Dragon Ball Daima, the latest installment in the long-running anime franchise, has arrived, and its reception has been anything but straightforward. While some fans and critics have lauded its animation quality and return to the series’ adventurous roots, others have expressed disappointment, citing plot issues and a perceived lack of progress. So, is Dragon Ball Daima truly that bad? The answer, it seems, is complicated, and opinions vary widely within the fanbase.
A Divisive Premise
One of the primary points of contention surrounding Dragon Ball Daima is its core premise. The story begins with a wish that turns Goku and his friends into children, sending them on a journey through the Demon Realm to restore their adult forms. This plot device immediately drew comparisons to Dragon Ball GT, a series often considered the black sheep of the franchise.
Many fans were hoping for a continuation of Dragon Ball Super, particularly an adaptation of the manga’s Moro and Granolah arcs. The decision to instead revisit a “child Goku” concept was met with resistance from some who felt it was a step backward. This initial skepticism highlights a key aspect of the Dragon Ball fanbase: a desire for both novelty and adherence to what made the series great.
Echoes of GT?
The fear that Daima would simply be a retread of GT has been a significant concern. The idea of Goku being a kid again and embarking on a new adventure has triggered negative associations for some viewers. However, while the premise might share some similarities, Daima sets itself apart with a fresh narrative and a different approach to the Demon Realm.
Animation: A Bright Spot
Despite some of the initial reservations, there is widespread agreement that the animation quality in Dragon Ball Daima is a major step up from earlier Dragon Ball Super episodes. Critics and fans alike have lauded the smooth, vibrant animation and the overall visual fidelity of the series. Many have pointed out that Daima‘s animation is consistently impressive, making nearly every frame a work of art. This marks a significant improvement compared to Dragon Ball Super, which struggled with inconsistent animation quality, particularly in its early episodes.
A Return to Toriyama’s Style
A crucial aspect of the animation’s success lies in the involvement of Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. Toriyama contributed to character designs, and veteran animator Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru adapted Toriyama’s work for the screen. This collaboration has resulted in a visual style that is reminiscent of classic Dragon Ball while also feeling fresh and modern. The series also appears to be a more 2D production compared to Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, and the art style is consistent with the setting, allowing viewers to easily distinguish between realms.
Story and Pacing: A Point of Contention
While the animation has been well-received, opinions are divided when it comes to the story and pacing of Dragon Ball Daima. Some viewers appreciate the series’ return to the adventurous spirit of the original Dragon Ball, emphasizing exploration and character interactions. Others, however, find the pacing to be inconsistent, with some episodes feeling rushed while others meander without a clear sense of purpose. Some fans feel the lore is being cramped in the 20 episode series.
Plot Holes and Inconsistencies
Dragon Ball is no stranger to plot holes, and Daima is not immune to this issue. One notable example is how the wish that turned the heroes into children is handled. The antagonist’s choice to make existing kids into babies instead of making all the heroes babies seems illogical and undermines the effectiveness of the wish. Additionally, the series has been criticized for seemingly contradicting established canon. For example, a recent revelation suggested Vegeta possessed Super Saiyan 3 all along, which creates a major plot hole with the Battle of Gods movie and the rest of Dragon Ball Super.
Pacing Issues and Missed Opportunities
The series has been criticized for spending too much time on certain side plots and detours, which some viewers believe is unnecessary given the limited number of episodes. In particular, some feel that the time spent building the Demon Realm is now actively hurting the series. The show has been accused of having “filler” episodes, where not much seems to happen. Some fans have also noted that while the show attempts to capture an adventurous feeling, it doesn’t delve into the cultures and creatures the characters encounter, creating a sense that potential is being wasted.
A Mixed Critical Reception
Critical reception of Dragon Ball Daima has been mixed, although the series does have a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 5 reviews. While some critics praise the show’s animation and nostalgic feel, they also note that the story takes some time to get going. One review stated the show was an exercise in nostalgia but also cautioned viewers to be patient.
Contrasting Fan Reactions
Fan reactions have been similarly varied. Some have declared Daima to be a breath of fresh air, praising its return to the roots of the franchise and its lighter tone. Others, however, have expressed disappointment, citing the show’s premise and pacing issues. Some viewers feel the series lacks direction, with new problems constantly arising that seem to delay any kind of real plot progression. There is also a sentiment that many of the positive reviews might be due to the recent passing of Akira Toriyama.
Is it Really That Bad?
So, is Dragon Ball Daima truly that bad? The answer, it seems, depends on individual expectations and preferences. While the series has its flaws, particularly in terms of plot and pacing, it also boasts high-quality animation and a nostalgic feel that appeals to some fans.
A Different Kind of Dragon Ball
Daima seems to be aiming for a different kind of Dragon Ball experience, one that prioritizes adventure and character interactions over epic battles. This might not appeal to viewers looking for the high-stakes action of Dragon Ball Z or the power-scaling of Dragon Ball Super. However, for those willing to embrace a more lighthearted and whimsical approach, Daima might offer a refreshing change of pace.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, whether Dragon Ball Daima is considered “bad” is subjective. It’s a series with both strengths and weaknesses, and its reception reflects the diverse opinions within the Dragon Ball fanbase. While it might not be the perfect series for everyone, it’s also not a complete failure. It’s a unique and visually impressive entry in the franchise that might be worth a watch for those willing to look beyond its flaws.
