Episode 15 Overview: A Step Forward
Dragon Ball Daima episode 15, titled “Third Eye”, aired on Friday, January 24, 2025, and has been met with mixed reactions from fans. While the episode delivers on action and provides crucial backstory, it also suffers from some pacing issues. This installment primarily focuses on Goku and his companions’ arrival in the First Demon Realm, where they face the forces of King Gomah. The episode also delves into the history of the Third Evil Eye, a powerful artifact that plays a key role in the unfolding events.
Action and Animation
The episode kicks off with Goku’s group immediately encountering King Gomah’s army. This leads to a significant portion of the episode dedicated to action sequences, showcasing the animation quality that Toei Animation is known for. The fights are well-choreographed and visually appealing, providing a constant stream of exciting moments. However, some viewers have noted that the combat feels slightly less impactful than previous episodes, which has led to some criticism. While the animation remains consistently excellent, some moments lack the “punch” that fans expect from the series. Despite this, the animation and character design remain a strong point for the series.
The Gendarmerie and the Challenge
The episode presents a challenge to our heroes in the form of the Gendarmerie, an elite army equipped with laser weapons that can paralyze targets. This unexpected obstacle forces Goku, Vegeta and Piccolo to rely on teamwork and strategic thinking, rather than brute force. While this tactical element adds variety to the fights, some viewers have argued that these weapons shouldn’t pose much of a threat to such powerful warriors like Goku, Vegeta and Piccolo, creating a sense of disbelief. Despite the animation being top notch, some found the heroes being slowed down by laser guns a bit hard to believe. The use of magic infused weaponry is offered as a possible explanation for this.
The Third Evil Eye: A Backstory Revealed
Dabura’s Role
A significant part of episode 15 is dedicated to the backstory of the Third Evil Eye, also known as the Tertian Oculus. Flashbacks reveal that the Eye was once wielded by Demon King Abura, who used its power to control the Demon Realm. Dabura, Abura’s son, sought to seize this power by having his minion steal the Eye. However, the Eye was lost during transport, leaving Dabura vulnerable, which is later revealed to be a contributing factor to his defeat by Majin Buu. This provides crucial context to King Gomah’s desperation for the Eye, as he was Dabura’s Vice-Supreme Demon King.
Hybis’s Connection
The episode confirms a prominent fan theory: Hybis, the character with the strange eye-buckle belt, is in possession of the Third Evil Eye. This revelation adds another layer to Hybis’s character, who then trades his belt with a mysterious woman for a hat. This exchange leaves viewers with a cliffhanger, speculating who this mysterious figure is and what will become of the Evil Third Eye. This twist is interesting as it seems Hybis does not know the true power of what he possessed.
Arinsu’s Plan
The episode also briefly shows Dr. Arinsu, with Majin Duu and Majin Kuu, stating that the events unfolding are according to her plan. This adds a layer of intrigue and suggests a complex web of schemes within the story, hinting at the idea that there could be more players involved than initially thought. The audience is left wondering what Arinsu’s larger plan is.
King Kadan’s Intervention
A Timely Rescue
As the battle against Gomah’s army intensifies, Goku’s party is in a precarious situation. However, they receive assistance from an unexpected ally, Panzy’s father, King Kadan, and his soldiers. This dramatic intervention allows the heroes to push forward, creating an opening to storm Gomah’s castle, setting the stage for a final confrontation. This development provides a feeling of relief and excitement to the viewers who were left worried for the safety of the main characters.
World Building
The timely arrival of King Kadan is more than just a plot device. It also allows for further world-building. It shows that there are forces within the Demon Realm that oppose Gomah and are willing to assist Goku and his friends in their quest to rescue Dende. The arrival of King Kadan’s forces highlight the vastness of the demon realm, which has many layers of social and political structure.
Narrative and Pacing
Setting Up the Finale
While the episode provides a crucial piece of lore with the backstory of the Third Evil Eye, it also serves as a setup for the series’ final arc. Goku’s party are closer to reaching Gomah’s castle, and the events of the episode indicate that a major showdown is imminent. This shift towards the climax of the series is a welcome change for fans who felt the earlier episodes were slower paced. This sense of an impending climax is sure to keep viewers engaged as the series enters its final stages.
Mixed Reviews
Despite the positive aspects, some viewers have criticized the pacing of this episode. While there is plenty of action, the focus on the Gendarmerie battle has been described as a distraction from the overarching narrative. Many viewers expected that Goku, Vegeta and Piccolo should have easily handled the Gendarmerie forces. However, others appreciated the strategic approach the heroes had to take, as well as the classic Dragon Ball style action sequences.
Overall Impression
Dragon Ball Daima episode 15, “Third Eye”, is a significant episode that propels the story forward with new lore and action-packed sequences. The episode successfully sets the stage for the final showdown with King Gomah and also introduces new elements that could impact the future of the series. The animation remains top-notch, and the backstory of the Third Evil Eye adds depth to the plot. While some may find the pacing a bit slow or the Gendarmerie threat unconvincing, the episode overall is a step in the right direction, building anticipation for what’s next in Dragon Ball Daima. The plot twists, new revelations and the impending battle will keep viewers hooked.
