Warning: Contains spoilers for Dragon Ball Daima Episode #8
Dragon Ball Daima hasn’t hesitated in rewriting the franchise’s long-running, established history. Already, the series has altered the origins of Namekians, expanded on the history and lore of the Kais, and addressedplot holes that have plaguedDragon Ballfor years. WhileDaimais certainly a passion project by the late Akira Toriyama and those working on the anime, the series also seems to want toexpand and establishDragon Balllore just as much as it wants to celebrate it. And the most recent Episode #8, titled, “Tamagami”, brings along yet another retcon.
Following Goku’s highly energetic andvisually delightful bout with Tamigami #3, the episode shifts focus back to the Demon Realm’s shady trio of Gomah, Degesu, and Arinsu. From the castle, the evil King resumes watching highlights of the fight between the Earthlings and Majin Buu, and interestingly, spots a familiar figure in the background. It turns out that during Buu’s rampage,Arinsu was stealthily in the background collecting samples of the big pink terror.
The Demon doctor’s plans are not revealed in their entirety during the episode, but it isn’t a stretch to assume that she’s up to no good. Her forced inclusion in a scene from a 30-year-old anime may seem out of the blue to some fans, but those extra familiar with Toriyama’s writing might not be all that surprised. The series' author has never been afraid to make changes to his own story, and the moment may have evenreminded fans of a similar, previous plot development.
Daima’s Newest Retcon is Reminiscent of the Cell Saga
A Seemingly Random Retcon Also Kick-Started the Cell Saga
It may seem to some that Arinsu was just shoehorned into a scene for the sake of plot development. And while that belief isn’t entirely unfounded, forcing previously unseen characters or objects into prior events is not new toDragon Ball. In fact, Akira Toriyama used the exact same writing tacticto jump start one of the series' most iconic arcs, the Cell Saga. Though the detail is often overlooked, the only reason the Androids had any knowledge of Earth’s fighters is because Toriyama decided to write in a tiny ladybug-like spying device that followed Goku through his every battle.
Of course, the device was never actually featured in the story prior to its reveal, much like Arinsu was not originally featured in the Buu Saga. Toriyama likely needed a reason for Dr. Gero’s knowledge and strength, and so he simply wrote one in. Unfortunately for the scientist cyborg, the spy bug missed out on the events of the Namek Saga, which saw dramatic increases in strength for every fighter. Nevertheless, this one small retcon kick-started what would eventually become a fan favorite arc.
Dragon Ball Daima Makes Major Retcon to Majin Buu’s Origins
Dragon Ball Daima just made a substantial change to Majin Buu’s origins, and it could hint at what Daima’s final enemy may look like.
The similarities do not stop at just the inclusion of previously unseen details either. Both Arinsu and Gero areevil scientists collecting samples of data on fighters to use for their own shady motives. ThoughDaimahas utilized many of the events of the Buu Saga to shape its own story, it might actually be using the Cell Saga as its main inspiration for upcoming events.
Dr. Arinsu Wants to Create a New Majin Buu
Arinsu’s motives remain unclear, though her obsession with collecting the Dragon Balls and samples of Buu don’t exactly seem good. Like Glorio, with whom the mysterious Glind is working, she wants to overthrow King Gomah and claims to beattempting to create a new Majin to do so. Whileoverthrowing the evil King wouldn’t be the worst thing to happen to the Demon Realm, it is what Arinsu plans to do after succeeding that is worrying.
With no one to rule and the Dragon Balls in hand, the shady doctor will have no one to stand in her way. The possibility exists that a character will finally use a wish for immortality,like so many villains have aspired toward but failed to achievein the past.
Dragon Ball Daimaseems tofinally be putting its overarching story into motion, and its recent eighth episode is filled with potentially consequential plot developments. Funnily enough, its most important may be the retcon which places Arinsu in the background of Majin Vegeta’s sacrifice, much like the seemingly random retcon which once jump started the Cell Saga. With all the pieces seemingly now in play, upcoming episodes ofDragon Ball Daimaare certain to entertain and continue to push the plot forward.
Dragon Ball DAIMA
Cast
Dragon Ball Daima sees Goku and his allies inexplicably shrunk into miniature forms, prompting a journey to the Demon Realm. This animated adventure, part of the Dragon Ball franchise, explores their mission to solve the mystery and restore their original statures. Released in October 2024.
