Good news for anime fans! Toonami is set to bring Dragon Ball Daima to its programming block on June 14th at 12:30 AM EDT. This marks a significant return for the Dragon Ball franchise to Toonami, which played a crucial role in popularizing the series in North America.
A Historic Reunion
Toonami’s history with Dragon Ball dates back to 1997 when it first aired Dragon Ball Z, introducing Goku and the Z-Fighters to a new generation of viewers. The programming block continued to showcase other installments, including Dragon Ball in 2001, Dragon Ball GT in 2005, and Dragon Ball Super in 2017. Now, Dragon Ball Daima is poised to continue this legacy.
What to Expect from Dragon Ball Daima
Dragon Ball Daima is the sixth televised anime in the Dragon Ball franchise, produced by Toei Animation. The story is set between the events of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super. In this adventure, Goku and his friends are transformed into children due to a conspiracy, leading them on a journey to a mysterious world known as the Demon Realm to reverse the transformation.
Storyline and Key Elements
The series is described as a grand adventure filled with intense action in an unknown world. Goku, now smaller, wields his Power Pole in combat, a nod to the earlier series. Dragon Ball Daima aims to capture the sense of adventure that resonated with fans of the original Dragon Ball series.
A Final Story from Akira Toriyama
Dragon Ball Daima holds special significance as the last project franchise creator Akira Toriyama personally wrote before his passing in March 2024. His unique writing style and comedic touches are evident throughout the series, which also includes Easter eggs referencing his other works, such as Dr. Slump.
Where to Watch
For those eager to watch Dragon Ball Daima, here are the options:
- Toonami: Premiering on June 14th at 12:30 AM EDT.
- Streaming Platforms: Available on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu.
Crunchyroll offers the English dub of the anime, featuring Stephanie Nadolny, the original voice actress for young Goku.
Toonami’s June 14th Lineup
Here is the complete Toonami lineup for June 14th (all times EDT):
- 12:00 AM – Lazarus
- 12:30 AM – Dragon Ball Daima
- 1:15 AM – Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War
- 1:45 AM – Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga
- 2:15 AM – One Piece
- 2:45 AM – Naruto
- 3:15 AM – Sailor Moon
Why This Matters
The return of Dragon Ball to Toonami is more than just a scheduling update; it’s a nod to the shared history and impact both have had on anime culture. Dragon Ball Z was a cornerstone of Toonami’s early success, helping to introduce anime to a broader audience in the West. Airing Dragon Ball Daima continues this legacy, offering both longtime fans and new viewers a chance to experience the magic of Dragon Ball.
A Bittersweet Return
Given Akira Toriyama’s passing, Dragon Ball Daima also serves as a tribute to his creative genius. The series allows fans to enjoy his final contributions to the franchise and appreciate the storytelling that has captivated audiences for decades.
Production Details
- Series Directors: Yoshitaka Yashima and Aya Komaki.
- Character Design Adaptation: Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru.
- Series Script Supervisor: Yuuko Kakihara.
- Executive Producer: Akio Iyoku.
- Opening Theme Song: “Jaka Jaan” by Zedd feat. C&K.
- Ending Theme Song: “Nakama” (Companions) by Zedd feat. Ai.
Reception and What to Expect
Dragon Ball Daima has been well-received, capturing the essence of the earlier series while introducing new elements. Crunchyroll describes the series as:
“Goku and company were living peaceful lives when they suddenly turned small due to a conspiracy! When they discover that the reason for this may lie in a world known as the ‘Demon Realm,’ a mysterious young Majin named Glorio appears before them.”
Capturing the Magic
The series aims to recapture the sense of adventure and humor that defined the original Dragon Ball. With Goku and his friends facing new challenges in a mysterious world, fans can expect plenty of action, humor, and heartwarming moments.
Possible Season 2?
While Dragon Ball Daima concluded its first season, there’s no confirmation yet regarding a second season. However, fans are hopeful that elements from Daima might influence future Dragon Ball installments, particularly Dragon Ball Super.
The Road Ahead
The premiere of Dragon Ball Daima on Toonami is a significant event for anime fans. It signifies the continuation of a long-standing relationship between Dragon Ball and Toonami while honoring the legacy of Akira Toriyama. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, Dragon Ball Daima promises an exciting adventure.
Dragon Ball Super’s Comeback
While the future of Dragon Ball Daima remains uncertain, there’s optimism surrounding the return of Dragon Ball Super. Artist Toyotaro has expressed intentions to resume creating new chapters for the manga, and there are significant arcs from the manga that Toei Animation has yet to adapt into anime form, including the Moro Arc and the Granolah The Survivor Arc.
A Lasting Legacy
Even with the passing of Akira Toriyama, the Dragon Ball franchise continues to thrive, thanks to the dedicated team at Toei Animation and the passionate fanbase. Dragon Ball Daima is a testament to this enduring legacy, ensuring that Toriyama’s creations will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come.
Dragon Ball Daima’s English Release
The English release of Dragon Ball Daima had a somewhat unusual trajectory. Although the series garnered significant attention, the English dub wasn’t available until January, a few months after its initial premiere. Despite this, the series has been well-received by English-speaking audiences, and its arrival on Toonami is expected to broaden its reach even further.
Final Thoughts
Dragon Ball Daima joining Toonami’s lineup is a perfect blend of nostalgia and new adventure. It’s an opportunity for fans to relive the magic of Dragon Ball while experiencing a fresh storyline crafted by the legendary Akira Toriyama. Don’t miss the premiere on June 14th!
