REVIEW: ‘Dragon Ball DAIMA’ Episode 20 — “Maximum”

Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 20, “Maximum,” sees Super Saiyan 4 Goku (Masako Nozawa, Star Wars: Visions) clash with Gomah (Shôtarô Morikubo, Rune Factory 5). As the battle reaches new levels of destruction, Piccolo waits in the wings, determined to end Gomah’s reign as Supreme Demon King. But Gomah has other plans, and the Z Fighters may need a save from a surprising source.

The battle between Goku and Gomah occupies most of the first half of this episode. With adult Goku reaching a new power level, the series goes all out to make this final confrontation a spectacle. It succeeds. The ferocity on display as the two opponents clash is overwhelming. As new and bigger attacks play out, the conflict revels in the epic destruction surrounding it.

The visuals that bring the momentous struggle to life are gorgeous. The speed and power of the fighters come across with every hit. Series staples like the Kamehameha Wave are taken to new heights, as Goku is seen blasting a hole clear through to the other two demon worlds when he unleashes it.

The visuals of this epic battle astound and amaze.

Combined with the force of the battle is a wide array of vibrant color choices. An eclectic color palette crafts a visually pleasing sequence that sparkles, even as it depicts cataclysmic forces clashing against each other. Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 20 is a visual treat that is worth watching even if you have no interest in the series or franchise.

However, when it comes time for Piccolo (Toshio Furukawa, Live A Live) to launch his sneak attack, he fails to land the required three rapid strikes to the back of the head to make the Evil Third Eye pop out. Realizing how close he’d come to losing his god-like powers, Gomah begins unleashing indiscriminate destruction upon everyone in the area. In his wrath, he overlooks one unassuming individual, Majin Kuu (Tomokazu Seki, Tekken 8).

Thanks to his weak, unthreatening state, Kuu finds himself close enough to the monstrous villain to land the trio of strikes necessary, popping out the Evil Third Eye. This moment falls right into line with other surprise interventions, going back to Yajirobe’s critical de-tailing of Vegeta. But rather than simply use Kuu for a timely save, Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 20 pushes the character further with wonderful results.

Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 20 successfully crafts a perfect ending.

Once Gomah is locked away, the question of who will be the Supreme Demon King next comes up. Neva (Hiroshi Naka, Delicious in Dungeon) informs everyone that the one who defeats the previous Demon King is next in the line of succession. This means that Majin Kuu is the new ruler of the Demon Realm.

The shocked disbelief at what has transpired is quickly replaced with joyous triumph. While Majin Kuu is nowhere near capable of running a kingdom, he is capable of recognizing that fact. He immediately names Arinsu (Yôko Hikasa, Metallic Rouge) his Vice-Supreme Demon King. He also names others in attendance, like Neva, as ministers to see to the creation of a Demon Realm that is a “scary, yet good place to live.” His ability to recognize his shortcomings instantly rockets him ahead of most real-world heads of state.

With the battle complete, Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 20 wraps up its story by following Goku and the others back home. Along the way, they stop at the shop to pick up some more bedbugs. While there, some wonderful moments of humor play out, allowing the series to land a couple more jokes as its final moments play out.

Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 20 transcends the accomplishments of previous episodes, ensuring that the series concludes with a bang. Great action, well-executed humor, and a dash of heart mixed with one final nod to the franchise’s past to craft the perfect ending to an exceptional Dragon Ball outing.

Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 20 is streaming now on Crunchyroll and will arrive on Netflix next week.

Previous Episode |