Dragon Ball DAIMA, the new anime series set within the iconic Dragon Ball universe, recently aired its final episode, titled "Zenkai," marking not just the conclusion of the latest chapter but also coinciding thoughtfully with the one-year anniversary of its legendary creator, Akira Toriyama's, passing.
The finale aired on February 28, 2025, at 11:40 PM JST, and its last scenes will unfurl right past midnight, on March 1—a poignant tribute to Toriyama, who passed away on March 1, 2024. This timing, whether intentional or coincidental, feels deeply symbolic as fans reflect on the richness of the series and the impact of the man behind it.
Akio Iyoku, the producer of Dragon Ball DAIMA, revealed the depth of Toriyama's involvement, noting his push for the series to feature all characters transformed back to their childhood forms. Initially, the concept aimed solely to shrink Goku down, drawing inspiration from earlier narratives like Dragon Ball GT. Instead, Toriyama envisioned something broader, desiring to create content accessible and appealing to both adults who grew up with the franchise and their children.
Dragon Ball DAIMA serves as both homage and celebration, aligned with the franchise's 40th anniversary. The series includes numerous callbacks to pivotal moments throughout the lengthy saga of Dragon Ball, calling to mind the humor and vigor fans have long cherished.
Among the surprises presented to viewers was the return of Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 transformation. While not entirely new to the series, this development integrates the form—a concept originally introduced during the 1996 spin-off series Dragon Ball GT—into mainstream canon. Goku’s transformation now holds significant relevance within the storyline, bridging past with present.
Iyoku expressed sentiments of pride for the series, stating, "Dragon Ball DAIMA is significant because it symbolizes Akira Toriyama's lasting influence on the franchise." He elaborated on how decisions made in storytelling were heavily influenced by Toriyama's vision, reflecting the collaborative effort to keep the core essence of Dragon Ball alive.
Yet, the path this series took was not without revisions. Initially envisioned as a direct sequel to Dragon Ball Z, it evolved through creative discussions among the production team. "It wasn’t until much later we decided to use the story to commemorate the franchise's 40th anniversary," Iyoku explained, shedding light on the intent behind the narrative evolution.
Fans have responded positively to these nods to the original storylines, thrilled by the attention to detail and homage paid to the franchise's history. Acknowledging this, Iyoku added, "The series has callbacks to several major moments in the anime series," reinforcing the sentiment of nostalgia and continuity throughout the beloved saga.
Even with the heartfelt closure brought by the finale, there remains optimism for the franchise’s future. Iyoku firmly asserted, "Despite his passing, the franchise will live on 'for 50 years and beyond.'" This commitment to longevity resonates with generations of fans eager to see where the story of Goku and friends might venture next.
Dragon Ball DAIMA can now be streamed on major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll, allowing both ardent followers and new audiences to partake in the lively world Toriyama created. With its combination of nostalgia, adventurous storytelling, and artistic innovation, the series aims to secure its place within the hearts of fans and solidify the legacy of the franchise for years to come.