When discussing the concept of Dragon Ball Daima, it is important to note that many fans may not be aware of its connection to earlier installments of the Dragon Ball franchise. Although Dragon Ball GT may not be considered canonical, its influence and legacy have long been part of this beloved shounen series, particularly regarding elements like Super Saiyan 4.
In a recent interview with anime producer Akio Iyoku, he explained that Daima was created as a way to reintroduce the storyline that transformed Son Goku into a child once again.
To begin with, producer Akio Iyoku confirmed that this latest anime is specifically aimed at fans of the Grand Tour, but it also targets a new generation: “I realized that by the time I turned 30, I had become a parent. I wanted to create an anime that both parents and their children could enjoy together. I was watching ‘Dragon Ball GT’ when I was younger. I understood the responsibility and the instinct I had in creating a new anime like ‘GT’ has become a starting point.”
The Journey of Daima within Dragon Ball
In a surprising twist, Iyoku revealed that the initial plans for Daima follow in the footsteps of GT by turning Goku into a child again. Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, had previously thought of transforming the entire Z warrior cast. As the production team explained: “Dragon Ball GT” is an animated series that aired from 1996 to 1997 and shares a common point with DAIMA where Goku embarks on an adventure in the form of a child. Goku becomes very cute, but Goku as a child is not just adorable; he also has a different charm. One of the notable aspects of DAIMA is the action scenes where Goku, as a child, battles using a stick, as he wishes.
Iyoku continued: “One major theme of this work is the presence of many younger audiences, and while this is a conceptual return, I feel that making Goku younger helps to broaden the view. I never thought that everyone would like the little child, but naturally, that is the idea of the Sensei. ‘GT’ means ‘Grand Tour’, and we are trying to create a narrative of an adventure in DAIMA. It will have a different flow and style compared to Super, where Goku continuously improves his strength. Although Goku is a child, the scenes of him fighting with the stick, as he wishes, look very refreshing and will present a captivating story different from Super.”
Dragon Ball Daima Part 2?
With the grand finale of Dragon Ball Daima set to premiere at the end of this month on February 28, many fans are already speculating whether a second part is in the works. While the anime production team has not disclosed details regarding the continuation of the Z warrior mini-group in the Demon Realm, Iyoku has confirmed that this series will continue for a considerable time in the future. In the interview, Akio expressed hope that Dragon Ball will continue for many decades following Akira Toriyama’s departure.
“Anime production and voice acting take time, but we are currently preparing for the future. We want to expand this franchise even further… There is no doubt that Dragon Ball will continue for many decades to come. We are still devising various plans, depending on many factors, and will continue to develop toward the front. I want to continue to work closely with Nozawa-san.”
