Dragon Ball Daima Is Officially Over, So What's Next For the Hit Anime?
What's next after Dragon Ball Daima?
Dragon Ball Daima, Goku's latest anime adventure and Akira Toriyama's final vision for his long-running, iconic franchise, has come to a close. A relatively concise 20-episode run is all the series needed to pack in as much of the adventure and action fans could ever want from Dragon Ball, even if some plot points were left unresolved by the end. The anime's final episode may not have featured the climactic fusion battle fans had expected, but its lighthearted, whimsical, comedic tone was delivered in a way only Akira Toriyama could have managed to pull off.
Now that Dragon Ball Daima has reached its conclusion, many are wondering what's next for the franchise in the coming years. Series producer Akio Iyoku confirmed in a recent interview that he expects the series to continue for "decades to come", and that they're steadily preparing for the future even though Akira Toriyama's absence has created difficulties. Whether it be anime, manga, or video games, Dragon Ball isn't likely to go anywhere, though fans might have to wait some time before getting their hands on new material.
Daima's Finale Brings a Drought of New Dragon Ball ContentNo Future Plans Have Been Officially Revealed, Though There Is Reason For Hope
With Dragon Ball Daima's finale officially in the books, the franchise currently has no active ongoing anime or manga series. The Dragon Ball Super monthly manga was put on an indefinite hiatus following Akira Toriyama's passing, and though a new one-shot chapter was just released in February, it brought no official confirmation of a full series return. A rights dispute over the series has been ongoing for some time, and until it is resolved, it may be smart to temper expectations of a Dragon Ball Super revival.
RelatedDragon Ball Super Addresses Return Rumors With Disappointing Update
Dragon Ball Super's manga just released a special one-shot chapter, but fans might not want to get their hopes up for a full return.
It's likely Dragon Ball will be entering a bit of a dry period now that Daima has been completed, but there is reason for hope going forward. On multiple occasions, producer Akio Iyoku hinted towards projects being in the works, as well as a potential big announcement to come in 2025. A recent report from Toei Animation also revealed two unnamed films currently in production, which fans have speculated may be One Piece and Dragon Ball titles. Daima's finale will bring a drought of new content for fans of the series, though there is reason for optimism ahead.
Daima Leaves the Door Open for Future InstallmentsThe Anime's Finale Wasn't Exactly a Resolution
When announced, Dragon Ball Daima was expected to be a one-off side story by fans of the series. However, the anime's finale has left the door open for another season or film. Based on the official canon timeline of events and the opening of the series, Daima takes place just after the victory over Kid Buu, while Beerus arrives four years later. There is still quite a bit of time left unexplored between the two events, and Daima, whether intentionally or not, ended before the possibility of further Demon Realm exploration would be made unlikely.
Most notably, the gang is never seen actually leaving the Demon Realm, making a pit stop in the post-end credits scene. Back in the shop where Goku first bought the medi-bugs, a number of which went suspiciously unused, they discover two more Evil Third Eyes, and are left in shock before the humorous ending title card appears on-screen. Nothing has been confirmed just yet, though with Dragon Ball Super in its suspended state, a continuation of Daima may be the most likely course of action ahead.
Dragon Ball Was Left in Good HandsThe Future of the Series Is Bright, Despite Its Creator No Longer Being Here
Continuing on with Akira Toriyama will be difficult, as Dragon Ball's creator became heavily involved in the anime's more recent projects, like Daima and the Dragon Ball Super theatrical films. Though he will no longer be around to oversee his creation, the series is in good hands. Akio Iyoku had Toriyama's full trust, and the creator wanted to leave the series in his hands at Capsule Corp. Tokyo, a company the two started together. Meanwhile, Dragon Ball Super's illustrator, Toyotarou, was hand-picked by Toriyama to draw the series.
Dragon Ball Daima's finale brings somewhat of a drought along with it, though there is reason for fans to be excited about the series' future. There may be challenges and road blocks along the way caused by Akira Toriyama's absence, though it seems he had full trust in those now overseeing the franchise. While fans wait for news about upcoming releases, the Dragon Ball Daima English dub is currently airing, and offers an experience with both new and familiar voices.
Dragon Ball DAIMA
Writers
Akira Toriyama
Franchise(s)
Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball DAIMA is the fifth overall series in the action-adventure anime franchise. It features most of the classic cast members as de-aged versions of themselves, including Goku, Vegeta, and Bulma. The series was announced at NYCC 2023, with creator Akira Toriyama returning to handle DAIMA's run.