Dragon Ball Daima, Goku’s latest anime adventure and Akira Toriyama’s final vision for his long-running, iconic franchise, has come to a close. A relatively concise 20-episode run is all the series needed to pack in as much of the adventure and action fans could ever want fromDragon Ball,even if some plot points were left unresolved by the end. The anime’s final episode may not have featured the climactic fusion battle fans had expected, but its lighthearted, whimsical, comedic tone was delivered in a way only Akira Toriyama could have managed to pull off.
Now thatDragon Ball Daimahas reached its conclusion, many are wondering what’s next for the franchise in the coming years. Series producerAkio Iyoku confirmed in a recent interviewthat he expects the series to continue for “decades to come”, and that they’re steadily preparing for the future even though Akira Toriyama’s absence has created difficulties.Whether it be anime, manga, or video games,Dragon Ballisn’t likely to go anywhere, though fans might have to wait some time before getting their hands on new material.
Daima’s Finale Brings a Drought of New Dragon Ball Content
No Future Plans Have Been Officially Revealed, Though There Is Reason For Hope
WithDragon Ball Daima’s finale officially in the books, the franchise currently has no active ongoing anime or manga series. TheDragon Ball Supermonthly manga was put on an indefinite hiatus following Akira Toriyama’s passing, and thougha new one-shot chapterwas just released in February,it brought no official confirmation of a full series return. A rights dispute over the series has been ongoing for some time, and until it is resolved, it may be smart to temper expectations of aDragon Ball Superrevival.
Dragon Ball Super Addresses Return Rumors With Disappointing Update
Dragon Ball Super’s manga just released a special one-shot chapter, but fans might not want to get their hopes up for a full return.
It’s likelyDragon Ballwill be entering a bit of a dry periodnow thatDaimahas been completed, but there is reason for hope going forward. On multiple occasions,producer Akio Iyoku hinted towards projectsbeing in the works, as well as a potential big announcement to come in 2025. A recent report from Toei Animation also revealedtwo unnamed films currently in production, which fans have speculated may beOne PieceandDragon Balltitles.Daima’s finale will bring a drought of new content for fans of the series, though there is reason for optimism ahead.
Daima Leaves the Door Open for Future Installments
The Anime’s Finale Wasn’t Exactly a Resolution
When announced,Dragon Ball Daimawas expected to be a one-off side story by fans of the series. However, the anime’s finale has left the door open for another season or film. Based on the official canon timeline of events and the opening of the series,Daimatakes place just after the victory over Kid Buu, while Beerus arrives four years later.There is still quite a bit of time left unexplored between the two events, andDaima, whether intentionally or not, ended before the possibility of further Demon Realm exploration would be made unlikely.
Most notably, the gang is never seen actually leaving the Demon Realm, making a pit stop inthe post-end credits scene. Back in the shop where Goku first bought the medi-bugs, a number of which went suspiciously unused, they discover two more Evil Third Eyes, and are left in shock before the humorous ending title card appears on-screen. Nothing has been confirmed just yet, though withDragon Ball Superin its suspended state, a continuation ofDaimamay be the most likely course of action ahead.
Dragon Ball Was Left in Good Hands
The Future of the Series Is Bright, Despite Its Creator No Longer Being Here
Continuing on with Akira Toriyama will be difficult, asDragon Ball’s creator became heavily involved in the anime’s more recent projects, likeDaimaand theDragon Ball Supertheatrical films.Though he will no longer be around to oversee his creation, the series is in good hands. Akio Iyoku had Toriyama’s full trust, and the creator wanted to leave the series in his hands at Capsule Corp. Tokyo, a company the two started together. Meanwhile,Dragon Ball Super’s illustrator, Toyotarou, was hand-picked by Toriyama to draw the series.
Dragon Ball Daima’s finale brings somewhat of a drought along with it,though there is reason for fans to be excited about the series' future. There may be challenges and road blocks along the way caused by Akira Toriyama’s absence, though it seems he had full trust in those now overseeing the franchise. While fans wait for news about upcoming releases, theDragon Ball DaimaEnglish dub is currently airing, and offers an experience with both new and familiar voices.
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.
