With the number of referencesDragon Ball Daimahas made to the franchise’s canon across its storied forty years, some, like Goku’s Nyoibo or the Flying Nimbus, have become increasingly practical for Goku.With the protagonist and his friends shrunken down into children, it’s important to take advantage of any available mobility boosts, especially with the difficult air and terrain of the Demon Realm. InDragon Ball Daima,there’s even been a handful of teases for some equipment like Goku’s Nimbus, both in the opening credits and a brief mention in an early episode.
The Flying Nimbus debuted in chapter three of the originalDragon Ballmanga, introduced as a relic previously passed to Master Roshi by Korin before being given to Goku. An enjoyable ode toJourney to the West, the cloud only allows the pure-hearted to stand freely upon it to fly through the skies. Still, more importantly,it’s been used as a flying vehicle without expending energy. Given the visual teases of the Flying Nimbus inDragon Ball Daima,it’s not unreasonable to hope to see it even as a practical answer to the heavy air of the Demon Realm.
The Flying Nimbus Appears in Dragon Ball Daima’s Opening Credits
A Practical Answer to the Demon Realm Air
With the Flying Nimbus both being shown inDragon Ball Daima’sopening title sequence and mentioned in episode #2 by Korin, this relic has clear potential to return to relevance for Goku. With the traversal of the Demon Realm being infamously difficult thanks to heavy air, resulting in much more significant energy expenditure to travel even short distances, the Nimbus cloud all but erases these disadvantages.Since the Demon Realm’s air could easily be a convoluted way to make the Nimbus necessary, it’s a clever way to bring back one of the earliestDragon Ballreferences.
Given Goku is also an adult in this opening aboard the Nimbus with his Nyoibo; there are plenty of questions about what’ll happen in future episodes ofDragon Ball DAIMA.
The Nimbus has appeared across the timeline in all otherDragon Ballstories, includingDragon Ball Z, GT,andSuper.It has been useful in masking energy signatures when used for flight. Given the return ofGoku’s Nyoibo or “Power Pole"as an answer to the shrinking wish affecting his close combat range, the Nimbus could be a similarly beneficial tool.This, alongside multiple throwbacks inDragon Ball Daima,indicates the series' intent of reincorporating even the most obscure or seldom-used of Goku’s abilities and gear.
Dragon Ball Daima Commits to Referencing Even the Franchise’s Most Obscure Concepts
Not Just the Nimbus' Time to Shine
As shown inDragon Ball Daimaepisode five,Goku briefly glimpses the False Super Saiyan form, showing a temporary transformation to demonstrate his power to King Kadan. Other concepts likeDragon Ball Super’sCube could present alternative answers to the interdimensional divide between the Demon Realm and other worlds.
Goku Is Anime’s Most Iconic Hero Ever, But Dragon Ball Daima Is The First Time He’s Been A Real Hero?
Though his morals can be questionable, Goku is the most iconic hero in anime. However, Dragon Ball Daima may be the first time he’s truly been heroic.
EvenFusion concepts are potentially given origin storiesor alternative concepts inDragon Ball Daimaas part of a clear focus on showing everything that made the franchise great throughout the decades.
Dragon Ball DAIMA
Cast
Dragon Ball Daima sees Goku and his allies inexplicably shrunk into miniature forms, prompting a journey to the Demon Realm. This animated adventure, part of the Dragon Ball franchise, explores their mission to solve the mystery and restore their original statures. Released in October 2024.
