The Dragon Ball franchise never stops surprising fans. With Dragon Ball Super on pause and no clear return date, the newest series — Dragon Ball DAIMA — has quickly become the center of attention. Recently, comments from the DAIMA production team have sparked huge debates online. Is DAIMA simply another spin-off, or is it truly the start of “a new Dragon Ball”?
Thanks to commentary included in the Japanese Blu-ray box set of Dragon Ball DAIMA, we now have a clearer answer from the series directors themselves.
What the Directors Said
In the Blu-ray commentary, Aya Komaki (series director), Yoshitaka Yashima (co-director), and Akio Iyoku (producer) discussed how they approached Episode 1 of DAIMA. While looking back at the flashback sequence from the episode “Conspiracy,” Komaki revealed something important:
“While evoking the past, we wanted to show a new DAIMA, to show a new Dragon Ball, without making it feel dated.”
This statement immediately set the fandom buzzing. By calling DAIMA “a new Dragon Ball,” Komaki made it clear the team wasn’t just reviving old memories — they wanted to create something fresh and modern.
Nostalgia Meets Modern Style
The flashback scenes in DAIMA revisited legendary moments from the Majin Buu Saga, such as:
- Majin Vegeta’s sacrifice against Buu.
- Goku’s final Spirit Bomb (Genki Dama) against Kid Buu.
But instead of copying them frame by frame, the staff added a polished, modern animation style. Fans quickly praised these moments as some of the best-looking Dragon Ball scenes in years — familiar, yet excitingly new.
What Does “A New Dragon Ball” Really Mean?
It’s important to note that Komaki’s words don’t officially confirm DAIMA as a reboot or a new timeline. Instead, her comment was more about the style and feeling of the anime.
- The team wanted DAIMA to look and feel fresh, while still honoring Toriyama’s past work.
- The script for DAIMA was written in detail by Akira Toriyama himself, ensuring it carried his authentic voice.
- The directors cared less about fitting DAIMA perfectly into Dragon Ball Super’s timeline, and more about creating an anime that truly felt like Dragon Ball.
Fans React: Reboot or Not?
Among fans, the debate is still alive:
- Some believe DAIMA could be the start of a new timeline, separate from Super.
- Others see it as a passion project — a way to keep Dragon Ball alive until Super continues.
- Most agree that whatever DAIMA is, it captures the spirit of Toriyama’s world better than many expected.
Conclusion
So, is Dragon Ball DAIMA a reboot? Not exactly. But according to Aya Komaki and the production team, it is meant to feel like “a new Dragon Ball.” With modern animation, careful attention to nostalgia, and Toriyama’s direct input, DAIMA stands as a fresh chapter in the franchise — even if it doesn’t replace Super.
👉 Whether you see it as a reboot or just a side story, one thing is certain: Dragon Ball DAIMA proves that the franchise is far from over.
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