Episode 20 of Dragon Ball DAIMA , titled Maximum, marked the series' conclusion with a celebration of the universe created by Akira Toriyama. The final chapter featured a visually stunning battle, tense moments, and an unexpected ending that harkened back to the franchise's classic humor. Released exactly one year after Toriyama's death, the episode became a moving tribute to the creator of Dragon Ball, reinforcing his lasting influence on pop culture.
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Since its announcement, Dragon Ball DAIMA has sparked curiosity and debate among fans, especially for its unique approach. The series avoided overdoing shonen clichés, striking a balance between nostalgia and innovation. Despite some controversial choices throughout the plot, the final episode brought a worthy conclusion, honoring the journey of Goku and his allies.
A visually spectacular battle marks the climax of the series
The first half of the episode was entirely dedicated to the confrontation between Goku and Gomah, a clash that elevated the series' animation to a new level. The choreography of the strikes, the fluidity of the movements, and the grand scale of the fight created a memorable sequence. Complete with colossal explosions and devastating techniques, the fight demonstrated the entire evolution of the production throughout the series.
One of the most memorable moments was the activation of Super Saiyan 4, featuring one of the most detailed and visually impressive scenes. Furthermore, the art direction was surprising, introducing a color inversion effect during the battle, resulting in a unique aesthetic reminiscent of the franchise's best animations. The involvement of Naotoshi Shida, the veteran animator responsible for iconic sequences in Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, ensured that this confrontation was one of the series' highlights.
At the climax of the battle, Goku managed to create a dimensional tear in the Demon Realm, reinforcing the grandeur of his powers. However, despite the visual spectacle and the intensity of the fight, the great villain was not yet defeated. The expectation was that the final Kamehameha would end the battle in epic fashion, but the script surprised everyone by taking an unexpected turn.
An unexpected twist and Toriyama's signature humor
Contrary to what many expected, it wasn't Goku who delivered the final blow to Gomah. In a surprising and comical outcome, Majin Kuu ended up sealing the victory. The character, who until then had a secondary role, was the only one to strike the villain's weak point three times in a row, fulfilling the necessary condition to defeat him.
This unexpected twist recalls classic moments from the franchise, like Oolong foiling Pilaf's plans by wishing for a pair of panties or Yajirobe cutting off Vegeta's tail in his Oozaru form. Dragon Ball DAIMA chose to conclude its plot with a lighthearted and entertaining approach, rather than focusing solely on the frantic action. The result was an unexpected ending, yet consistent with Akira Toriyama's style.
With Gomah's defeat, Majin Kuu assumed the title of Supreme Demon King. His playful and clumsy personality contrasted with the threat posed by the defeated villain, ensuring that the Demon Realm would no longer be dominated by cruelty. The ending followed Dragon Ball tradition, blending moments of tension with the franchise's signature humor.
The legacy continues: Does Dragon Ball still have a future?
While the final episode was satisfying for many, some loose ends left fans arguing. Characters like Piccolo were less prominent than expected, and the lack of a fusion between Goku and Vegeta, as well as the absence of Super Saiyan 4 Vegeta, were disappointing for some viewers.
Still, Dragon Ball DAIMA's ending fulfilled its role of paying tribute to Akira Toriyama and reinforcing the franchise's importance. The final episode not only celebrated Goku's journey but also reminded audiences that Dragon Ball has always been more than battles—its essence lies in its humor, charismatic characters, and spirit of adventure.
Even with the end of Dragon Ball DAIMA, the franchise's legacy lives on. Dragon Ball's cultural impact continues to inspire new generations, and Toriyama's universe likely has much to offer in the future.
