Dragon Ball DAIMA has effortlessly recaptured the original Dragon Ball’s magic through various storytelling details, character development, and tonal decisions. The best example of this yet is “Lightning’s” execution of a seemingly intimidating minotaur enemy. This minotaur is one of the greatest bait-and-switches in Dragon Ball history and easily DAIMA ’s funniest gag yet. This creature enters with grandiose framing that positions him to be a challenging opponent, so it’s particularly humorous that he doesn’t even end up fighting anyone.
In fact, he cowers away in fear. It’s funny what a difference lighting and facial expressions make. This character begins as DAIMA’s most terrifying creature, but is quickly reduced to a bumbling gag character who is reminiscent of Dragon Ball’s infamous Bear Thief. Not enough can be said about how perfect the work is on his dopey, heightened facial expressions. There’s a glorious moment when he just stands around, dumbfounded, while the heroes squabble. The whole sequence achieves that classic Dragon Ball energy that adeptly mixes action with comedy. “Lightning” plays with the audience’s expectations and instead features kinetic combat between Goku and Glorio, rather than this marauding monster.
In fact, Glorio and Goku’s sparring match stems from an argument over who gets the privilege to take on the minotaur, which is such a beautifully Dragon Ball concept. None of DAIMA’s battles have lacked style and substance so far, even when they’re just against ancillary guards or bar patrons. A big show is made out of Glorio’s electric-based lightning powers and his whip-like attack is a really excellent weapon that’s something that’s never really been explored in the series beyond the forgettable Mutchy from Dragon Ball GT. Dragon Ball DAIMA once again seems to conveniently pick and choose when Goku’s child-sized disadvantages and his vulnerability to the Demon Realm are actual hindrances. That being said, it’s hard to begrudge this when such a satisfying fight follows.
There’s really excellent suspense and theatrics throughout this well-paced fight. It continually increases the stakes as these two competent warriors attempt to suss out their opponent. The battle choreography and dynamic visuals are immaculate, but it’s the polished energy physics that leaves the greatest impression. Glorio’s attacks and Goku’s ability to defend against them and neutralize the blasts are visually on par with some of Dragon Ball Z’s biggest battles. This makes it even more exciting to consider how polished Dragon Ball DAIMA’s Tamagami battles and final fight will look.
Goku and Glorio’s battle is also a beautiful celebration of Goku’s character. He exhibits a steely calm in the face of Glorio’s strongest attack and he innocently “tags” him to prove his dominance, rather than actually hurt Glorio or express any malice. Like always, Goku just wants a worthy challenge and lacks any desire to hurt his opponent. This is why he’s become such a beloved shonen protagonist. Audiences have literally watched Goku become a Super Saiyan hundreds of times, but DAIMA exhibits genuine reverence during this spectacle in a manner that makes this tired trope feel brand-new again. There’s such care put into this sequence and it’s really quite special how DAIMA is able to celebrate and amplify the mundane so that it hits harder.
Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 6, “Lightning,” doesn’t feature any Dragon Balls, Tamagami, or an appearance from Supreme Demon King Gomah, but it’s easily DAIMA ’s best episode yet. Episode 6 is a testament to how small-scale storytelling, compelling character dynamics, and a celebration of the series’ staples is still enough to succeed. “Lightning” delivers on all fronts, whether it’s character development, Demon Realm lore, action, and comedy. It perfectly exemplifies everything that Dragon Ball is supposed to be in a manner that’s fresh and exciting. The best is yet to come in Dragon Ball DAIMA, but it’s comforting that even a dinky detour that boils down to glorified bragging rights can still be electric television.