REVIEW: ‘Dragon Ball DAIMA’ Episode — 1 “Conspiracy”

In the wake of the Z Fighters‘ victory over Majin Buu, a sinister presence spies on them. Concerned about the power wielded by Earth’s heroes, these new enemies set out to strip Goku (Masako Nozawa, Star Wars: Visions) and his friends of their power before it could be turned against them in Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 1 “Conspiracy” from Toei Animation.

The bulk of this longer-than-normal pilot episode looks back at the franchise’s past. Beginning with a quick synopsis of Goku’s journey to Earth and the earlier fights in Dragon Ball Z, the episode settles in with a lengthy exploration of the battles against Babidi, Buu, and Dabura. The deeper look at these battles is done through the lens of new characters Gomah and Degesu. These two reside in the Demon Realm, which Dabura ruled, with Degasu being identified as Supreme Kai’s younger brother.

The revelation that the familiar Kai has siblings that don’t reside with the rest of the Kais is the first of several world-changing revelations Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 1 delivers to viewers. While many of these new story elements feel out of left field, one should bear in mind this is standard fair for the series. The arrival of Raditz and the revelation that Goku was a member of an alien warrior race was just as startling when it happened. So rewriting the world’s history, while jarring at times, is par for the course for the franchise.

As the pair of new personalities observe the events of the Buu Saga, we slowly gain an understanding of their curiosity. Their interest in what transpired, particularly the importance of Dabura’s death gives a new context for our heroes’ actions. With Dabura gone, the title of Supreme Demon King falls to Gomah, making him ruler of the demon realm. Despite his initial unequivocal joy at what has transpired his mood is soon soured by the arrival of Dr. Arinsu. Degesu’s sister, the scheming scientist points out to the new emperor that if these fighters from Earth could defeat Majin Buu they would be a threat to the Demon Realm. An idea that once planted doesn’t take long to form roots.

Arinsu is easily the most interesting of the trio of introductions in Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 1. With so many of the franchise’s villains tending to be more direct in their intentions, seeing someone play the shadowy manipulator is a fresh change.

As the villains begin to consider their plans, the episode jumps to Earth as our heroes celebrate Trunks’ ninth birthday. Everyone you would expect to find post-Buu Saga is there, plus one significant surprise. Supreme Kai and Kabito are present and separated from each other. Fans of Dragon Ball Super may be confused by this, as the duo are seen still merged at the start of that series. This seems like a continuity error that one can assume is necessary for the plot the series has planned to work. But who knows, maybe the duo will find themselves fused again before the series wraps.

As one may expect of the series star Saiyan rivals, Goku and Vegeta skip out on the party early to get some training in. While fitting with the duo’s personalities, this choice also serves to not only get some action in but also deliver a couple of fun homages to the series’ past. Among the crisply animated blows the pair exchange, we get a recreation of the apex of Goku and Vegeta’s original battle.

While Vegeta hangs in the air above Goku, he unleashes his trademark Galic Gun attack. Goku counters it, leaving the pair in a battle of wills with their mutual energy clashing between them. The shot of Goku’s counterattack is the exact angle that was used in the original clash. This lovely call back to the series earlier days is a wonderful moment to drop here.

While our heroes celebrate, Degesu, Gomah, and an elderly Namekian named Neva journey from the Demon Realm to Earth. They plan to use our dragon balls to turn the heroes into children so they cannot threaten their realm.

The revelation of Neva brings more changes to Dragon Ball mythos as his presence is used to reveal that the Namekians are originally from the Demon Realm. Once the group arrives at Dende’s Look Out, we learn even more shocking things about Neva and his connection to the dragon balls as we see him not only summon the balls but restore them from their dormant stone state before the usual year has passed.

With Shenron summoned, Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 1 ends as Gomah makes his wish to turn the adult heroes into children and the kids into babies. We get glimpses of our protagonists as they transform back into younger versions of themselves before the credits roll.

Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 1 does what it needs to set up the coming adventure. While there is a lot of rehashing of the past that bogs down the first half of the episode for long-time fans, it’s understandable why the show may feel like the depth it goes into Z’s events may be necessary. Those moments are decades old at this point. Despite these moments perhaps taking a bit too much of the episode’s time, they are partially offset by the introduction of interesting new reveals that will hopefully pay off later.

Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 1 is streaming now on Crunchyroll and will arrive on Netflix on the 18th.