Warning: Spoilers for Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 17, “Betrayal.”

When Dragon Ball DAIMA was first announced, fans hoped it’d be the triumphant return of Dragon Ball Super. Instead, it delivered something unexpected: a love letter to Akira Toriyama legacy, blending nostalgia with fresh twists. While DAIMA isn’t the Super sequel many wanted, Episode 17 dropped a bombshell that rivals one of the manga’s biggest moments Black Frieza debut. Here’s why DAIMA might be the closest we’ll get to seeing Frieza dark evolution animated.

---

Why Gomah Entrance Feels Like Black Frieza 2.0

Picture this: Goku and Vegeta locked in an epic showdown with a seemingly unbeatable villain. Suddenly, a new threat crashes the party, wiping the floor with everyone. Sound familiar? That’s exactly what happened in Dragon Ball Super Granolah Saga when Black Frieza one-punched Gas into oblivion. Fast-forward to DAIMA Episode 17, and King Gomah pulls the same stunt, hijacking the final battle against Majin Duu.

• The Shock Factor: Just like Frieza, Gomah was a sidelined character until his explosive arrival.
• Power Scaling: Both villains dwarf previous threats. Gomah defeats Duu (a Buu-level foe) effortlessly, mirroring Frieza’s dominance over Gas.
• Timing: Their entrances redefine the “final boss” trope, leaving fans stunned.

Check Out: The Surprising Reason Dragon Ball Buu Saga Existed

Earned vs. Gifted Power: A Classic Dragon Ball Theme

What separates Gomah and Frieza? How they got their strength.

• Black Frieza: Earned his power through 10 years of brutal training in a Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
• King Gomah: Relies on the Evil Third Eye, a magical artifact granting unlimited power without effort.

This contrast echoes Dragon Ball’s core theme: hard work vs. shortcuts. Frieza, once a lazy tyrant, now embodies perseverance. Gomah, however, clings to easy power—making him a classic, unredeemable villain (for now).

check out:10 Must Know Dragon Ball DAIMA Details Before the Epic Finale

DAIMA Hidden Granolah Saga Connections

The parallels don’t stop at Gomah. DAIMA climax mirrors Super’s Granolah Saga in surprising ways:

1. Majin Duu = Gas: Both were engineered to be “the strongest,” only to be upstaged.
2. Tamagami 1 = Granolah: Powered by external forces (Neva’s magic vs. Cerealian Dragon Balls).
3. Glorio Techniques: His fighting style nods to Granolah precision-based attacks.

Even Super Saiyan 4 Goku’s brief debut in Episode 18 feels reminiscent of Black Frieza’s elusive presence in Super. Will he vanish for years too? Only time will tell.

Check out: 10 Most Powerful Characters in Dragon Ball DAIMA (Featuring Adult Super Saiyan 4 Goku)

Why This Matters for Dragon Ball Super Fans

With the Super manga finally moving past the Super Hero arc, Black Frieza return seems imminent. But until the anime resumes, DAIMA climax is the closest we’ll get to experiencing that adrenaline rush animated.

• Animation Wins: DAIMA’s consistent quality outshines Super infamous filler.
• Nostalgia Done Right: Callbacks to DBZ, GT, and even Dr. Slump keep longtime fans hooked.

Final Thoughts: Is DAIMA Setting Up a Black Frieza Arc?

While DAIMA finale wraps its own story, its homage to Super biggest twist feels intentional. Whether this teases Frieza animated return or simply honors Toriyama legacy, one things clear: DAIMA proves Dragon Ball magic is alive and well.

What’s Next?

• Binge DAIMA on [Netflix] [Crunchyroll].
• Catch up on the Dragon Ball Super manga before Chapter 104 drops!