It’s easy to forget that there was once a time in Dragon Ball when there was only a unique set of titular balls that could grant a single wish, once a year. Dragon Ball has evolved to include different and more powerful Dragon Ball sets on other planets as well as Super Dragon Balls. Dragon Ball GT introduces the Black Star Dragon Balls, which become the main plot point of the entire series.
These were created by the Nameless Namekian before Kami and Demon King Piccolo separated and tainted the energy due to the impurity of the creator. The footage in the Dragon Ball DAIMA trailer certainly makes it seem like there is a new Dragon Ball set in the mix, and that it might even be a version of the Dragon Ball GT Black Star Dragon Balls. DAIMA has to be careful how they implement this idea and now they suddenly introduce a new set of Dragon Balls whenever it’s convenient.

Goku Is Accompanied By A Lackluster Partner

Another major criticism that has been leveled at Dragon Ball GT is that Pan becomes the show’s second main character. Goku, Pan, and Trunks go into space to retrieve the Black Star Dragon Balls, but Pan sticks around and gets the most screen time besides Goku. Dragon Ball GT obviously wants to appeal to a younger audience, so a strong focus on Pan makes sense, but that doesn’t mean other characters can’t accompany them on their adventures. The Dragon Ball GT experience ultimately hinges on the audience’s relationship with Pan, and those who dislike the character tend to be disappointed by the series.

This highlights the importance of the anime’s main cast, and Dragon Ball GT would have such a different energy if Gohan, Vegeta, Piccolo, or Uub were given the same love as Pan. Dragon Ball DAIMA seems to pair Goku with Shin, the Eastern Supreme Kai. Shin is often overlooked, but if the character doesn’t come together, DAIMA may experience the same problems that came Dragon Ball GT’s way. The smartest approach would be to introduce a rotating cast of supporting players who help Goku in different episodes, but it remains to be seen if that’s how DAIMA works.

There’s A Clip Show Episode In The Middle Of An Action-Heavy Story Arc

 Anime series often have to stick to tight production schedules, and there are plenty of Dragon Ball episodes throughout the series that feature subpar animation and other concessions in an effort to get the show on time. However, one particularly glaring shortcut that Dragon Ball GT uses is that Episode 55, “The Heart of the Prince”, is one big clip show. There are previous Dragon Ball episodes that feature flashbacks to the past and comforting moments of nostalgia. However, “The Heart of the Prince” goes too far in this area and feels like a wasted episode. The footage of the clip focuses entirely on Vegeta’s competitive relationship with Goku and all that his fellow Saiyan has accomplished in the time they’ve known each other.

Such insight isn’t inherently a problem, but Vegeta has gone through the same introspective identity crisis several times before, including in the final episodes of Dragon Ball Z when Goku takes on Kid Buu. Dragon Ball fans would probably be frustrated if Dragon Ball DAIMA devoted an entire episode to flashbacks and memories of previous events. The series could tackle the same territory and achieve the same goal in a way that isn’t so lazy. Even the old events that are animated in the new Dragon Ball DAIMA animation style would be an acceptable replacement.
Such insight isn’t inherently a problem, but Vegeta has gone through the same introspective identity crisis several times before, including in the final episodes of Dragon Ball Z when Goku takes on Kid Buu. Dragon Ball fans would probably be frustrated if Dragon Ball DAIMA devoted an entire episode to flashbacks and memories of previous events. The series could tackle the same territory and achieve the same goal in a way that isn’t so lazy. Even the old events that are animated in the new Dragon Ball DAIMA animation style would be an acceptable replacement.

Goku Is Responsible For Every Major Villain’s Defeat

 The Dragon Ball franchise’s obsession with Goku is nothing new, and in many series he is the character who celebrates a big victory over any central antagonist. Increasingly aware of this, Dragon Ball Super tried to break away from this formula and offer a more subversive solution to battles. Unfortunately, Dragon Ball GT is the worst in this area and every villain is defeated by Goku and no one else gets to shine.

It’s quite disappointing that in a series that creates seven evil shadow dragons, Goku still defeats them and that Omega Shenron can’t even be eliminated by Gogeta so that Vegeta can share in some of that winning. The audience loves Goku, but hates seeing him as the only one who rises to the occasion. It’s just not a dynamic narrative. Dragon Ball DAIMA hopefully realizes this and allows other characters to rise to the top and prove their worth. That being said, it’s already somewhat alarming that Goku is the only character seen in battle in the DAIMA trailer and marketing materials.
It’s quite disappointing that in a series that creates seven evil shadow dragons, Goku still defeats them and that Omega Shenron can’t even be eliminated by Gogeta so that Vegeta can share in some of that winning. The audience loves Goku, but hates seeing him as the only one who rises to the occasion. It’s just not a dynamic narrative. Dragon Ball DAIMA hopefully realizes this and allows other characters to rise to the top and prove their worth. That being said, it’s already somewhat alarming that Goku is the only character seen in battle in the DAIMA trailer and marketing materials.

Dragon Ball GT Introduces New & Convenient Transformations

 

New transformations, especially in the Super Saiyan department, are a given and viewers expect to see in every new Dragon Ball medium. Dragon Ball GT doesn’t go too far in this regard, offering a radical Super Saiyan 4 transformation instead of further exploring the heights of Super Saiyan 3 power. At this point, another new transformation is the last thing Goku needs, and Dragon Ball DAIMA seems to be aware of that. So far, no Super Saiyan footage has been shot for Dragon Ball DAIMA.
It has even been speculated that Goku returned to his power pole for support as this aging transformation has weakened him and he is no longer able to transform. Hopefully so, and it would be a fun change of pace to help bring Dragon Ball’s combat back to its more solid roots. At the same time, it’s also possible that Dragon Ball DAIMA is just keeping any new transformations under wraps to preserve those surprises for the series.

Dragon Ball GT Indulges In Lighthearted Adventures That Lack Action & Skew To Younger Audiences

 A serious complaint that has hindered Dragon Ball GT’s success is that it is trying too hard to appeal to a younger demographic when it should continue to appeal to older fans who grew up with Dragon Ball in the first place. Dragon Ball GT attempts to remedy this problem, resulting in a rather drastic tonal shift between the original Black Star Dragon Ball and the Baby Sagas as it shifts back to a more action-packed narrative. Some fans have already been skeptical about the direction of Dragon Ball DAIMA and how the aging transformation of its cast is a very obvious attempt to attract a younger audience that may have never seen the previous Dragon Ball series.

Younger characters and occasional levity can still work in Dragon Ball, and it’s important to remember that the original series was very much rooted in Akira Toriyama’s comedic sensibilities. However, it is important to find a balance between these extremes that works for the story, rather than a story that contradicts itself. There’s an effective way to tell light-hearted stories that are still action-packed but don’t feel like a complete regression or that Dragon Ball DAIMA is trying to appeal to a new audience.

 Dragon Ball DAIMA has already introduced some exciting new characters like Glorio, Gomah and Panso in its trailer. It’s unclear whether these individuals will be Goku’s friends or enemies, but hopefully they’ll be more than episodic players who are immediately removed from the story. Dragon Ball GT introduces many exciting new threats during its Black Star Dragon Ball Saga, such as General Rilldo, Don Kee, and Ledgic, the likes of which will disappear once Dragon Ball GT finds its rhythm and embraces a different energy. However, Ledgic is a promising foe who is strong enough to make Goku go Super Saiyan for the first time in Dragon Ball GT.

Ledgic promises to train and strengthen so that he and Goku can get revenge. However, Dragon Ball GT never revisits this character, and all of this material feels inconsequential to me in retrospect. There are several occasions where Legic could have returned, even as an ally to help Goku against Baby, Super 17, or the Shadow Dragons. Dragon Ball DAIMA will hopefully have the foresight to repay all the relationships he makes. If a character you meet in the first or second episode swears revenge on Goku, then they should get a chance to do so before DAIMA is completed.

 The inciting incident of Dragon Ball GT involves Goku inadvertently transforming into a child from the Black Star Dragon Balls in an apparent attempt to regain the original Dragon Ball’s energy. This decision could have been quite successful if it only lasted for one story arc, but Goku remains in this state throughout Dragon Ball GT. It’s a confusing decision that overstays its welcome. Dragon Ball GT doesn’t even seem to want to keep Goku like this, as he inexplicably becomes an adult whenever he transforms into his Super Saiyan 4 state.

Goku’s adventure in Dragon Ball DAIMA definitely feels like his attempt to reverse the magic that turned everyone into children. This is encouraging and hopefully there will be a solution to this problem even if it appears in the final episode of Dragon Ball DAIMA. It would be quite surprising if Goku’s juvenile transformation isn’t reversed since Dragon Ball DAIMA seems to take place before Dragon Ball Super. Goku and company aren’t kids in Dragon Ball Super, so it would be pretty weird if they’re still like that after DAIMA ends.

Dragon Ball GT Is Too Steeped In Nostalgia

 There’s a growing trend in pop culture where sequels and spin-offs endlessly indulge in nostalgia, meant to evoke fond memories of previous highs. There’s nothing wrong with callbacks and the return of old characters. Dragon Ball Super is even guilty of this in many ways. However, it needs to be logically implemented in a way that is justified rather than empty fanservice that is undeserved. Dragon Ball GT goes a little too far in this department, especially with how Black Star Dragon Ball Saga shamelessly mirrors the original Dragon Ball’s Emperor Pilaf Saga.

There are even isolated episodes with almost identical plots. Dragon Ball GT goes even further with the return of Tuffles, Android 17, Dr. Gero, Frieza and Cell. The master plan of Dr. Myuu even features an extensive jailbreak from hell that is filled with blank portraits of villains. The Shadow Dragons, while a strong idea at its core, also intentionally call back to previous Dragon Ball wishes. Dragon Ball DAIMA comes at an interesting time in the life of the franchise, and care must be taken not to overdo it when it comes to old ideas. A little nostalgia can go a long way.

Dragon Ball GT Shelves Most Of The Series’ Prominent Supporting Players

 

One of the most exciting elements in Dragon Ball GT is that it takes place five years after the epilogue of the Dragon Ball Z Peaceful World Saga, which has already advanced ten years. There is a lot of value in exploring this later stage of characters’ lives, especially when it comes to the younger generation of players like Goten, Trunks, Uub, and Pan. Unfortunately, Dragon Ball GT neglects most of its most important characters. Individuals like Gohan, Goten, Piccolo, Uub and Buu are basically ignored. Even Vegeta is absent for most of the first story arc. The fact that Dragon Ball GT spends most of its early episodes in space makes it more of a challenge for them to incorporate the series’ diverse supporting cast.

That being said, the final Shadow Dragon Saga Dragon Ball GT only has Goku and Pan to find and fight the seven Shadow Dragons while everyone else is doing nothing useful and seemingly just resting. It would be a smart opportunity for the cast of Dragon Ball GT to split up and take on the Shadow Dragons as different teams. Dragon Ball DAIMA showcased many of the franchise’s supporting cast, and it looks like they all suffer from the same magical aging complication. However, it is somewhat disturbing that the actors only appeared in one scene and it seems that Goku left his friends and family behind for a new anime adventure. It’s very possible that Goku’s friends are only in the first episode of Dragon Ball DAIMA, which would be a frustrating development.