Surprise Revelation: Dragon Ball DAIMA Wasn't Originally Planned as 40th Anniversary Series

In a surprising turn of events, Dragon Ball franchise producer Akio Iyoku has revealed that Dragon Ball DAIMA was never initially conceived as a 40th-anniversary project. This revelation, shared during an interview with Japanese website Sakigake, has added another layer of intrigue to the already compelling series that's approaching its finale.

A Fortunate Coincidence

"It wasn't made specifically for the anniversary," Iyoku explained in the interview, translated by SupaChronicles. "But I'm really glad that it ended up coinciding with it." The producer emphasized that the Dragon Ball team's philosophy has always focused on forward momentum rather than milestone celebrations. This organic approach to content creation, according to Iyoku, often yields better results than forcing projects to fit specific commemorative occasions.

Bridging Past and Present

Dragon Ball DAIMA has garnered particular attention for its clever connections to both the original Dragon Ball series and the popular spin-off Dragon Ball GT. The new series revisits the concept of Goku's transformation into a younger version of himself, a plot device familiar to GT fans. However, DAIMA expands this concept by applying the transformation to multiple characters, creating fresh storytelling opportunities while honoring the franchise's legacy.

A Bittersweet Farewell

The series has taken on additional significance as it represents the final Dragon Ball project with direct involvement from series creator Akira Toriyama before his untimely passing. Set chronologically after the Majin Buu saga, DAIMA serves as both a canonical entry in the series and a touching farewell to Toriyama's incredible legacy.

Looking to the Future

While DAIMA wasn't originally planned as an anniversary celebration, its timing has proved serendipitous. The show successfully bridges multiple generations of Dragon Ball fans, allowing longtime followers to share a GT-like experience with their children while enjoying fresh narrative elements. With Iyoku teasing future announcements for the franchise, fans are eagerly anticipating what's next for the beloved series.