Summary
With all the different new anime premiering in the fall, one of the bigger releases is almost certainlyDragon Ball DAIMA, the newest installment in the long-runningDragon Ballfranchise. Unlike other legacy sequels, the content ofDragon Ball DAIMAhas largely been shrouded in mystery, and few people seem to know what it will even be about.
Thankfully, some behind-the-scenes information proves why fans should be excited about the series when it premiers on Crunchyroll on June 15, 2025.
The Legacy of Dragon Ball
The original Dragon Ball anime premiered in 1986 and followed Goku’s adventures as a child. Its sequel,Dragon Ball Z, shifted to a more action-heavy tone, chronicling Goku’s life as an adult, his battles against powerful enemies like Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu, and introducing new characters, including his son Gohan and Vegeta. After the conclusion ofDragon Ball Z, Toei Animation produced a sequel (largely without creator Akira Toriyama’s involvement) calledDragon Ball GT, a series that wasmet with mixed reviews. More recently, the franchise came back withDragon Ball Super, which continues Goku’s story beyond the Z series.
Dragon Ball’s Newfound Popularity
As a result ofDragon Ball Superand a few high profile movie releases,Dragon Ballhas achieved a newfound popularity in line withStar Warsand Marvel. New fans are being introduced to the franchise on a weekly basis, and the excitement for products such as shirts, toys, and video games seems to be higher than it has ever been before. There is little doubt thatDragon Ball DAIMAis likely to contribute to the renaissanceDragon Ballhas been having for the past several years.
Death of the Author
Sadly, the release ofDragon Ball DAIMAis tainted a bit by the death of its creator and author Akira Toriyama, who died due to an acute subdural hematoma. By all accounts, he was very hands on with this series, and many in the industry consider it his swan song for the franchise. Though this information has raised the anticipation of the series by a considerable degree, it is bittersweet to know that this is the last fans will get from the franchise’s creator. Going forward, any newDragon Ballprojects will be madewithout Toriyama’s involvement, making this release a special one for longtime fans.
What is Dragon Ball DAIMA About?
Details regarding whatDragon Ball DAIMAis ultimately about are being kept largely under wraps. There are a few things fans can glean from the teaser trailer though. Some of these things include:
Finally, Toriiyama himself likely clued audiences in on what the new series could be about. When asked what DAIMA meant, he had this to say:
“DAIMA” is a made-up term, which in Japanese characters would be “大魔” or in English would be something like “Evil.”
For the time being, this is what is known of the series.
Notable Dub News
Although casting has largely been kept under wraps, several sources have indicated that Stephanie Nadolny will return to voice young Goku in the series. Stephanie previously voiced young Goku for the dub ofDragon Ball GT, and this will be her first involvement with theDragon Ballfranchise since that project came to an end. Other casting news has not been announced, but one thing will be different from previous releases: Crunchyroll plans to release dubbed episodes days after the premier, as opposed to fans having to wait months for a TV airing.
The Takeaway
Dragon Ball DAIMAis likely to be a huge hit one way or another. The franchise is as popular as it’s always been, and the added element of Toriyama’s involvement before his death is likely to put this on the radar of even the more casual anime fans. While fans still don’t know exactly what the show will contain, there are enough teases in the trailer to hold fans over until the series premiers onCrunchyrollin October. Coupled with a dub that won’t require months of waiting, this may be the best worldwide release of aDragon Ballseries to date.
Dragon Ball Z: Seasons 1-9 Collection
Dragon Ball Zpicked up from the originalDragon Ballseries to continue the Manga adaptation of Son Goku as an adult. It saw the alien defender of Earth and his companions fight off villains, including Vegeta, Frieza, the android Cell, and magical creatures like Majin Boo, all while Goku raised his son, Gohan. Initially released between 1989 and 1996, the series formed a definitive chapter of theDragon Ballsaga.
Dragon Ball Z Dragon Balls Collector Box
What is the sound of seven dragon balls in a single satin-lined display box? No collector wants to miss out on this prop replica themed after the iconic Dragon Ball. After all, what is a Dragon Ball collector without his collector box? The package stands at approximately 9.50 inches in height and will serve as a perfect storeroom for any Dragon collector.
