We saw the first episode of Dragon Ball Daima and we are relieved

A successful start to the new series, both visually and narratively. Yes, there is still life in DBZ after the death of its creator.

To celebrate his 40th birthday, Goku is getting a makeover! Launched in 1984, the saga Dragon Ball still has energy to spare, in 2024. The new series Dragon Ball Daimaawaited for many months, has finally started. The first episode, broadcast on Friday in Japan, opened a promising new arc. Warning spoilers!

When takes place Dragon Ball Daima ?

We first have confirmation that the story will take place in the wake of Dragon Ball Zunderstand after the end of the horrible Boo, and before the multiversal plot of Dragon Ball Super. The story of Daima has its roots in those of Babidi and Dâbra, the King of Demons. Because yes, there is a Kingdom of Demons in the enormous (complex) mythology of Dragon Ball. A still unexplored world, which hosts almost the entirety of this first episode. We discover a little vicious being named Gomah, who becomes the new King of Demons succeeding Dâbra. His advisor is none other than Degesu, a Shinjin, the brother of the Kaiô Shin of the East, who came to Earth to help Goku and his friends against Boo. Gomah watches events on Earth from a distance and is concerned to see the Z Warriors as strong. So much so that they could one day take over his world… So Gomah decides to take the lead and use the Dragon Ball. As the Crystal Balls could not kill, he asks Shenron to transform “everyone who defeated Boo” into 6 year olds (and those who are already children into babies!).

What does this first episode reveal?

Not much concretely, since he spends a good part of his time summarizing the Boo arc, through the eyes of Gomah and Degesu. However, we understand here that the atmosphere is not one of drama, the end of the world and other endless quest for power. Dragon Ball Daima clearly has the ambition to reconnect with the fun of the first manga, with the spirit of adventure which characterized Dragon Ball at the time 40 years ago and which has been lost a little over the years, to give way to ever more spectacular fights. Moreover, this King Gomah is reminiscent of the excited King Pilaf, the extremely funny original villain of Dragon Ball. No, this time, Goku is not going to transform into Dark Purple Super Saiyan. Instead, he should look for a way to make his age normal to his family and friends. Obviously, he will get there (since Dragon Ball Super). But more than the destination, it’s the journey that should be fun.

Who will be part of the adventure?

Obviously, Kaiô Shin should regain a central place. Largely forgotten by Dragon Ball Superthe God of Creation assists Goku in his mission. It must be said that he is directly concerned, since his brother, Degesu, is at the origin of the dirty trick set up by Gomah. Above all, his sister, Dr. Arinsu, seems calibrated to be the real big bad of the story, while she deviously manipulates the King of Demons. Who is she? What does she want? We will certainly know more as the episodes progress, which will also put the Crystal Balls back at the heart of Dragon Ball. Having become simple resurrection accessories throughout the franchise, they play the leading role in this first episode. Because they are playing a dirty trick on Goku's tribe. But also because we discover the existence of an old Namek, who created Crystal Balls (the very first?) in the Demon Kingdom… where the Nameks came from! Indeed, this first episode of Daima reveals that Piccolo or Dendé are not technically from the planet Namek – where the Frieza arc takes place DBZ – but from this world beyond. The Nameks have obviously left there to create their own planet. But they are indeed from this world of Demons and from there comes their power… Certainly a crucial clue for the adventure to come.

Is the animation up to par?

An adventure which promises to be, at the very least, visually very beautiful. After the first shameful drawings of Dragon Ball Superthe saga had to make an impeccable copy in this area. It's done. Neat, colorful, creative, the creation of Daima manages to modernize the line without losing any of the soul of Dragon Ball.

Is it worth it?

Without a doubt, the series will appeal to longtime fans (and possibly attract new ones). Because we find there the spirit ofAkira Toriyamawho worked a lot on this project before his sudden death on March 1st. The master mangaka clearly wanted to return to the origins of the saga and seems to have succeeded in giving Sangoku a new lease of life, in every sense of the word.