While Dragon Ball DAIMA reincorporates some of the franchise's most beloved characters including Goku, Bulma, Piccolo, and Vegeta, it still injects a fresh edge into the series while paying tribute to Akira Toriyama. The anime explores the previously unknown Demon Realm alluded to in other stories while building a world that's more unusual than wholly dangerous. One specific difference Dragon Ball DAIMA presents to most other Dragon Ball series, hinted by its first battle being a barfight, taking Dragon Ball fights to an indoor, urban setting that's not typical.
Fans know Dragon Ball well for its battles, often in open, outdoor environments away from society, which helps mitigate casualties as these battles continuously increase in scale and destructive results. In Dragon Ball DAIMA, the latest episode spends much of its runtime reviewing the differences the Demon Realm has from Earth and other realms with which viewers are more familiar. The result showcases how Goku adapts to his shrunken body in Dragon Ball DAIMA, with sophisticated fight choreography and a distinct feel, unlike Dragon Ball's more typical fights.
Dragon Ball DAIMA Brings Its First Fight Indoors
A More Intimate Setting Than the Usual Explosive Fights
With the first real fistfight outside of Goku's sparring match with Vegeta in Dragon Ball DAIMA episode #1, episode #3 takes the indoor atmosphere to create a more enclosed environment for a fight. With Dragon Ball's 30th Anniversary Super History Book's interview with Akira Toriyama, Kanzenshuu's translated transcript reminds readers that this phenomenon is unusual. Fights and moments in Dragon Ball were usually set in the countryside largely because Toriyama didn't like to draw buildings and houses, which feels contrary to what happens in Dragon Ball DAIMA episode #3.
No, it’s not that I like the countryside itself, so much as I like not having to draw lots of buildings and houses. But it’d get monotonous if it was the same thing all the time, so occasionally I’ll try and fool people by going off to the city. Because when coming up with the settings, I’ll draw cities as little as the story will allow. (laughs)
-Akira Toriyama on why he often sets his stories in the countryside
Given how Glorio brings Goku to a Third Demon World city before bringing him to a hotel and bar, it's a strong reminder that this isn't an adaptation of a Toriyama manga but rather his story and character designs with additional creative minds backing them. It creates something fresh compared to many Dragon Ball stories, although even Dragon Ball GT featured fights taking place in cities. However, due to Goku being freshly downgraded in power, Dragon Ball DAIMA's first fight is smartly focused on figuring out the balance of his smaller body and sense of distance.
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Another fun element of this fight is how Glorio starts the brawl, where viewers eager to call him Dragon Ball DAIMA's Han Solomight be disappointed that he didn't shoot first, even though he's a skilled marksman with his pistol. Instead, he throws his drink at the first aggressor for approaching the table, dispatching multiple enemies while remaining icy cool, and then sitting down to order another drink. But what happens next is an amusing and perfectly Goku-appropriate moment in Dragon Ball DAIMA episode #3 that reminds viewers of the series' intended tone.
Goku Channels Inner Jackie Chan in Dragon Ball DAIMA Barfight
Goku Defends His Burgers and Himself in That Order
After the tragic loss of one of his burgers and Glorio taking a seat, Goku is attacked by the barroom brawlers next. He hastily takes his metal trays and uses them as improvised weapons in the fight. It's a fast-paced moment emphasizing Goku's difficulties moving in his young body. Still, the resulting fight has just the right comedic flair to feel authentically Dragon Ball-esque, despite its unusual setting. With Glorio's ship being revealed to be stolen the next day, a possible GT reference, and one of the fighters' axes being left with a note, these brawlers will appear again.
The improvised weapons for a split second feel like the most exciting fights in a Jackie Chan flick, while Star Wars fans might appreciate the bar's overall feeling of the Mos Eisley cantina.
Perhaps the best part is that different viewers can appreciate different pop culture pastiches from this, but with Goku fighting off a group of enemies, with trays in hand and a burger in his mouth. The improvised weapons for a split second feel like the most exciting fights in a Jackie Chan flick, while Star Wars fans might appreciate the bar's overall feeling of the Mos Eisley cantina. Even Terminator 2 aficionados may appreciate the moment Goku, Shin, and Glorio walk in, where all the patrons ominously stare them down, as the Bad Guy Bar trope is a classic.
The Ending of Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode #3 Teases More Fights Like the Barroom Brawl
Round 2 in the Near Future
With the fight concluded, Goku and his friends enjoy a safe night, able to snooze away their troubles, but this momentary peace is too good to be true. In Dragon Ball DAIMA episode #3's ending, Glorio notices his Demon Realm plane being stolen. This indicates that their opponents feel they have a score to settle. With Goku still figuring out his abilities and Shin yet to take action, this looks more like a personal affront to Glorio.
Given that this is a minor enemy group likely poised to help Goku get more used to fighting in his smaller form, it's unlikely that too many fights will look like this in Dragon Ball DAIMA. It remains an entertaining early arc, though, and this could set up a more agitated response from Glorio. However, with another moment from episode #3, it could be more attractive to see the action brought outdoors again for a straightforward reason in Dragon Ball DAIMA.
Outdoor Fights Are True Challenges in Dragon Ball DAIMA
Swapping Gravity Gimmicks for Gas
Earlier in the episode, Goku asks Glorio to land his plane so he can feel the Demon Realm atmosphere and air, but upon trying to test out his kicks and punches in Dragon Ball DAIMA, he finds it hard to move. The outside air is heavier due to the region's natural gases. This becomes more pronounced when Goku and his friends are suddenly attacked by bandits who fire their arrows at the group, only for the projectiles to be pitifully slow. This doesn't stop Glorio from firing enough shots from his pistol to scare them away, but it signals tough battles in the future for Goku.
With a potential upcoming fight to retake Glorio's plane, this could be another challenge for Goku as he gets used to his restricted movement.
Given that this is still the Third Demon World, there are likely greater hazards for the team. With a potential upcoming fight to retake Glorio's plane, this could be another challenge for Goku as he gets used to his restricted movement. Given that it's more explicitly treated as heavy air but not necessarily enhanced gravity, it's unlikely to be as rich an environment for training as Dragon Ball's high-gravity training moments. However, having similar traits by higher air density could be challenging, especially for Goku and Vegeta in Dragon Ball DAIMA.
Dragon Ball DAIMA is the fifth overall series in the action-adventure anime franchise. It features most of the classic cast members as de-aged versions of themselves, including Goku, Vegeta, and Bulma. The series was announced at NYCC 2023, with creator Akira Toriyama returning to handle DAIMA's run.
Seasons 1
Writers Akira Toriyama
Source: Kanzenshuu
English (US) ·