Dragon Ball, a name synonymous with action-packed anime, celebrates its 40th anniversary with a delightful surprise. Announced at New York Comic-Con 2023, fans worldwide were treated to the reveal of a fresh anime series, Dragon Ball Daima. Far from being just another continuation, this series pays homage to Dragon Ball’s rich history, bringing with it hints of nostalgia intertwined with originality.
As Akira Toriyama, the mastermind behind Dragon Ball, began this journey in 1984, it was a light-hearted story filled with rounded character designs. Fast forward to the dynamic battles of Dragon Ball Z and the Tournament of Power in Dragon Ball Super; the evolution has been both riveting and massive. But Dragon Ball Daima aims to revisit the roots, echoing the charm of the original series.
A Deep Dive into the Latest Announcement
Toei Animation’s grand announcement on October 12, 2023, created ripples across the anime community. Fans at the Comic-Con were treated to a teaser, introduced by executive producer Akio Iyoku alongside Dragon Ball Super’s English voice actors, Monica Rial and Ian Sinclair. The dedication of Toriyama to Daima was palpable. “He has been deeply involved beyond his usual capacity overseeing the original work, story, character design, and more,” said Iyoku.
When Can We Expect Dragon Ball Daima?
The wait isn’t long; Fall 2024 is when Dragon Ball Daima is slated to grace our screens. As an anime series, the exact number of episodes remains a mystery, as does the precise release date. Fans are hopeful that the English dub coincides with the Japanese release, given the significant delay faced during Dragon Ball Super’s release.
Dragon Ball Daima – Trailer (HQ)
Begins: Fall 2024 pic.twitter.com/nzoZOajz9l— Hype (@DbsHype) October 12, 2023
What’s the Story?
Set in the period post the Kid Buu saga and before the events of Dragon Ball Super, Daima introduces a mysterious antagonist following Goku and Vegeta’s triumph over Babidi and Majin Buu. Intriguingly, a Shenron wish turns Goku, Vegeta, and several other characters into chibi versions of themselves, harking back to the original Dragon Ball designs.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a transformed Goku, recalling Dragon Ball GT. However, Daima promises a unique narrative, steering clear of GT’s storyline. The placement of characters like Supreme Kai Shin and Kibito, in their distinct forms, further solidifies Daima’s timeline preceding Dragon Ball Super. It remains to be seen how or if Daima intersects with the arcs of DBS.
Teaser Insights
Taking fans on a nostalgic journey, the Dragon Ball Daima teaser revisited the pivotal moments of Dragon Ball’s lineage, culminating in the recent Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero film. The emphasis then shifts to 2023, and dramatically, to 2024.
The new scenes are exhilarating — two shadowy figures observing Goku and Vegeta’s past. Shenron’s summoning is followed by our protagonists’ transformation into child-like figures. Absent are familiar characters like Beerus and Whis, but the teaser isn’t short on action. Intense aerial sparring sessions between adult Goku and Vegeta and the younger Goku prepping for battle against new enemies captures the essence of Dragon Ball’s legacy.
Where to Tune In?
Anticipation is rife that post its television premiere, Dragon Ball Daima will be available on popular streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation. The English voiceover details are under wraps, but considering the series’ popularity among English-speaking audiences, a dubbed version seems inevitable. As we approach the Fall 2024 release, more updates are sure to keep fans on their toes. Stay tuned!
