Dragon Ball DAIMAarrived in October 2024 as the first newDragon BallTV series in six years, continuing the saga even after theloss of creator Akira Toriyama. Made to mark the franchise’s 40th anniversary, the series stood out because Toriyama helped with the original story and character designs, making his vision central to every detail.
Among its boldest decisions was shrinking Goku and other characters into smaller forms, a move that baffled some viewers. Now, in newly surfaced comments,DAIMAproducer Akio Ino explained the real reasoning. The transformation was designed to bring a fresh layer of charm and surprise, aiming to engage loyal fans while pulling in a younger generation of viewers.
An Original Story Built Around the Demon Realm
The Idea First Emerged During Film Production
Set after the Majin Buu arc,DAIMAfollowed Goku and friends as they explored the mysterious Demon Realm after being transformed by a sinister conspiracy. Featuring new characters and unpredictable turns, the series gave audiences the same kind of weekly anticipation they felt when readingWeekly Shōnen Jumpduring the franchise’s early days.
Producer Akio Ino revealed that the concept began about six years earlier while working onDragon Ball Super: Super Hero. “We wanted a new series apart from the movies,” he said. Initially, Toriyama was only supposed to review ideas, but “he became so enthusiastic that he ended up creating most of it.” This enthusiasm shaped the foundation ofDAIMA.
Designing An Anime For Parents And Children Alike
Why Making Goku Small Changed Everything
The team aimed to makeDAIMAsomething that parents and children could watch together.“We targeted people in their early 30s or older who now have kids,” Ino explained.By echoing the feel ofDragon Ball GT, where Goku was also turned into a child, the series connected with nostalgic viewers while giving younger audiences a fun entry point.
Ino said that making Goku small “widened the entry point” for viewers. WhileSuperfocused on Goku chasing greater power,DAIMAshowcased a lighter tone with dynamic Power Pole battles. The smaller design made him both cool and endearing, offering a new kind of appeal while remainingfirmly rooted in theDragon Ballspirit.
Bridging Generations Through Storytelling Choices
Connections To the Original Manga Were Intentional
Each episode began with a short recap of Goku’s past adventures, drawn in a classic style updated for modern animation. “Toriyama-sensei wanted it to be understandable for first-time viewers,” Ino said. These moments both charmed longtime fans and eased newcomers into the world, keeping the balance between nostalgia and accessibility.
Ino confirmed thatDAIMAwas directly connected to the events afterthe Majin Buu arc. The series revealed surprising lore, such as the origins of Supreme Kais and Namekians. One detail stunned even Ino: “All characters with pointed ears are residents of the Demon Realm.” This consistent worldbuilding added depth without forcing new settings.
Maintaining The Essence While Taking Creative Risks
So That’s Why Kid Goku Returned To The Screen
The producers worked to preserve what madeDragon Ballbeloved while exploring new territory. “If we keep doing the same thing, people will get bored,” Ino said. The challenge was introducing changes without losing the essence of the franchise, ensuring that both old and new fans stayed engaged.
By the timeDAIMAended in February 2025, fans understood the reasoning behind the smaller Goku. The choice blended nostalgia, novelty, and broader audience appeal. With the series concluded,the question now is whereDragon Ballwill go next. Whatever the direction, the team’s willingness to take risks suggests the journey is far from over.
