The Screen Scribe

In many ways, the end of episode 5 feels very much like the end of the first chapter of this new story in Dragon Ball Daima. By embracing it’s unique structure that is wholly new to Dragon Ball, and reinventing old Dragon Ball tropes, Daima has truly cemented itself as a must watch edition of the Dragon Ball franchise. By the end of episode 5 we have the final member of the team, Panzy, fully join and contribute her skillset. In many ways, she is the Demon World fusion of Chi-Chi and Bulma and is a perfect addition to the roster. And while I’m loving this new team and their dynamic, I find myself wondering how much longer the narrative can get away with sidelining its established roster of Z-Fighters.

I for one am very much missing Vegeta.

Episode 5 spends much of its runtime introducing us (and the team) to Panzy and she becomes a delightful foil for Goku and Shin. Goku continues to be absolutely hilarious at times, oblivious and enthusiastic as only he can be, and it’s a delight to watch him bounce off of Panzy. I’m still on the fence regarding Glorio, as the episode progresses it becomes quite evident that his initial story has some holes in it and will make for interesting narrative development down the line. Shin is still somewhat of the side character of the group and the least developed. I would like to see more for him to do, especially in combat.

We finally get to see Goku truly flex his Saiyan muscles in an all-out fist fight against the Demon King of the Third Demon Worlds (my God that’s a mouthful) soldiers in a sparring contest, where he briefly unleashes his Super Saiyan form, and it looks pristine and stunning to behold in this new animation style.

The episode ends with our newly assembled team embarking on a mission all Dragon Ball fans are familiar: a quest to find the Dragon Balls. There are only three, one for each of the three Demon Kingdoms, each guarded by a Tamigami. We now have a clear questline, and our team have a method of transportation (eh, briefly) as the introductory episodes come to a close.

Now, hopefully the real fun can begin.

3 / 5 ✨ from the Screen Scribe.

Dragon Ball Daima airs every Friday on Netflix and Crunchyroll.