dragon ball

SUMMARY

  • Dragon Ball DAIMA is one of the most awaited and cherished projects in the franchise.
  • DAIMA producer fought tooth and nail to set it apart from other adaptations.
  • GT is one of the most hated series in Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball franchise.

To say Dragon Ball is iconic would be an understatement. The popular anime franchise continues to soar in its popularity. Especially when it comes to the latest release DAIMA. The series looks more than promising especially due to its art and animation. This also extends to the producer’s move to set the series apart from other installments.

Goku SSJ4 IN DB GTGoku’s Super Saiyan 4 transformation in the GT series | Credit: Toei Animation

In an interview, the producer Akiyo Iyoku outlined the difference between the new series and GT. He also glossed on the core idea of the sequel. What’s interesting is that Iyoku made sure to not repeat the same mistakes. Especially when it comes to the previous series. It also stands in contrast with GT which is labeled as one of the hated series in the franchise.

DAIMA producer left no stone unturned in polishing the series

DAIMA hits home in every possible aspect, especially through its storytelling and visuals. Not only that, it is the final project of the mangaka before his tragic passing in March 2024. The mangaka carved a benchmark in Shonen through his series. This paved the way for several iconic Shonen series for decades. As a final project, this sequel is promising in more ways than one.

Dragon Ball DaimaMini Goku in a still from the new series | Toei Animation

Contrary to previous installations, the sequel has a more refined animation. The series is a continuation of the Majin Buu saga. Following the victory against Majin Buu, Goku, and his friends face another challenge. The hero is turned into his child form along with his friends.

He sets out on a journey to find a way to reverse the curse. From its production quality to storytelling, Toriyama’s project is in good hands. The producer Akiyo Iyoku is an example of that.

In an interview with CBR, Iyoku revealed how the series differs from GT despite their similarities. He quoted:

I understand that, looking at Goku being small, you would think of GT. A lot of people are thinking “Maybe Goku is young again like from [GT].” We want to emphasize that this is a whole different story. We would like everyone to think on it and have their own thoughts on what the story is, but with the first teaser from today, we’re keeping it all hush-hush so that everybody is enjoying it and thinking about it. That’s where we’re at right now.

Despite similar tropes, both series are opposites. While both series are canon, GT has failed immeasurably. Most fans disregard the series despite it being canon. It is safe to say that it is the hated middle child among Toriyama’s creations.

GT is the hated middle child in Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise

From plotholes to characters, Dragon Ball GT is one of the biggest flops by Akira Toriyama. The series gets massive hate from the fans for several reasons. But most of it is due to the series being a non-canon. While there’s no truth to it, several fans have pointed out plot inconsistencies. To top it off, the major criticism regarding the anime is the excessive attention on Goku’s feats.

Goku as a scholar in Dragon Ball GTGoku in a still from the GT series| Credit: Toei Animation

Despite the series being non-canon, it receives unnecessary hate as well. While sidelining side characters seems a plausible criticism, most of the critique is baseless. Including the raging debate centering on the series’ animation. While it may not be as refined as the present adaptations, GT takes one on a nostalgic trip with its old-school visuals.

All in all, DAIMA and GT are two separate series and incomparable. Despite following a similar concept, the former is a rather cherished project. It is a tribute to the late mangaka. GT on the other hand is flawed yet reminiscent of the nostalgia. Both series are the mangaka’s brainchild and deserve to be appreciated nonetheless.

Dragon Ball DAIMA is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

Akira ToriyamaDragon BallDragon Ball Daima

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Written by Himanshi Jeswani

Articles Published: 216

An avid reader and writer traversing around the world of anime, manga and all that jazz.