The anime of Dragon Ball Daima started about a week ago. Even in the first episode, a certain detail appears that bears the signature of Akira Toriyama. And we don’t mean the character design.
What is this detail? The realm of demons plays a significant role in Dragon Ball Daima. In Dragon Ball Z, we had a connection to this realm thanks to the reigning king of demons, Dabra. He was one of the antagonists in the Boo arc that stood in the way of Son-Goku and the Z crew.
His father’s name was Abura (or Abra) and ruled the demon realm before his son. Those who paid close attention might have noticed that Akira Toriyama incorporated one of his wordplays again here. He has a penchant for giving certain names:
- Bulma’s family is named after underwear. They carry names that translate to slip, tights, bathing suit, or bra.
- Many of the Saiyans are named after vegetables. For example, Son-Goku’s real name is Kakarot, which is derived from carrot.
- Babidi, his father Bibidi, and Boo form a well-known saying from the Disney movie Cinderella.
- Son-Goku’s family is also named after food. Son-Gohan comes from rice, Pan from bread. Only Son-Goten cannot be associated with any food.
- The Ginyu Force was named after dairy products like butter, cream, and cheese.
Even the demons, at least their rulers, seem to follow this trend. Their names are derived from the magical phrase “Abra Kadabra.” This detail makes it clear that Toriyama had his fingers in the pie again.
You can watch the trailer for Dragon Ball Daima here:
One of the last puns in Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama
Does the wordplay stop there? Even the name of the current antagonist from Dragon Ball Daima, Gomah, is derived from a magical phrase. Gomah translates to “sesame,” which refers to the magical phrase “Open sesame.”
Why is it his last project? Akira Toriyama passed away in March 2024 from a brain hemorrhage. Thus, Dragon Ball Daima is the last anime project he worked on. All subsequent works can therefore no longer be overseen by him.
The manga of Dragon Ball Super is set to continue with his assistant Toyotarou. So far, the story of Son-Goku and his friends is in an indefinite pause. When the manga will continue remains open.
And as it looks, it could take some time before the manga resumes. A legal dispute could be the reason why the pause extends indefinitely: A dispute behind the scenes could be responsible for the long pause of Dragon Ball Super
