Dragon Ball Daima has triumphed at the 2025 Astra TV Awards, securing the coveted title of Best Anime Series! The winners were revealed at the glamorous SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and Dragon Ball Daima emerged victorious against some stiff competition. This win marks a significant milestone for the Dragon Ball franchise and anime as a whole, further solidifying its place in mainstream media.
A Victory Against the Odds
The Hollywood Creative Alliance, comprised of 35 entertainment industry professionals, determined the winners. While the Astra TV Awards primarily recognize live-action programs, the Best Anime Series category has quickly become a highlight. Dragon Ball Daima‘s win is particularly noteworthy as it dethroned Solo Leveling Season 2, which was heavily favored after a successful run at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
The Nominees
Dragon Ball Daima faced an impressive lineup of nominees, including:
- Dandadan
- Fire Force Season 3
- Lazarus
- The Apothecary Diaries Season 2
- Solo Leveling Season 2
Solo Leveling’s Silver Lining
Despite losing the top spot to Dragon Ball Daima, Solo Leveling didn’t leave empty-handed. Aleks Le, the English voice actor for Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling, secured the award for Best Lead Voice-Over Performance. This victory is especially sweet as he defeated Stephanie Nadolny, who made a highly anticipated return as the voice of young Goku in Dragon Ball Daima.
Daima’s Rise to the Top
Dragon Ball Daima‘s victory at the Astra TV Awards is a testament to its impact and popularity. The series, which premiered in October 2024 and concluded in February 2025, captivated audiences with its unique storyline and stunning animation.
Super Saiyan 4 Goku Breaks the Internet
During its initial run on Crunchyroll, Dragon Ball Daima generated significant buzz, particularly with the reveal of Super Saiyan 4 Goku. The transformation “broke the internet” and reignited the passion of Dragon Ball fans worldwide.
Mainstream Recognition
Dragon Ball Daima‘s success extends beyond the anime community. The series became the first anime nominee in the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in 25 years, since Pokémon in 2000, marking a major breakthrough for the franchise.
Crunchyroll Anime Awards Controversy
Dragon Ball Daima‘s win also follows the heated discourse surrounding the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Solo Leveling dominated the awards, winning nine out of the 13 categories for which it was nominated, including Anime of the Year, sparking debate among fans.
What is Dragon Ball Daima?
Dragon Ball Daima is a unique installment in the Dragon Ball franchise, created as part of the series’ 40th-anniversary celebration. It sees Goku and his friends transformed into children due to a mysterious plot, and they must journey to an unknown world to restore their original forms.
Key Highlights of Dragon Ball Daima
- Original Story: The series features an all-new story crafted under the supervision of original creator Akira Toriyama.
- Transformation: The transformation into children adds a fresh dynamic to the characters and their interactions.
- New World: The adventure takes place in a new and uncharted world, filled with mysteries and dangers.
- Action-Packed: As with any Dragon Ball series, Daima delivers high-octane action and intense battles.
Reactions and Fan Sentiment
The win has sparked diverse reactions from anime fans. While Akira Toriyama enthusiasts celebrated, some viewers felt that other series, such as Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and The Apothecary Diaries, were more deserving due to their intricate plots and character development.
The Shonen Debate
The debate highlights a recurring theme in anime awards: the preference for typical Shonen series. Some fans argue that award shows often overlook anime that offer unique narratives and focus more on mainstream action-oriented shows.
Other Astra TV Awards Highlights
While Dragon Ball Daima‘s win is a major highlight for anime fans, the 2025 Astra TV Awards also recognized outstanding achievements in other television genres.
- The Studio led the awards with four wins, including Best Comedy Series.
- Severance was named Best Drama Series.
- Aleks Le won Best Lead Voice-Over Performance for Solo Leveling.
The Future of Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball Daima‘s success has fans eagerly anticipating the future of the franchise. With the series concluding its initial run, speculation is rife about what’s next for Goku and his friends.
Potential Future Projects
- New Anime Series: Given the popularity of Dragon Ball Daima, a new anime series seems likely.
- Movie Adaptations: A Dragon Ball movie adaptation could bring the franchise to a wider audience.
- Video Games: New Dragon Ball video games are always in demand, offering fans an interactive experience.
Conclusion
Dragon Ball Daima‘s victory at the 2025 Astra TV Awards is a resounding success for the Dragon Ball franchise. The series’ unique storyline, coupled with its stunning animation and action-packed battles, has captivated audiences worldwide. While debates about award show preferences continue, Dragon Ball Daima‘s win highlights the growing recognition of anime in mainstream media and solidifies its place as a cultural phenomenon.
