REVIEW: ‘Dragon Ball DAIMA’ Episode 11 — “Legend”

Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 11, “Legend,” from Toei Animation, sees Neva (Hiroshi Naka, Delicious in Dungeon) step out of the shadows to join Goku (Masako Nozawa) and his friends on their journey. Also, Arinsu (Yôko Hisaka) gives creating the next Majin Buu another try in hopes of defeating the Tamagami of Demon World One before our heroes arrive.

This episode picks up where its predecessor left off. As Neva approaches our heroes’ departing airship, Panzy (Ai Fairouz) spots him. Curious about who he is and what he wants, the group disembarks to meet him. During their discussion, we learn more about the Namekians and the creation of the Tamagami. Neva also convinces the heroes to let him accompany them on their journey.

A Cramped Ship in Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 11

Despite how cramped the ship has become, Neva gains a seat when he points out that the Demon World’s dragon requires Namekian to be spoken, much like Porunga did. Since Piccolo has forgotten his native tongue, the group has no choice but to squeeze another body into their cramped ship.

Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 11‘s opening leaves an uneasy feeling in its wake. Neva doesn’t come across as sinister, but there is an unshakable sense that his goals will not wholly align with the heroes. This leaves Neva as one to watch as a last-minute move to coopt the wish of whoever claims the dragon balls feels like a possible goal for the aged Namekian.

As the heroes strike out once more for the Tamagami of Demon World Two, Dragon Ball DAIMA, Episode 11 shifts its gaze to Arinsu, who has gone back to the drawing board in her efforts to defeat Tamagami One. Using all that remains of Majin Buu’s essence and the piece of him she gathered back on Earth, the frustrated Glind goes for broke on one last experiment.

The most interesting part of the experiment sequence is how it explores Majin Kuu’s personality. Learning that another Majin will be created in the same way he was, Kuu leaps to the conclusion that this new Majin, named Duu, will be his brother. This realization pleases him. His fondness for Duu before he even arrives feels like a setup for future schisms in the villain faction. When Arinsu undoubtedly mistreats Duu in the future, it seems likely that Kuu’s intervention will be forthcoming.

Duu’s Arrival

When Duu finally arrives, his appearance and personality prove surprising to his creator. Looking and behaving much like the present-day Majin Buu, Duu brings a less-than-terrifying energy with him. Arinsu was no doubt hoping for more of a Kid Buu vibe from her final creation. But, with nothing left to lose, she, Kuu, and Duu head out to once more battle Tamamgami One.

When Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 11 catches up with our heroes, they are just arriving at Tamagami Two’s location. However, Goku is benched this time as Vegeta (Yûdai Mino, Synduality Noir) claims the right to battle the next foe. While Panzy wonders if Vegeta can match the levels she’s witnessed from Goku, Bulma  (Aya Hisakawa, Star Ocean: The Second Story R) assures her that her husband is up to the task.

When the childlike Vegeta initially challenges the Tamagami, it assumes a joke is being played. Even once Vegeta reiterates his challenge, the warrior seems reluctant to fight. Only after a meaningful glance from Neva does the guardian of the Dragon Ball accept the challenge. This moment further builds up the sense that Neva is still hiding something from the others.

Vegita and Duu vs. Tamagami

The final stretch of Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 11 bounces between battles as Vegeta and Duu fight their respective Tamagami. The two battles create a great contrast with each other. Vegeta’s fight is one of raw skill and power as seasoned fighters clash, testing each other’s limits. Duu’s fight, on the other hand, finds the newly born Majin testing his own limits far more than his foe’s. Duu discovers more about his abilities and power set with each blow struck. While his approach to combat seems ludicrous, its uniqueness perplexes the Tamamgami, making it difficult for it to make headways against the new fighter.

Both the absurd and the skillful sides of the fights are executed excellently by the animation. Vegeta’s repertoire of tricks feels fully intact as he tries to create an opening to finish his foe. Though his foe is no slouch, going so far as to bait one of the Demon World’s Krakens to attack Vegeta, creating a gigantic problem for the Saiyan Prince.

As Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 11’s credits roll, Vegeta appears to be swallowed by the nautical monstrosity. While there is little doubt about Vegeta’s well-being, it serves as a great moment to wrap up the episode, leaving both fights unfinished for now.

With world-building, some humor, and well-executed fight animation, Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 11 is a solid entry in the series that leaves fans with plenty to look forward to in the upcoming episodes.

Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 11 is streaming now on Crunchyroll and will arrive on Netflix next week.