“Dragon Ball DAIMA,” an all-new “Dragon Ball” anime series, will begin airing on October 11, 2024. Along with this announcement, the second key visual and official trailer were released, revealing the participation of Yumiko Kobayashi, Uchiyama Koki, and Fairouz Ai, as well as details about the opening theme song.
“Dragon Ball”, originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1984 for about a decade and a half, is a representative manga of Japan created by Akira Toriyama. The series has sold over 260 million copies worldwide, an astonishing record. Even after its serialization ended, “Dragon Ball” has continued to captivate fans through television anime, films, games, and various media adaptations, maintaining its immense global popularity.
Its momentum shows no signs of slowing down. In 2013, the “Dragon Ball” film series was revived after 17 years, leading to subsequent successes. In 2015, “Dragon Ball Super,” based on a story by Akira Toriyama, debuted. The film “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” was released in 2022 and ranked first in both the domestic box office and opening weekend in the United States. Now, as the 40th anniversary of the original manga’s debut approaches, “Dragon Ball DAIMA,” an all-new anime series with a story and character designs by Toriyama, marks a new chapter in its history.
This is also the anime that marks the last involvement of artist Akira Toriyama in the “Dragon Ball” anime series before his passing earlier this year. He was responsible for the story and character designs, working alongside his colleagues from the “Dragon Ball Daima” team, including series director Yoshitaka Yashima and Aya Komaki.
The series is expected to become the “Dragon Ball” series with the most consistent and beautiful animation quality because the entire season has been fully produced before it airs. There will not be the same daily rush to meet broadcast schedules as in previous series. However, this series is not very long (about 20 episodes) and is intended to commemorate the 40th anniversary of “Dragon Ball”. As a result, it will be more polished than the longest series with over a hundred episodes.
The second key visual just revealed reveals the face of Panji, a new character who was previously shown wearing a mask and cape. Behind Panji, Goma and another mysterious character can be seen watching a miniature Goku and his companions. The tagline has also evolved from the first key visual “Welcome to the Grand Adventure!!” to “Welcome to the Great Demon Realm!!”, indicating that the setting will take place in the “Great Demon Realm”.
In this mysterious world of conspiracies known as the Great Demon Kingdom, miniature Goku, miniature Supreme Kai, and new characters Glorio and Panji will embark on an epic adventure. Anticipation is rising for this new Dragon Ball story set in an exciting and unknown world.
The official trailer introduces a mysterious new world never before seen in Dragon Ball, starting with a cryptic spell. As a result of an “unknown conspiracy,” Goku (mini) and Supreme Kai (mini), along with new characters Glorio and Panji, venture into the Great Demon Kingdom, all to the lively new opening theme. The trailer also teases a Supreme Kai-like figure, a mysterious smiling woman, and lurking monsters, further deepening the intrigue surrounding the new characters.
Yumiko Kobayashi has been announced to voice the mini version of Supreme Kai, who, along with Goku, has been shrunk due to this “unknown conspiracy.” Additionally, Uchiyama Koki will voice Glorio, a new character who joins Goku and his companions, while Fairouz Ai will voice Panji, a new character whose face was revealed after removing her mask. Kobayashi, Uchiyama, and Fairouz will also appear at the “Dragon Ball Daimatsu” event held on October 6 at Tokyo Big Sight. Each actor shared their thoughts on being part of the cast.
Additionally, it was announced that the opening theme song, titled “Jaka Jaan” by Zedd featuring C&K, was created specifically for the series. Zedd, a Grammy-winning artist, has long been an avowed “Dragon Ball” fan and composed the song after receiving an offer from “Dragon Ball DAIMA.” This is the first time Zedd has composed a theme song for an animated work.
The lyrics were written by Yukinojo Mori, who wrote several iconic “Dragon Ball” songs such as “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” and “Limit Break x Survivor.” Songwriting duo C&K also participated in composing and performing the song, adding a chorus requested by Zedd, who wanted the song to have a Japanese anime feel. Zedd, Mori, and C&K members CLIEVY and KEEN all shared their thoughts on the collaboration.
The all-new anime series Dragon Ball DAIMA will air on Fuji TV from October 11, 2024 at 23:40 (JST). The official website has also been revamped, and more updates are eagerly awaited.
Comments from the voice actors and artists:
Mini Supreme Kai (voiced by Yumiko Kobayashi): “Dragon Ball was a life-changing job for me, so just being able to audition for this movie felt like a huge accomplishment, and I thought, “I have no regrets!” I really didn’t expect to be selected, so I kept asking myself, “What if this was a dream?” I’ll make sure to provide an unforgettable adventure for everyone who watches Dragon Ball DAIMA! You can’t wait!”
Glorio (voiced by Uchiyama Koki): “I never thought I would be a part of Dragon Ball, so it was an honor to be chosen through this wonderful opportunity. Whether you are a hardcore fan or new to Dragon Ball, I think it is a series that everyone can enjoy. The action is, of course, incredible, but the entire show is visually rich and fast-paced, so I hope you will watch until the end!“
Panji (voiced by Ai Fairouz): “I am so honored to be a part of Dragon Ball, a series loved by people all over the world. I believe DAIMA captures the charm of the Dragon Ball world. The characters go on many adventures, and every place they visit is filled with interesting stories. I think viewers will feel like they are on this adventure too! Please enjoy the ride.“
Zedd: “I can’t believe they considered me to produce music for Dragon Ball. I’ve been a huge fan since I was a kid and never thought the day would come when I could be involved in something like this. Composing a theme song and soundtrack was a dream come true for me. It’s surreal to create music for a series I’ve loved since childhood.“
Yukinojo Mori: “Dragon Ball has pushed me to push my lyrical limits many times. But I secretly wondered, “Can my words keep up with a stronger Goku?” (laughs). But leave it to Toriyama-sensei! With DAIMA, he has shifted the focus from “battles” to “adventures,” leading us into a thrilling new world. When your heart feels small from hardship, I hope you’ll remember DAIMA and hum this fanfare we created with Zedd and C&K. May it give you courage for your next step.“
CLIENTELE (C&K): “When we were asked to take on this important role, I thought it had to be a joke! My honest reaction was, “Are we really good enough for this!?”‘”
KEEN (C&K): “When they approached us to work on Dragon Ball, a series I have loved for so long, I was so moved. I can’t wait to see how Dragon Ball DAIMA will impact both children and adults. I am proud to be part of such a great project!“
Source: animeanime
