ball Daima comes at a bittersweet time for fans, as Akira Toriyama tragically passed away in March of this year. His death left a void in the hearts of fans worldwide. However, Dragon Ball Daima offers a chance to honor his incredible contributions to anime and manga. The fact that Toriyama was deeply involved in the development of this series makes it all the more special.
Toriyama’s influence can be seen throughout the trailers, from the artwork to the nostalgic references to classic Dragon Ball adventures. This new series is not only a tribute to his life’s work but also a continuation of the world he lovingly created.
A Lighthearted and Adventurous Tone
One of the most interesting aspects of Dragon Ball Daima is its tone. Early indications suggest that the series will have a lighthearted, adventurous feel reminiscent of the original Dragon Ball. Goku, reduced to his child-like form, will go on an adventure that calls back to his early days with the Power Pole, battling new enemies and facing challenges that harken to classic Dragon Ball storytelling.
The title, Daima, is a made-up word derived from the Japanese characters “大魔,” which translates to “evil.” This hints at a mysterious conspiracy at the heart of the plot, but the trailers suggest a blend of darker themes with a more playful tone.
A Star-Studded Production Team
The production team for Dragon Ball Daima is an impressive lineup of anime veterans. The series is directed by Yoshitaka Yashima, who was the animation supervisor for Dragon Ball Super, and Aya Komaki, the assistant director of One Piece Film Red. The character designs are handled by Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, a seasoned artist who worked on Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dr. Slump.
The voice cast also includes Dragon Ball legends like Masako Nozawa, the long-time voice of Goku. Given the stellar team behind the anime, fans can rest assured that Dragon Ball Daima is in good hands.
Looking Forward to Daima’s Release
With Dragon Ball Daima set to release in Fall 2024, just in time for the 40th anniversary of the original Dragon Ball manga, the series is poised to make a significant impact. The trailers have done an excellent job of teasing what’s to come without giving too much away, leaving fans eager for more.
Although Akira Toriyama won’t be here to witness the anime’s release, his presence will be felt in every frame. Dragon Ball Daima is more than just another installment in the franchise—it’s a celebration of Toriyama’s legacy and the world he created. Fans around the globe are counting down the days until they can experience the next chapter in the Dragon Ball saga.
