Warning: Contains spoilers for Dragon Ball Daima episode #18Dragon Ball Daima’s latest episode #18, “Awakening” will be remembered forintroducing Super Saiyan 4back into the series' canon timeline. The longtime fan-favorite form was relegated to appearances in the often surrealSuper Dragon Ball Heroespromotional anime following the release ofDragon Ball Superin 2015. Finally,the transformation has returned with a stylish new redesignthat captures its original essence, while also offering its own distinct features.
The reveal crashed multiple anime streaming platforms, and theDragon Ballfan base hasn’t been shy about voicing their support forDaima’s latest episode. Longtime fans ofDragon Ball GT, however, might have caught another callback to the 1996 anime towards the end of the episode. While leaving fans with the biggest cliffhanger of the series thus far,Dragon Ball Daimaintroduced the Demon Realm’s eternal dragon, and it looks incredibly similar to one found inGT.
The Demon Realm’s Porunga Is a Call Back to GT
The Newest Eternal Dragon Is Similar to GT’s Ultimate Shenron
Despite unlocking Super Saiyan 4,Goku was still overpowered by the evil ruler Gomahduring their energetic battle, and Arinsu ordered Glorio to gather the Dragon Balls and summon the Demon Realm’s dragon while Earth’s heroes were preoccupied.The dragon that appeared was incredibly similar to Namek’s Porunga, which tracks, given Neva’s status as a legendary Namekian. The main difference, though, is the dragon’s color. Rather than the usual green, the Demon Realm’s Porunga is red with a shining gold aura.
The design is a crystal clear callbacktoDragon Ball GT’s Ultimate Shenron, which appeared when the seven black star Dragon Balls were collected. The main difference between the two, however, is that Ultimate Shenron was several times the size of the Earth’s normal Shenron, while the Demon Realm Porunga seems similar in stature to Namek’s version. Tasked with making Arinsu’s wish, Glorio hesitated, leaving fans on a cliffhanger that may change the scope ofDaima’s final battle.
Glorio’s Wish Might Give Fans What They’ve Been Asking For
Daima’s Latest Episode Ends Before Glorio’s Wish Is Revealed
Though Glorio has been secretly working for Arinsu throughout the entirety of his time inDragon Ball Daima, the latest episode made it clear he didn’t quite see eye to eye with his employer. After hesitating, he finally made a wish on the dragon in another language just before the episode ended, by saying, “Childopp.” Though nothing is confirmed as of yet, many fans believe the phrase might translate to ‘child up’ based on how similar the two sound. It’s possible Glorio betrayed Arinsu,and wished to turn Goku and company back into adults.
Admit It, Dragon Ball’s New Take on Super Saiyan 4 Is the Perfect Blend of GT and Super
Dragon Ball Daima episode #18 finally made Super Saiyan 4 canon, and the new take is a perfect fusion between Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super.
The next episode, which was revealed to be titled “Betrayal”, lends to that theory.Dragon Ball Daimais rapidly approaching its finale, and following this latest cliffhanger, fans might finally get to see their favorite characters fighting as adults. The anime has been packed with references toDragon Ball GT, and the series' producer confirmed that to be intentionalin a recent interview. The callback to Ultimate Shenron was just the latest, and if the series wants to go all-in as a modern take onGT, fans might just be treated toa Super Saiyan 4 fusion in the coming episodes.
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.
