Episode 20 of Dragon Ball DAIMA, titled Maximum, marked the series finale with a celebration of the universe created by Akira Toriyama. The final chapter featured a visually stunning battle, moments of tension, and an unexpected ending reminiscent of 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 enduring influence on pop culture.
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Since its announcement, Dragon Ball DAIMA has sparked curiosity and generated debate among fans, especially for presenting a different approach. The series avoided exaggerating the clichés of the shonen genre, opting for a balance between nostalgia and innovation. Despite some controversial choices throughout the plot, the final episode provided 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 blows, the fluidity of the movements, and the grand scale of the fight created a memorable sequence. Complete with colossal explosions and devastating techniques, the combat demonstrated the production's evolution 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 surprised viewers by introducing an inverted color effect during the battle, resulting in a unique aesthetic reminiscent of the franchise's best animations. The participation of Naotoshi Shida, a veteran animator responsible for iconic sequences in Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, ensured that this confrontation was one of the series' high points.
At the climax of the battle, Goku managed to create a dimensional rift 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 an epic way, but the script surprised by taking an unexpected turn.
An unexpected twist and Toriyama's characteristic humor
Contrary to what many expected, it wasn't Goku who delivered the final blow to Gomah. In a surprising and comical twist, Majin Kuu ended up being responsible for sealing the victory. The character, who until then had played a secondary role, was the only one to hit 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, such as Oolong thwarting Pilaf's plans by wishing for panties or Yajirobe cutting off Vegeta's tail in Oozaru form. Dragon Ball DAIMA chose to end its plot with a light and fun approach, instead of focusing solely on unrestrained action. The result was an unexpected ending, but 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, mixing moments of tension with the franchise's characteristic humor.
The legacy continues: Does Dragon Ball still have a future?
Although the final episode was satisfying for many, some loose ends left room for discussion among fans. Characters like Piccolo had less prominence than expected, and the absence of a fusion between Goku and Vegeta, as well as the non-appearance of Super Saiyan 4 Vegeta, were points of disappointment for some viewers.
Nevertheless, the ending of Dragon Ball DAIMA fulfilled its role of honoring Akira Toriyama and reinforcing the importance of the franchise. The final episode not only celebrated Goku's journey, but also reminded the audience that Dragon Ball has always been more than just battles – its essence also 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 it's likely that the universe created by Toriyama still has much to offer in the future.