Spoiler Alert !!!
This article contains spoilers for Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 7.
It makes me happy to see how every episode of Dragon Ball DAIMA is better than the previous one. Each of them introduces something new about the Demon Realm that not only contributes to the world-building but also to the character development of everyone involved. The pacing of this anime fluctuates in many factors but also adds to how well it works in the overall aspect of storytelling.
There were many elements of interest in this episode from the fact that there was social commentary to also how finally there would be a big fight, even after almost half the series had finished. Visually, the anime has been a spectacle to behold with Toei Animation delivering one episode after another with scenery that would have even the most avid Dragon Ball fans gasping in awe.
Dragon Ball DAIMA is Introducing Social Commentary
Much of Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 7 focused on Panzy’s collar, as is the name of the episode as well. While at first glance it would feel like a necklace, it becomes clear that it is but a way for the people of the First Demon World to control those considered below them. Panzy, who has been wearing that collar for the majority of her life hates how it grows with her, as if the collar is more so a part of her existence. She wears a scarf around it, hiding the collar as if she hated how it was forcefully connected to her.
Moreover, everyone in the Third Demon World is forced to wear these collars around their neck which Panzy assumes was made by the infamous Dr. Arinsu. Although Kaioshin, or Nahare as was revealed, was able to get rid of the collar; her first thought was to make sure that everyone else could get a hand on that trick as well. Not only does it speak about the classist division within the Demon Realm but it also contributes to how good of a princess Panzy really is, especially with her need to save her people from the discrimination she too has to endure.
Dragon Ball throwing social commentary in an anime that purposefully made everyone into kids was not on my bingo card but I am not complaining either. Bulma, Vegeta, and Piccolo find a way to the Demon Realm which is rather sad, putting all of Bulma’s efforts to waste after Goku sends someone from the Third Demon World to fetch them. What I found cute was how the moment the ship came, Vegeta jumped in front of Bulma in a protective stance.
Goku Gets Humbled
The fight sequence of this episode was interesting with how it wasn’t even focused on Goku. Nahare and Glorio team up against the Germadarie to save Panzy with our protagonist delivering the final blow. The entire scene was fun to watch and it showed how the team had bonded despite how different all of them were. Much about the Glind was revealed, stating that despite Kaioshin’s time on Earth, his roots lay in the Demon Realm.
Ironically, Goku admits he had been an absentee father after Panzy points out how difficult it must have been for someone as immature and simple-minded as him to raise children. His maturity level makes it impossible for him to actually be a good dad let alone be present in much of their growth and that was blatantly addressed too. The amount of information that has been dropping in the recent episodes has been rather favorable in my opinion. I like a story that has more depth no matter how beautiful or lacking it may be.
Even if the animation of a show is not up to mark, as long as the series is good, it doesn’t matter so much. For Dragon Ball DAIMA, the anime has both going for it. The upcoming episode would feature one of the biggest fights of the anime yet, Goku going up against the Third Tamagami. This would be the first step towards them gaining the Dragon Balls of the Demon Realm and finally undoing the curse that has befallen them.
Rating: 8/10
Dragon Ball DAIMA is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 7 Addresses a Crippling Goku Criticism Even Akira Toriyama Forgot about
Dragon Ball DAIMA is not afraid to speak the truth whether about Goku being a deadbeat dad or about the discrimination in the Demon Realm.