Let’s settle the debate: Dragon Ball DAIMA vs. Dragon Ball Super. Both follow Goku and Vegeta adventures, both nod to DBZ’s legacy, and both have Akira Toriyama fingerprints. But in just 20 episodes, DAIMA does what Super couldn’t in 131 capture the magic of classic Dragon Ball. Here’s why fans are calling it the better sequel.
Dragon Ball DAIMA: A Love Letter to Fans
1. Storytelling That Feels Like Coming Home
DAIMA ditches Super’s convoluted multiverse battles for a nostalgic, whimsical journey. Think early Dragon Ball vibes: zero world-ending stakes, just Goku and friends exploring the Demon Realm. It’s packed with laughs, quirky characters like Glorio and Panzy, and fresh lore (hello, Namekian backstories!).
Daima Moments:
- Goku’s bar brawl (Episode 3).
- The epic showdown with King Gomah (Episodes 17–20).
- Vegeta unlocking Super Saiyan 3 (pure fan-service gold!).
2. Animation That’s Consistently Stunning
DAIMA’s fights are fluid, colorful, and packed with detail. Compare this to Super’s infamous “Powerpoint animation” phases (looking at you, Resurrection ‘F’ arc). Even Vegeta’s less flashy battles against Tamagami 2 ooze style.
3. Nods to the Past Without Copy-Pasting
DAIMA cleverly blends old and new:
- Kid Goku vibes: His childlike adventure mirrors GT but with better execution.
- Super Saiyan 4 canonized: Finally, SSJ4 gets the respect it deserves!
Where Dragon Ball Super Stumbled
1. Repetitive Arcs & Pacing Woes
Super’s first two arcs? Just rehashed movies but worse. The Future Trunks Saga started strong but fizzled with a nonsensical ending. And the 131-episode grind? Half felt like filler (Universe 6’s snooze-fest tournament, anyone?).
2. Zero Character Growth (Except Frieza)
Goku stays static. Vegeta? Still chasing rivals. Only Frieza evolves, scheming his way to relevance. DAIMA’s cast, though overcrowded, at least tries to develop Glorio and Arinsu (even if they fall short).
3. Inconsistent Animation Quality
For every jaw-dropping Ultra Instinct scene, there’s a poorly drawn episode. DAIMA? Every frame feels polished, even in slower moments.
DAIMA Flaws vs. Super Bright Spots
DAIMA Isn’t Perfect:
- Too many underdeveloped characters.
- Villain Gomah? Forgettable.
- Pacing whiplash: Slow buildup, rushed endings.
Super’s Redeeming Moments:
- Goku vs. Jiren (Tournament of Power).
- Future Trunks’ emotional return.
- Arale’s hilarious cameo.
But let’s be real: A few epic fights don’t save Super messy storytelling.
Why DAIMA Wins the Crown
DAIMA embraces what made Dragon Ball iconic: fun. It’s not about universe-saving—it’s about adventure, humor, and heart. Super, meanwhile, recycled DBZ’s formula without the soul.
Final Verdict:
DAIMA isn’t flawless, but it’s the first sequel since DBZ that feels like Toriyama world. For fans craving nostalgia without the filler, it’s a must-watch.
Check Out: Dragon Ball DAIMA Finale Leaves Fans Scratching Their Heads
Check Out: Dragon Ball DAIMA Finale Leaves Fans Scratching Their Heads
Check Out: Dragon Ball DAIMA Epic Finale: Is Super Saiyan 4 as Strong as Super Saiyan Blue
