It’s incredible to imagine that Dragon Ball is almost 40 years old. In just this last week, we have been blessed with the newest series, Dragon Ball Daima, and a video game called Dragon Ball Sparking Zero. Both have been met with tremendous praise, especially given the relatively recent passing of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama. As a long-time fan, I understand the importance of supporting his work to continue his vision for the franchise. As with any new release, they are subject to differing viewpoints, and despite his passing, that is still important so the community can hold corporate America accountable.
Team Dragon Ball is definitely split on this one. The primary motivation in supporting it is that it was Akira Toriyama’s last work. This is a noble and valid reason, provided you are not using that to lecture someone else who doesn’t feel the same way. Akira wanted to showcase his vision and bring enjoyment to those who would love his work. No one is obligated to love his work a certain way, and no one has the right to judge someone else’s fandom. Dragon Ball Daima is just not everyone.
While the story plot is supposed to be brand new, the creative twist is that all the characters are miniature. Among many other minor grievances, this would appear to be the dealbreaker for some series fans. Having grown up with Dragon Ball, my personal insight is that Daima will be a lot of the same, but only this time, we will have bite-sized Z-fighters. For me, it’s not a never-will-I-watch; It’s a I have other things I would like to do first, from games and other animes, before I look in Daima’s direction. I personally think it will likely be an excellent series for a younger and brand-new generation of Dragon Ball fans(8-10 years old).
The game will unite Dragon Ball fans and gamers who have yet to have as much experience with the franchise. If you like fighting games, you will enjoy them, and if you like Dragon Ball fighting games, this one knocks it out of the park. I let my audience know(theatrically, as always) that I refunded the game. This wasn’t because the game was bad it was because as many correctly guessed, I just don’t care for fighting games. I actually played Fortnite for the first time today and didn’t realize how much I like first-person shooters. Everyone can enjoy what makes them happy because life’s too short. So don’t hate that I’m not playing the game, and I won’t hate on you either. I will, however, troll in my usual fashion.
Every industry needs to have differing opinions, and Dragon Ball is no different. If we look everywhere, the constant argument right now is woke vs anti-woke, and I am pleased that it doesn’t seem to have hit the Dragon Ball Universe, and I hope it never will. But drama other than that? It needs to happen. It is how we keep each other’s attention and develop rapport. I scroll my feeds on TikTok and other platforms, and nothing catches my attention quicker than two people arguing about something. It is super healthy for all parties involved.
What I want you to think about, though, is Akira is no longer here to protect his artistic integrity. This means that your entertainment is in the hands of corporations. Other companies like Ubisoft and Bethesda have learned that they can take advantage of their fans with no repercussions. Their downfall is a cycle of getting inferior entertainment(Bethesda fans repair their games!). I don’t believe the Toei Company to be like that, but knowing that you have a voice is essential. You are paying for entertainment and have the right to an opinion. And when you don’t feel heard, there is plenty of other entertainment elsewhere.
I wouldn’t call it uncertain, Dragon Ball will be here for a long time. Let’s just hope it is made for something other than a modern audience. Enjoy the show and enjoy the game if you like them. Just because it wasn’t my thing doesn’t mean you won’t like it!
