'Dragon Ball Daima' Episode 4 Review

TV & Film

Jan 15

Dragon Ba;; Daima — Image Source: Crunchyroll

Things have really started to pick up now that we’re in the Demon World. What trouble will our trio get into next? Let’s find out!

Warning: This review may contain spoilers for Dragon Ball Daima.

Picking up where we last left off, our heroes must traverse on foot until they can find a new vehicle. Along the way, the group encounters a winged beast from the Sea of Darkness, and they are later ambushed by a giant demon, which only Gokū detects at first. Glorio is amazed by this and asks him how he could detect it. Gokū explains that he can detect the demon’s ki, which Kaioshin explains is a form of invisible energy. The group soon reaches a shop and takes a break there.

Glorio asks the owner if they have a plane for sale, and the old man states that while he doesn’t have a plane, he does have a sky seed that can take them 120km. Gokū and Kaioshin look around the shop. Gokū is interested in the Medi Bugs and asks Glorio to buy them, which he does. Our heroes then board the Sky Seed, which is essentially a freefalling rocket they have no control over. They jump off of it before it crashes.

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Once they land they still have a half day’s walk to the castle. Gokū suggests they fly the rest of the way and use the Medi Bugs whenever they run out of stamina, but Glorio and Kaioshin shoot the idea down, as they don’t like bugs. Gokū then asks about the Demon World Dragon Balls. Glorio explains that there’s one Dragon Ball on each Demon World and unlike Earth, where they are hidden, everyone knows their location.

However, they are guarded by strong Tamagami, who must be defeated before they can be obtained. Glorio says this has never been done before, and Gokū is excited by the prospect of this challenge and wants to try to get the Dragon Balls. Kaioshin reminds Gokū, however, that they still need to rescue Dende. Gokū says that they could use the Dragon Balls to wish for everyone to be grownups again and then rescue Dende, which Glorio thinks is a good idea.

They soon reach the next town and spot the townspeople gathered in front of the Demon King’s Gendarmerie. They are demanding that the townsfolk give an offering of three coins, which is more than it was under Demon King Dabura. If they do not pay, nine years are sucked from their life. Some can pay, but others are not. During this whole exchange, a masked figure enters the fray. They throw a wasabi bomb on the ground, but it fails to explode. The Gendamarie apprehend them. Gokū, however, intervenes and uses his nyoibo to attack the soldiers. Gokū, Kaioshin, and Glorio quickly make their exit. The figure follows them and reveals herself to be a young girl, ending the episode.

The episode has a good mix of world-building and action that helps to elevate the sense of adventure. One interesting moment was the exchange between Glorio and the elderly shopkeeper. At first, he appears to be a doddering old fool, but when Glorio suggests that he might not buy the Sky Seed, he quickly responds despite previously having to hear everything twice before. Though a common trope, it was still funny. Also, the Sky Seed was an interesting bait and switch. While it is built up as an actual vehicle, it is revealed that it’s just a step above a slingshot. The introduction of this new figure is also handled in classic Toriyama fashion: making them seem like an actual threat but quickly turning out to be no threat at all. Overall, the story and writing in this episode is classic Dragon Ball.

The animation continues to be a huge highlight of this series. When our heroes soar across the sea of darkness, it looks absolutely breathtaking. The fight scenes are also well-choreographed as well, with the focus on hand-to-hand combat continuing to be a highlight. Overall, the animation in Dragon Ball Daima continues to amaze and delight.

Voice acting continues to be good. Masako Nozawa is still doing a good job as mini Gokū. Though once again, her age is evident in her performance, it barely hinders it. Fairouz Ai also does an excellent job in her performance as the masked figure, who astute viewers can already tell is newcomer Panzy. The acting in this series overall still feels very much like Dragon Ball but also feels kinda grounded at times too, and this is what continues to help the series flourish.

Music remains to be good but mostly forgettable. However, it does have a JRPG quality to it. This is shown especially in the shop scene. Slowly, the score is creating its identity, but it has yet to be distinctly Dragon Ball. Perhaps this will improve as time goes on.

Overall, Dragon Ball Daima continues to impress. The story, writing, animation, and voice acting continue to be highlights, but the music is still the weak link. Still, it’s exciting to see where this series will go next.

Rating: 9/10

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