Dragon Ball has always been a "fun-first" type of story. It might sound a bit odd but it will make sense when you think about the purpose of its storytelling. Not every story is designed to prioritize analytical narratives, worldbuilding or thematic exploration. Some are just there to entertain- to give the audience a fun experience without weighing heavy with the mechanics. It is built to be delightful. For a "fun-first" type of story, its primary goal is to provide an uncomplicated enjoyment by tapping into a sense of childlike wonder. Everything else like worldbuilding, or character development, is secondary to that goal. Dragon Ball as a franchise is an example of this. While the franchise do occasionally brushes up against emotional or thematic arcs but those moments are just garnishes, not the meal. At its core, this franchise has put uncomplicated enjoyment above everything else: battles which escalates to insane levels, playfulness amidst stakes, and character purity of both heroes & villains. Pick any of part of Toriyama's work, you will see this core appeal and emphasis. Sure, some parts of the franchise are less entertaining than the others, but "less" doesn't mean "bad." They still capture the heart of Dragon Ball- an entertainment-driven-action-adventure series that invites the idea of "childlike wonder" and evokes a sense of innocence, curiosity and simpler enjoyment. And that's exactly where Dragon Ball Daima intends to fit in.
Daima attempts to recapture the spirit of the 80s Dragon Ball with an unapologetic energy, re-embracing the whimsiness. It is not perfect in what it does but does it radiate fun in what it does? ABSOLUTELY!
There are unattended plot threads, be it the exploration of the Demon Realm, the magic/Ki system, or the integration of the characters. But those surprisingly do not sink the ship and lessen the enjoyment. Why? Because this ship was never aiming for Atlantis but was built to sail in circles with nostalgia, goofiness and a mildly chaotic beat that slaps! So, it's only fair to have expectation that aligns with the core appeal of the show. Look, Dragon Ball is not like AOT, JJK, Naruto or Black Clover, where thematic exploration takes the centre focus and action-adventure aspect is more layered. Dragon Ball franchise has it the other way around where uncomplicated fun takes precedence.
So, is the unexplored potential a deliberate choice? Maybe. Considering how the Dragon Ball world has approached its storytelling before, are 20 episodes enough to fully explore an entirely new realm and its characters? Or did the creators have to compromise and shift focus to preserve the series' roots? It's a question worth considering. You see, Dragon Ball was never just a show about fighting. It began as a lighthearted adventure centered around the quest for magic crystal balls that could grant any wish, no matter how outrageous. Friends, enemies, and learnings, came along the way. All driven by a sense of wonder and curiosity. Daima tried to recapture that- introducing a new world, maintaining the roots, and sticking to the original humor and admirable stubborness. Daima is like an epilogue in a time of peace after Buu's defeat, with no existential threat looming around. Usually, a show's tone and direction are clear in its early episodes, and Daima makes its intentions clear right in episode 01.
Even Gomah, the villain, is presented as a goofy troublemaker than a genuine threat, which further cements the series' aim for lighthearted entertainment. So, expecting something like GT's experimental concepts, Dragon Ball Z's high-stakes action-drama, or SUPER's flashy spectacle, feels little misplaced, don't you think? The franchise never had linearity; it always explored ideas freely with different installments. It has cared very little about maintaining consistency or continuity, even with its own iconic characters like Uub, Ultimate Gohan, Baba, Pan, Pikkon, King Kai, Orange Piccolo and you name the rest. It was always about experimenting with ideas and prioritizing fun above all else.
If you are frustrated by the missed potential in Daima, you are not alone, but is that really all there is to care about? Probably not. If you have watched the show and felt the storytelling was minimal or too simple, ask yourself the question I posed earlier — are 20 episodes really enough to explore a completely new world in the Dragon Ball universe? The answer is a clear no. It's a tight window and a tough challenge.
There are definitely aspects I wanted to see more of, like Panzy's inventions, Goliro's backstory and him more in action, a deeper exploration of the three Demon Worlds, how magic differs from Ki, and more involvement from Piccolo considering his ancestral ties. But again, 20 episodes is a limited space to explore such ideas. Considering that, it is also understandable why many Z characters didn't get involved as adding more of them would overcrowd the narrative in such limited space. Even if Daima left me wanting for more, it never felt dull. The show still managed to balance its constraints while giving fun details about the Demon race, Dabura, Majin, Kaoshin, and the Namekians. An interesting information about Namekian powers, their ancestral purpose, Saiyan form fan-service, and the possible ties to SUPER or Battle of Gods. However, These ties especially, are not confirmed yet. But the existence of multiverses, and the franchise's usual disregard for strict continuity, and how it usually operates — there is a curious hint about how they would bridge it if they choose to. But honestly, there is no point in debating uncertain possibilities. We will see when it happens.
As for Daima, it isn't perfect, but it reminds of the playful, adventurous spirit that made Dragon Ball special. Yes, Daima leans on nostalgia, but when it's done with genuine heart, I don't see anything wrong with that. If it can reawaken the lost carefree spirit in you, what's the harm?
Personally, I loved the Demon Realm characters, the humor that felt reminiscent of the original series, and the bouncy, nostalgic Karaoke style Opening theme. The fight scenes, especially the one with the 3rd Tamagami, stands out and is also my favorite. The way the environment is utilized for creative choreography makes it dynamic and engaging.
I also loved that Vegeta got an equal share of the spotlight in overcoming opponents which is something his character often misses out. I have seen people criticize how Vegeta can achieve in a short time what took Goku years to master, but they overlook a basic difference between the two. The reasoning lies in their characterization, particularly their roles. Goku is a fighter — someone who loves the thrill of battle and constantly seeks the joy of challenging himself. His primary motivation is his own curiosity and to push beyond his limits. This is why you see him often holding back or giving his opponents a chance to fight at their best. Vegeta, on the other hand, is a warrior driven by survival and purpose, honed by a lifetime of discipline. For him, fighting has always been tied to his pride as a Saiyan and the need to prove his worth. His adaptation is a response born from his upbringing, deep-seated pride and refusal to be outdone. In context, this accelerated progress isn't just for power scaling, but it is a narrative choice to highlight the contrasting motivation behind their rivalry.
That said, if you are planning to watch Daima keep in mind that character development and world exploration are limited due to its short runtime. As a result, the show leans more towards nostalgia than intensity, aiming to recapture the adventure feel of the 80s Dragon Ball. It does not expand much to the franchise's depth. However, you can still find it entertaining despite that, given your expectations are aligned with the show's intentions which are made clear from the first episode. Plus, as I mentioned before, there are interesting bits of information, so the show will not leave with you a sense of emptiness.
Weighing its strengths and weaknesses, I am giving Daima a 6 out of 10 as a passable entertainer. However, the sheer fun I had with it, despite its unexplored potential and inconsistencies, and how good it looks, makes me lean toward a 7. Its the joy, and unapologetic sense of wonder rekindling the same feelings that made me fall in love with the series in the first place. The show remembers the soul even when it does not dive deep into the lore.
Do I want more Dragon Ball adventures?
If you have finished the show and have a thought to share; something you loved, hated, or wish had gone "SUPER"- I'm all ears. Send me a message. :D