Dragon Ball fans, get ready! Toonami is set to air Dragon Ball Daima, the latest installment in the legendary franchise and the last story written by the late Akira Toriyama, starting Saturday, June 14, at 12:30 AM. This premiere marks a significant moment for both Toonami and the Dragon Ball community.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
After being exclusive to streaming platforms for months, Dragon Ball Daima is finally making its way to broadcast television. While the series has already concluded its initial run with twenty episodes, its arrival on Toonami promises to introduce it to a broader audience and offer longtime fans a new way to experience the adventure.
Why the Delay?
The delay in bringing Dragon Ball Daima to Toonami has sparked some curiosity. With the rise of streaming services and complex licensing agreements, securing major programming has become increasingly challenging for Toonami. The inability to partner with Crunchyroll following Sony’s acquisition further complicated matters. Legal hurdles likely played a role in keeping Dragon Ball Daima off Toonami until now.
A Storied History
Toonami and Dragon Ball share a rich history. The programming block played a pivotal role in popularizing Dragon Ball Z in North America, introducing Goku and the Z-Fighters to a new generation and solidifying anime’s place in Western pop culture. Bringing Dragon Ball Daima to Toonami feels like a full-circle moment, honoring that legacy.
What to Expect from Dragon Ball Daima
Dragon Ball Daima takes place between the events of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super. In this new adventure, Goku and his friends are transformed into children due to a conspiracy. They discover that the cause of their transformation may lie in the Demon Realm, leading them on a quest to a mysterious world.
Toriyama’s Final Touch
Dragon Ball Daima holds special significance as the last Dragon Ball project personally written by Akira Toriyama, who passed away in March 2024. His unique writing style and sense of humor are evident throughout the series, which also features Easter eggs and nods to his other works, such as Dr. Slump.
A Unique Dragon Ball Adventure
Unlike previous installments, Dragon Ball Daima emphasizes adventure and exploration in an unknown world. Goku wields his Power Pole, a weapon not seen in the series for a long time, as he battles to restore his and his friends’ original forms.
Toonami’s Current Lineup
Here’s a look at Toonami’s lineup, with Dragon Ball Daima fitting in:
- 12:00 AM: Lazarus
- 12:30 AM: Dragon Ball Daima
- 1:15 AM: Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War
- 1:45 AM: Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga
- 2:15 AM: One Piece
- 2:45 AM: Naruto
- 3:15 AM: Sailor Moon
Streaming Availability
For those who prefer streaming, Dragon Ball Daima is also available on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu. Crunchyroll describes the series as: “Goku and company were living peaceful lives when they suddenly turned small due to a conspiracy! When they discover that the reason for this may lie in a world known as the ‘Demon Realm’, a mysterious young Majin named Glorio appears before them.”
Will There Be a Season 2?
The future of Dragon Ball Daima remains uncertain. The first season concluded with Goku and his friends returning to their adult forms, resolving the immediate conflict. While there are no confirmed plans for a second season, fans are hopeful that elements from Daima may influence future installments of Dragon Ball Super.
A Canon Super Saiyan 4?
Dragon Ball Daima has also sparked discussion about the potential return of Super Saiyan 4 to the Dragon Ball canon. While Goku and Vegeta currently possess Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego forms, seeing them access Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball Super would be a significant moment for fans.
Don’t Miss the Premiere
Whether you’re a longtime Dragon Ball enthusiast or a newcomer to the series, Dragon Ball Daima‘s arrival on Toonami is an event worth celebrating. Tune in on Saturday, June 14, at 12:30 AM and embark on a new adventure with Goku and his friends.
