That said, DAIMA’s focus remained firmly on Goku and there were reservations that these beloved characters would be reduced to supporting players who largely function as Goku’s glorified cheerleaders. These fears were amplified in the previous episode, “Legend,” when Vegeta’s first big fight against Tamagami Number Two kicked off with lackluster results. Fortunately, Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 12, “True Strength,” shatters these concerns into a million pieces and gives Vegeta a stunning showcase of strength and a long-overdue transformation that fans have been waiting nearly three decades to see. “True Strength” is DAIMA’s best episode yet and a love letter to everyone’s favorite reactionary Saiyan Prince.
Vegeta’s New Transformation Helps Him Defeat Tamagami 2
While one of Dragon Ball’s strongest characters, Vegeta has a history of being disrespected. There are far too many instances where the anime positions Vegeta for success, only for his ego or anger to get in the way and he merely sets up the layup for Goku’s victory. “True Strength” is smart to lean into this history and the audience’s preconceived notions on how battles with Vegeta typically play out. The cliffhanger in “Legend” is unsurprisingly immediately defused because, of course, Vegeta isn’t going to die in a random DAIMA episode. That being said, the combined efforts of Tamagami Number Two and Majin Kraken do seem to be too much for him to handle potentially.
Every Dragon Ball DAIMA episode has been rich in gorgeous visuals and innovative battle choreography, but Vegeta’s fight is especially dynamic. “True Strength” makes slick use of the Kraken’s tentacles and how Vegeta negotiates these cumbersome targets in addition to the Tamagami’s waves of attacks. The fight’s underwater aspects are equally impressive and these lush aquatic visuals add even more to the experience. “True Strength” flexes its animation muscles when these characters power up their attacks and rainbow-colored bursts of light fill the screen. This reaches its apex when Vegeta, on the brink of defeat, triggers a long-awaited transformation that elevates an excellent episode into an all-time classic.
Vegeta’s Super Saiyan 3 transformation is nothing short of incredible and it’s already one of the character’s greatest moments in the franchise. There was always some level of confusion over why Vegeta never reached this milestone and even Dragon Ball GT catapulted him to Super Saiyan 4 without giving him a taste of its predecessor’s power. Canonically, this ascension is a mess and it really doesn’t make any sense why Vegeta would never showcase this skill in Dragon Ball Super – especially when Beerus slaps Bulma.
However, it’s easy to ignore these invasive thoughts because Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta is just so glorious and extremely satisfying. This is the Vegeta showcase that he’s deserved for decades. He exudes pure confidence in his Tamagami takedown and he experiences just as much of a mental transformation as he does a physical one. This spectacle is absolutely perfect and “True Strength” allows him to wreak pure havoc on the Demon Realm. Vegeta has never looked more bad-ass and there’s a strong case to be made for why this is one of Vegeta’s best fights in the entire Dragon Ball franchise. This is the Saiyan Prince that audiences fell in love with.
Majin Duu Defeats Tamagami 1 And Gets A Dragon Ball
Vegeta’s Super Saiyan 3 transformation is going to be what “True Strength” is remembered for, but the episode actually gives more time to Majin Duu’s assault on Tamagami Number One. “True Strength” features some of DAIMA’s best editing as it oscillates between the two intense Tamagami duels. There are some excellent match cuts between the two fights that are particularly inspiring and creative. The heights of Duu’s strength were unclear back in “Legend,” but “True Strength” gives a much better indication of where his power lies. Majin Duu utilizes some trademark Buu malleability as he contorts his body to dodge Tamagami Number One’s strikes. There’s a particular moment where Duu spirals himself around the Tamagami’s sword to evade being stabbed that’s particularly inspired and a genuine delight.
