REVIEW: ‘Dragon Ball DAIMA’ Episode 5 — “Panzy”

Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 5 “Panzy”  sees Goku’s (Masako Nozawa) group make their way to the Third Demon World’s castle thanks to their new ally Panzy (Ai Fairouz, Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven). But surprises and setbacks await as they continue their journey to rescue Dende. Some will be welcome, others less so.

In this episode’s opening, we see Panzy’s initial encounter with the core group play out. Panzy quickly comes across as a free spirit who will do what she thinks is best. Despite repeated rejections from Glorio (Kôki Uchiyama), she elects to travel with the party to the local Demon King’s castle, unconcerned by his disapproval.

She quickly finds herself in Goku’s good graces. His easy attitude and accepting nature help bring a new ally into his orbit once again. For all his physical power, his ability to make friends often seems like his greatest strength. Supreme Kai also finds the newcomer’s open disposition agreeable, even as the observant Panzy asks some uncomfortable questions.

While not feeling overly original for the franchise, Panzy fits in with the rest of the cast incredibly well. Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 5 delivers plenty of information about this new character in a way that entertains. Rather than dumping the character’s entire history in front of the viewer, we get snippets about her love of machines and elements of her personality as they come up naturally through discussions with Goku and Kai. The biggest reveal we get is when the quartet arrives at the castle.

Upon arriving at the castle, we learn that Panzy is the princess of the Third Demon World. This helps explain how she can carry herself so confidently. She has the respect of the guards the group encounters, though it doesn’t seem to carry any fear with it, which further helps solidify her personality.

When Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 5 sees the party arrive at the King’s audience hall, we are treated to a fantastic moment. A more sinister tune plays in the background as the king first appears. Heavy shadows cover his body, allowing only highlights of his frame to be visible. Once the king steps out, however, he is revealed to be a far more jovial personality than the presentation first hinted at. This quick fake-out helps the character’s arrival land with a memorable note.

The party convinces the king to aid them in their journey by granting them access to a plane and supplies. But while the king is willing to help, he has doubts about the childish Goku’s fighting skills and requests a demonstration to convince him that he is the great hero he was promised. Goku is all too happy to comply with the king’s request.

The scene then shifts to a training yard where a sizable number of veteran troops have been gathered. The king commands his troops to fight their hardest but not to kill Goku. The diminutive Saiyan assures the king it won’t be a problem. Much like last week’s fight scene, we see Goku quickly begin pinballing between his foes as he connects with punches and kicks. We even see tricks that showcase how well the hero is learning to use his new size to his advantage as he spins around a spear to launch himself across the battlefield.

The new element Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 5 brings with this battle is the series’ first glimpse of child Goku’s Super Saiyan form. When his foes manage to swarm him, capturing his arms and legs, the smiling Goku unleashes his power, revealing a fleeting glimpse of the iconic Saiyan transformation.

With the battle done, the party prepares to head off for their next destination. Before leaving, Surpme Kai arranges a way for the rest of the Z Fighters, who will be arriving soon, to pass through to the Demon Realm. Panzy once more surprises the party by informing them that she will accompany them. Given her aptitude for machines, something none of the other members of the group possess, she is welcomed abroad.

The group travels prove short-lived. No sooner do they reach cruising altitude than their plane begins to malfunction. It seems it has been overloaded and quickly begins to crash. The episode cuts off as the heroes plummet from view back down to the ground.

This moment is the one flaw with Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 5. This needless sidetracking does nothing for the narrative. While the tone it creates is certainly in line with the show, it feels more annoying than anything. Hopefully, the series will at least put the unnecessary plot element to good use.

Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 5 delivers a lot of fun, a sprinkling of great action, and a new character who should fit right in. Aside from its crash-landing with the ending, it’s a strong entry into the series.

Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 5 is streaming now on Crunchyroll and will arrive on Netflix next week.