REVIEW: ‘Dragon Ball DAIMA’ Episode 7 — “Collar”

With any doubts about Goku’s (Masako Nozawa) strength dispelled, Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 7, “Collar,” finds the group once more headed towards the first of the Demon Realm’s Dragon Balls. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Hybis (Reimi, Megalo Box) arrives to escort Piccolo (Tomohiro Yamaguchi, Skip and Loafer), Vegeta (Yûdai Mino), and Bulma (Mai Nakahara, Birdie Wing: Golf Girl’s Story) to the Demon Realm.

This episode opens back on Earth, as Bulma pieces together what’s gone wrong with the spacecraft that was supposed to bring them to take them away from Earth. Faced with an impossible problem, the group vents their frustrations at their apparent misfortune. At least until the sudden arrival of a new craft. When the plane touches down, we see Hybis disembark and set to work gathering his new charges so he can get back to doing other things.

While Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 7 serves the functional purpose of getting the Earth-trapped heroes on their way, a couple of character moments work to make a visit back to Earth enjoyable. A smaller one, but my favorite, is a subtle thing between Vegeta and Bulma.

Moments before Hybis’ arrival, Bulma is berating Vegeta about the roadblock thrown up before them despite her unwavering attempts to fix the problem. There is an apparent anger brewing between the two. However, the moment the unknown ship appears and begins to land, Vegeta subtly shifts his position in the group, placing himself between Bulma and the unknown visitor. This moment is great as it reminds viewers of the bond the duo shares in a way that lets Vegeta retain his angry, loner facade.

From here, Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 7 returns to Goku’s group, just as they run afoul of more Gendarmerie. How the villains have managed to track the group is a question quickly solved when Panzy (Ai Fairouz) remembers that her collar was scanned during their last run-in with the group. Now, they can track her wherever she goes. However, the issue of Panzy’s collar has to wait as the group is forced to land their plane and submit to an inspection. Knowing they are looking for Goku, Supreme Kai (Yumiko Kobayashi) hatches a simple plan.

Glorio, Kai, and Panzy wait outside for the results as the inspection begins. As their cargo is tossed out and the ship is ransacked, Panzy is convinced they’ll find the hidden Saiyan. Instead, she is startled to discover Goku standing behind them. He has used his Instant Transmission technique to teleport to them, avoiding prying eyes.

Annoyed at their failure to locate their target, the Gendarmerie decided to haul Panzy away to question her about the attack they suffered while collecting taxes. Whether they actually think she did it or they are just being spiteful is unclear, but the point is rendered moot when Panzy tazes one of them, causing a fight to break out.

Since Goku is in hiding, Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 7 lets Glorio and Kai do most of the fighting here. This is a fun option as it brings more variety to the series’ action. Glorio’s lightning-styled attacks alongside Kai’s TK make quick work of their enemies while providing plenty of visual flare to entertain viewers.

Once the party is ready to head out again, Panzy displays hesitancy about continuing the journey. With her collar tagged, she will make them easy targets for continued harassment. Not wanting to leave their companion behind, Kai requests a chance to examine her collar. Recognizing the work as that of his people, Kai reveals that he knows a spell to remove the device, freeing Panzy from the symbol of oppression she has carried with her.

This moment is another great one for Kai. Everything about how the character talks and behaves in this sequence emphasizes the motives behind the acts taken. While Panzy has shown herself to be a helpful companion, Kai is far more motivated by compassion for her plight than a self-serving need to keep a helpful ally. This moment creates a great sense of bonding between Kai and Panzy, as the latter’s relief at the freedom the former has gifted her is palpable.

From here, we see the group arrive at the town that hosts the first of the Demon Realm’s Dragon Ball and the Tamagami that watches over it. Before Goku challenges the Dragon Ball’s protector, he has a good meal to get his energy up. This short segue serves little purpose but kills a bit of time. Once full, the Saiyan approaches his next opponent, the Tamagachi, just as the credit roll.

Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 7 brings some action, heart, and solid plot progression as it primes the first significant battle of the series.

Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 7 is streaming now on Crunchyroll and will arrive on Netflix next week.