The following contains spoilers for Dragon Ball DAIMA episode 5, “Panzy” available to stream onCrunchyrolland Netflix.
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WhenDragon Ball DAIMAfirst started, the series was fun and intriguing. With a great concept, fun villain, and new destinations to go to, it appeared the show had everything going for it to be the version ofDragon Ball GTwe should have gotten the first time around. As things continue with very little substance happening, is the show actually leaving a memorable mark on theDragon Ballfranchise, or are the creators just stalling and wasting our time?
On theprevious episodeofDragon Ball DAIMAour heroes were trying to figure out what to do now that their space capsule had been stolen. Buying a new ship was going to be too expensive. Still, it was discovered that a far more economical travel method would be to be flung across the planet on giant space launchers that look like cotton swabs (ah, Toriyama’s sense of humor never fails to disappoint).
A New Face in a New Conflict
A New Member Joins the Party
It seems that Goku’s strength is already making waves around the planet, as the young girl (whose name is eventually revealed to be Panzy…don’t read too much into that) recognizes him as “the spiky-haired kid” who has been causing trouble in the area. She volunteers to join them on their journey. However, no one in the party is keen on her joining the team. However, not only does she know the way to the castle they need to get to, she’s going to join them whether they want her to or not.
Bedtime Stories are VERY Important
While our heroes continue to attempt to find a plane, King Gomah continues to care for baby Dende. Unlike most villains, he seems to be taking the job rather seriously, even chewing out the nurse for not reading him bedtime stories with enough enthusiasm (he WILL be the reason new Dragon Balls are created after all, so only the best will do). Oh, we also find out that King Gomah and Glorio are part of a speciescalled the Glinds, so…guess we’ll find out more about them in the future.
The Story Kind of, Sort of, Maybe Continues…
What is not being discussed now (but will be in the recap) is that the second half of the episode introduces more new characters by repeating information we already know. Yes, we know that the Dragon Balls on this planet are being guarded by warriors so that they can’t be used. Yes, we know Goku is strong, we don’t need a training sequence to show us that (though in all fairness, the training sequence IS really cool, and Goku finallyturns into a Super Saiyanduring this scene…albeit briefly).
On the positive side, there are HINTS that more ofthe Z Fighterswill be coming along soon. It’s just taking FOREVER for anything of real substance to happen! The only reason this isn’t getting more of a negative review is because at least the show isn’t boring. But let’s be honest: it’s getting there. There are enough funny moments to make things not too bad, but it’s not like the show is a laugh-a-minute affair either. It’s all been really, really…fine. Yeah, fine’s the right word.
There is still hope to be had as new characters are still being introduced, and our heroes are finally in a position to do something substantial. How much longer will it take though?Vegeta, Piccalo, and Bulma still haven’t arrived yet. We are now a third into this rumored 20-episode series, and you would think the creators would be using their time more wisely than this. It’s frustrating because, while the show isn’tbadper se, it’s currently far from good. Hopefully, next week will see some improvement.
Dragon Ball DAIMA
Dragon Ball Daima is the latest anime in Akira Toriyama’s legendary franchise. After being transformed into a child, Goku must travel to a new world to try and turn things around.
