Mezame

The animation during these sequences is exceptional, capturing the raw energy and desperation of the fight. The fluidity of the combat scenes and the meticulous attention to detail elevate the viewing experience, immersing the audience in the high stakes of the confrontation. The highlight of the episode is undoubtedly Goku's transformation into Super Saiyan 4. This form, characterized by its distinctive red fur and imposing aura, is a nostalgic nod to long-time fans and a thrilling revelation for new viewers. The ensuing battle between Super Saiyan 4 Goku and Gomah is a spectacle of martial prowess and strategic combat. Goku's newfound power shifts the momentum, allowing him to challenge Gomah's dominance effectively.

Episode 18 of "Dragon Ball Daima" brings an epic battle long awaited by fans, and it features Goku's transformation into the breathtaking Super Saiyan 4. The animation is stunning, bringing the raw energy and intensity of this mythical form to life with vivid beauty. But the climax does not end with the transformation; the summoning of the Demon Realm Dragon provides a touch of dark magic and mystery to the story. This dragon, with its ominous appearance, sets the stage for the epic battle against Gomah. The battle itself is an exercise in dance and art, every movement perfectly choreographed, showcasing Goku's mastery of his new form. Gomah, as strong a foe as he is, pushes Goku to work even more, their duel a ballet of power and strategy. The clash of energies, combined with the ominous atmosphere of the Demon Realm Dragon's strength, creates an atmosphere thick with tension and expectation. The music contributes to this epic conflict, elevating every moment of combat with its stirring themes. Other than the action, this episode delves into the bonds of friendship and the need to protect, emphasizing the spirit of "Dragon Ball." The combination of Goku's SSJ4 state and the summoning of the Demon Realm Dragon not only raises the stakes but also provides a visually and emotionally rewarding experience. Episode 18 is a testament to the timelessness of "Dragon Ball," a fan love letter, and an exercise in what holds true for this world and why it is so compelling.

It beats most episodes of Super, and the animation is superb. The lore, reveals, and fluid fighting has been a joy to watch because many things weren't predictable.

For anyone who has watched DBZ, DBGT, and Super, you should really enjoy the callbacks, as well as how it answers some unanswered questions. The threat feels real, despite the nature of the entire Post-Buu story, and the demon realm forces the audience to listen for explanations since the gang is in a totally different world with skills based on magic instead of ki. The lore related to Saiyans, Namekians, and others has just made each episode fun to watch.

# **A Disappointing Addition to the Dragon Ball Saga**

*Dragon Ball Daima* had the potential to be a fresh and exciting addition to the franchise, but instead, it suffers from **incoherent storytelling, broken power scaling, and unnecessary repetition**.

### **1. Major Continuity Issues** The series is meant to take place **before Dragon Ball Super**, yet it introduces elements that contradict established lore:

• **Vegeta's Super Saiyan 3 (SSJ3):** He attains SSJ3 in *Daima*, yet never uses it in *Super*-not even against Beerus this form existed before DBS, why does it vanish?

• **A Transformation Similar to Super Saiyan 4:** Goku's new form resembles SSJ4, but it disappears entirely in Super. If it was available before, why didn't he use it when fighting much stronger opponents?

• **Piccolo forgetting Namekian?** He merged with Kami and Nail, meaning he should be fluent, yet *Daima* suggests otherwise. Even worse, in episode 18, **Glorio literally uses a wish using Namekian, while Piccolo, who was born as a Namekian warrior, suddenly forgets his own language. It's completely ridiculous.

### **2. Power Scaling Makes No Sense**

• **Goku and Vegeta struggle against random enemies**, despite having fought literal gods and universal threats in DBS.

• **Vegeta obtains SSJ3 but doesn't use it against Goma**, then forgets about it entirely. This kind of selective memory feels lazy.

### **3. Repetitive and Poorly Paced Storytelling**

• The **early episodes drag on** unnecessarily, then suddenly, all the important events are rushed into 2-3 episodes.

• The **same events repeat** for no reason-one episode features Goku's plane getting damaged and needing repairs, and then the next episode... it gets damaged again. It feels like pointless filler.

### **4. A Series That Feels Unnecessary** At the end of the day, *Dragon Ball Daima* **adds nothing of value to the franchise**. The new transformations **serve no purpose**, the story **doesn't contribute to the main timeline**, and the series feels like **empty fan service**.

When I look at the **disappointing viewership numbers in Japan**, it reassures me that I'm not the only one who feels this way. Fans expect **a well-crafted story with meaningful stakes**, not **a collection of inconsistencies** that contradict everything the franchise has built.

If *Daima* was meant to be a true addition to *Dragon Ball*, it needed: ✅ A **logical** explanation for new transformations.

✅ **Consistent power scaling.** ✅ **A well-paced and meaningful story.**

Instead, *Daima* feels more like an afterthought-**a series that will likely be forgotten, just like Dragon Ball GT**.

**Rating: 4/10** - *A frustrating mix of nostalgia and inconsistency.*

Great episode in every aspect. Unmatchable!

Dragon Ball Daima Episode 18 is a masterpiece. The sakuga is top-tier, with fluid animation that brings every battle to life. The episode's pacing is impeccable, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Transitions between scenes are seamless, enhancing the storytelling. The color palette is vibrant, perfectly capturing the series' essence. Sound design is crisp, with an OST that elevates each moment. Character development is profound, adding depth to the narrative. Overall, Episode 18 exemplifies excellence in anime production.

Thank you Akira Toriyama.