Dragon Ball Daimamight have ended, but its repercussions are still being felt almost a month after its grand finale. Goku’s quest to defeat the Demon King was undoubtedly a memorable adventure that changed how fans of Akira Toriyama’s work saw the world he created. Nonetheless, most viewers are aware that some of its biggest revelations and plot twists left behind massive plotholes in the timeline.
The issue has been so pervasive in the fandom, that even the team behind the series has come to learn about it. Proof of this is a recent interview with the belovedKatsuyoshi Nakatsuru, one of the most prominent animators and character designers in the franchise. When asked about the problemsDaimacaused for theDragon Balltimeline, the producer impliedthe series could stripSuperfrom its canon status.
Nakatsuru Shares His Opinions on Daima’s Plotholes
Super Saiyan 4 Might Have Confirmed Super Is Not Canon
On August 11, 2025, a popular French influencer by the name of Sofian le GEEK led an interview with Nakatsuru about his work onDragon Ball Daima, translated by user @Venixys. The conversation, which focused mostly on the artist’s opinions about the franchise, quickly developed intoa discussion about the controversy surrounding the latest entry. When the topic of the Super Saiyan 4 transformation andthe challenge it creates for the sequelwere approached, the interviewer made sure to address the transformation’s absence during theSupermanga, which made many fans doubt its status as canon.
“It Would Be Interesting”: Dragon Ball Isn’t Opposed to Making Super Saiyan 4 Trunks Happen
In a post-interview question, a Dragon Ball staff member had an interesting take on Trunks ascending to Super Saiyan 4, something many fans would love
Nakatsuru, who was seemingly not aware of this issue before the interview, judging by his hesitation while answering, stated that he was not aware of such changes. Despite his extensive work on the series, the issue ofSuperbeing canon was not a concern of the team. Nonetheless, the artist did comment thatit might be possible thatSupercould become non-canon after the release ofDaima. In his words, the story of Goku’s adventure in the Demon Realm could have a deeper meaning that he has not yet been made aware of.
Daima Likely Did Not Make Super Non-Canon
The Animator’s Answer Was Neither Denial nor Confirmation
Although Nakatsuru’s words aboutSuper’s canon status being in danger might cause alarm among fans, there is truly no need to worry about the issue. The animator’s words did not in any way confirm that the intention behindDaimawas to make the sequel series a part of an alternative universe. Despite how beloved and important Nakatsuru is to the franchise, it is unlikely that an animator will involve himself with the overarching story. It is no secret to fans that artists in the anime industry are often quite overworked, astheir conditions have only worsened over the years.
Nakatsuru’s doubts when addressing the issue are likely caused bythe lack of information he has about plans for the franchise’s future. Nevertheless, strippingSuperof its canon status would be one of the worst decisions the team behind the series could make. The sequel series is without a doubt one of the most popular among fans, with many viewers assured that it could even rival the popularity of the original. Moreover, followers are still impatiently awaiting the return of the manga series, despitethe many disappointing updates about the topic.
Is Super Saiyan 4 Tied to Super Saiyan God? Dragon Ball’s Staff Has an Answer
Fans have speculated that Daima’s Super Saiyan 4 may be connected to Super Saiyan God, and now a member of the staff has weighed in on the theory.
MakingSuperan alternative universe would only serve to hurt both the popularity of the widely successful sequel and ofDaima. As such, there is almost no possibility that the prequel will affect Kakarot’s multiversal quest in any way. If this was the decision taken, Nakatsuru would likely have been more certain about his answers and would not have given the interviewer a vague answer. Further details about this issue may be addressed in future entries in theSupermanga.
Daima’s Plotholes Can Still Be Mended
The Franchise Can Still Address the Issues Efficiently
Even though it is true that the lack of an explanation for Super Saiyan 4 has greatly hurt the timeline of theDragon Ballfranchise, there is still time for it to be fixed. The return of theSupermanga has still not been officially announced, meaning the team behind the series has time to include an explanation in other side materials. Furthermore, the last scene of theDaimaanimeopened the door for a second season to exist, meaning the Z Warriors could soon go back to the Demon Realm and explain why Goku never uses the form again.
Future entries in theDragon Ballfranchise will have the duty of mending the mistakes left behind by the ending ofDaima. Still, fans do not need to worry about any of their favoriteSuperadventures becoming non-canon, as the team behind the series has not given any indication this status could change soon.
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.
