After last week’s epic showdown between Goku and Glorio, I was expecting some major developments to follow. Instead, it seems like the Glorio storyline has been set aside for now. While it makes sense to hold off and revisit it later, it’s a bit disappointing since I was hoping it might shift the dynamic between them.
That said, there’s plenty happening to make up for it. Goku and the team set out to find the first of the Demon Realm’s Dragon Balls, while Bulma, Vegeta, and Piccolo prepare to join them. While this episode doesn’t pack the same punch as the last couple, it’s still an enjoyable watch and does a good job laying the groundwork for what’s to come.
As Goku and the team head toward the first Demon Realm Dragon Ball, they cross paths with King Gomah’s forces. Goku manages to stay hidden using Instant Transmission, but things get tricky when the soldiers notice Panzy. The collar around her neck reveals her identity as the person who fought them back in her village. This sets off a fight, with Shin and Glorio stepping in to defend her.
The action sequence is solid, though not as impressive as what we’ve seen in the last few episodes. It’s probably the weakest visually so far, but that’s not saying much—it’s more like a 7.5 or 8 out of 10 compared to the usual 10. It still looks good overall. While Shin using telekinesis to smash a few ships isn’t as flashy as Goku zipping around with his Power Pole, it’s still fun to watch and does the job well.
Panzy in Danger!!
The most intriguing part of this episode comes after the fight when we learn more about Panzy’s collar. She explains that these collars were designed by Dr. Arinsu during Dabura’s reign as tracking devices for the Majins of the Third Demon World. They also serve as markers of their status as third-class citizens. Things take a turn when Shin realizes the collar is made from an indestructible metal that comes from Glind’s home planet. To everyone’s surprise, he reveals that he knows how to remove them and helps Panzy get rid of hers.
While it feels a bit too easy for Panzy to have her collar removed, Shin’s quick decision to help her stands out. It also places the show above other isekai that tend to overcomplicate or avoid addressing issues like breaking slave collars. This moment leads to another surprise: Shin has been using an alias all along. When Panzy asks for his real name to thank him, he reveals it’s Nahare. It’s a sweet moment that shows Panzy is starting to warm up to her new friends.
That said, I hope this isn’t the last time we hear about these collars. Dropping the topic entirely would feel lazy, and the idea of Goku and his friends accidentally liberating the Majin from their oppressive government while hunting the Dragon Balls seems like the kind of gag Toriyama would write. Hopefully, it’s something the story explores further.
Meanwhile, Bulma’s group runs into a problem while trying to get to the Demon Realm. Their ship is missing a few parts, and Bulma can’t figure out how to reverse-engineer it. Luckily, they manage to hitch a ride with Hybis, one of King Kadan’s servants, who ends up being their guide until they can reunite with the rest of the team. Daima has been great at introducing memorable new characters, and Hybis is no exception. His relatable vibe—preferring to hit the beauty parlor or go on a date instead of working overtime—makes him one of the most fun additions so far. Hopefully, he sticks around when everyone finally comes together.
That reunion might take a while, though, since Goku decides not to wait for them and instead prepares to fight one of the Tamagami for the nearest Dragon Ball. It’s a very Goku-like move, prioritizing the action over planning.
On that note, there’s one gag in this episode that didn’t land for me. Early on, Panzy wonders how Goku even managed to have kids, and he casually mentions that he wasn’t very involved in raising them. Goku’s poor parenting skills aren’t exactly news, but Dragon Ball Super pushed that joke to extremes, making it hard to believe Chi-Chi didn’t just leave him. The gag feels overdone at this point, and I hope it doesn’t become a running joke in Daima.
That aside, I’m really happy with where the series is heading. With Goku squaring off against one of the Tamagami in the next episode, I’m expecting a thrilling showdown that could be a real highlight of the series so far.
Read More: Dragon Ball: Daima – First Episode Breakdown & Story Connections, spoilers alert!
