The latest installment in the Dragon Ball anime series, Dragon Ball Daima, has finally concluded, leaving fans both nostalgic and excited for what the future has in store. This latest entry not only showcased the continued excellence of Toei Animation’s craftsmanship, but also served as a tribute to the late Akira Toriyama’s 40-year legacy.
When the show first aired, fans were eager to know its place in the broader Dragon Ball canon. The show tells us that it’s set after the Buu Saga from Dragon Ball Z and before the events of Dragon Ball Super, but like many Dragon Ball series before it (such as GT and Super), Daima often feels more like a spin-off than a direct sequel.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing though, as the charm of Dragon Ball lies more in watching Toriyama’s playful “what-if” scenarios with his characters. With fun stories and memorable transformations, Daima managed to fulfill the wishes of its creator and fans alike, offering them a simple but enjoyable experience.
Daima was one of the last Dragon Ball projects that Toriyama was involved with before his untimely passing, and if it turns out to be the final chapter of the Dragon Ball franchise, then it’s certainly a fitting note to end on. The series brought its iconic characters on one final adventure, filled with humor and action that resonated with both longtime fans and those new to the series (as long as we set aside the fanbase’s longtime debate about power creep).
However, I highly doubt that this is the last we’ll ever see of the Dragon Ball cast, due to some new revelations shown at the end of the series. Here are some of my theories for what’s next.
Warning: Anime & Manga Spoilers Ahead!
In the final episode of Daima, Goku reveals that he managed to reach Super Saiyan 4 through extensive training after the events of the Buu Saga. This development raises intriguing questions about Goku’s path to mastering Ultra Instinct. Could Goku’s full potential be unlocked by embracing his Saiyan heritage? This hints at the possibility of a new transformation, Super Saiyan 5, which might blend the Ultra Instinct State with the distinctive fur of Super Saiyan 4.
Whis also explains to Goku that replicating his version of Ultra Instinct can only take him so far, as it puts a lot of strain on his body. To fully master Ultra Instinct, Goku must tap into his true nature and deepen his understanding of himself. This journey of self-acceptance could eventually allow Goku to rival even the strongest mortal in Universe 7, Black Frieza. Only time will tell whether Goku can reach this level of mastery. Perhaps, it can only be achieved through Goku truly accepting his identity as Kakarot.
Looking beyond Daima, it’s clear that Goku’s journey is far from over. After the events of the Granola arc, it’s likely that Goku will experience another power-up, one that might be as significant as any transformation he’s undergone before.
We can also say the same thing about Vegeta. Although he’s often considered as a side character, Vegeta will likely still play a huge role in upcoming battles, while still maintaining his status as Goku’s rival. Maybe he’ll also achieve a similar transformation to Goku, but instead of Ultra Instinct, it could be something like Ultra Ego.
In conclusion, it’s clear to see that there’s still much to look forward to in the world of Dragon Ball. While some fans might be concerned about the future of Dragon Ball without Akira Toriyama at the helm, Daima managed to show that the series is in good hands. I hope to see this series keep flourishing, and for Toriyama’s creativity to continue to inspire fans worldwide.
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