Dragon Ball Daima is the newest anime in the Dragon Ball franchise, and it’s also the shortest. Twenty episodes, running from October 2024 to February 2025. Akira Toriyama was heavily involved before his passing, and it shows. This feels more connected to the original Dragon Ball manga than anything since the Buu Saga.
The premise: Goku and his friends get turned into kids by a conspiracy from the Demon Realm. If that sounds like Dragon Ball GT, it’s not. Daima takes a completely different approach, focusing on exploration and new worlds rather than rehashing old formulas.
Quick Navigation
- Where Does Daima Fit in the Timeline?
- Episode Guide
- Where to Watch
- Dragon Ball Manga & Books
- Merchandise & Collectibles
- FAQ
Where Does Dragon Ball Daima Fit in the Timeline?
This is the question everyone asks. Is Daima a prequel? A sequel? Where does it fit?
The short answer: Daima takes place immediately after the Majin Buu Saga in Dragon Ball Z, but before Dragon Ball Super.
The timeline order:
- Dragon Ball (original series)
- Dragon Ball Z (Saiyan through Buu Sagas)
- Dragon Ball Daima (takes place here)
- Dragon Ball Super
- End of Z (the final episodes of DBZ)
The first episode confirms this by showing Trunks’ ninth birthday party. Since Trunks was eight during the Buu Saga, Daima is set roughly a few months to a year after Buu’s defeat. The characters reference recent events from the Buu arc, and Beerus and Whis haven’t shown up yet.
The Continuity Question
Here’s where it gets complicated. Later in Daima, Goku achieves Super Saiyan 4, and Vegeta reaches Super Saiyan 3. Neither of these forms appeared in Dragon Ball Super, which was supposed to come after Daima in the timeline.
Some fans interpret this as Daima existing in a slightly alternate timeline. Others argue that these forms simply weren’t shown in Super because they weren’t relevant to those stories. Either way, Toriyama clearly intended Daima to slot between Z and Super, even if some details don’t perfectly align.
For casual viewers, don’t worry about it. Just know that if you’ve seen Dragon Ball Z through the Buu Saga, you have all the context you need for Daima.
Dragon Ball Daima Episode Guide
Dragon Ball Daima has 20 episodes total, making it the shortest Dragon Ball series ever produced. The first episode runs longer than standard length to establish the story.
Japanese Broadcast
The series aired on Fuji TV from October 11, 2024 to February 28, 2025. Episodes dropped every Friday at 11:40 PM Japan time.
English Dub
The English dub premiered on Crunchyroll on January 10, 2025, with new dubbed episodes releasing weekly on Fridays. If you prefer watching dubbed, all episodes are now available.
US Television
Dragon Ball Daima premiered on Adult Swim’s Toonami block on June 15, 2025, for those who prefer watching on broadcast television.
Where to Watch Dragon Ball Daima
You have two main streaming options, depending on your region.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll has both subbed and dubbed versions available. Coverage includes the US, Canada, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. This is where episodes premiered first, and where you’ll find the English dub.
Netflix
Netflix streams Dragon Ball Daima in the UK, Europe, Middle East, and parts of Asia. Episodes arrived about a week after Crunchyroll during the initial run. Netflix offers multiple language options for subtitles and dubbing.
Home Video
The complete series releases on DVD and Blu-ray on July 2, 2025, for those who want to own a physical copy.
Dragon Ball Manga & Books
If Daima gets you interested in exploring more Dragon Ball, here’s where to start with the source material.
The Original Dragon Ball Manga
Akira Toriyama’s original Dragon Ball manga is collected in 42 volumes. It covers everything from young Goku’s adventures through the Buu Saga, which is exactly where Daima picks up. You have a few options for reading it:
- Individual volumes: 42 volumes total, published by VIZ Media in English
- 3-in-1 Omnibus editions: Same content in larger, more affordable collections
- Box Sets: VIZ offers box sets that collect volumes 1-16, 17-32, and 33-42
A common question: Are Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z separate manga? No. The manga is just called “Dragon Ball” throughout. The “Z” branding was only used for the anime’s second half. The manga is one continuous 42-volume story.
What We Like Less:
Box sets are bulky if shelf space is limited. Some prefer the 3-in-1 omnibus format for portability.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
Complete original series in one purchase. Includes exclusive poster and booklet. Great value compared to buying volumes individually. This is where the entire Dragon Ball story begins.
What We Like Less:
26 volumes is a significant investment. Heavy box set. Note: The manga is just called ‘Dragon Ball’ – the Z branding was only for the anime.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
The complete DBZ manga in one set. Includes Toriyama interview in the booklet. Covers all the iconic sagas: Saiyan, Frieza, Cell, and Buu. This is where Dragon Ball Daima picks up from.
Dragon Ball Super Manga
The Dragon Ball Super manga continues the story after where Daima fits in the timeline. It’s still ongoing, with new chapters releasing monthly on VIZ and MangaPlus. The Super manga often differs from the Super anime in interesting ways, including different story arcs and power scaling.
Reading order for the full Dragon Ball manga experience:
- Dragon Ball manga (volumes 1-42)
- Dragon Ball Super manga (ongoing)
For a complete breakdown of every series and box set, see our Dragon Ball Manga Reading Order guide.
What We Like Less:
Not a box set – individual volumes collected together. Series is ongoing so this set will become incomplete as new volumes release.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
Continues where DBZ and Daima leave off. Written by Toriyama himself. The manga often differs from the Super anime with unique story arcs. Still ongoing with new chapters monthly.
Dragon Ball: A Visual History
This hardcover art book collects Toriyama’s artwork spanning the entire franchise. It includes commentary and behind-the-scenes material that’s genuinely interesting if you want to understand how Dragon Ball evolved over the decades. Since Toriyama’s passing in March 2024, this book has become harder to find in some regions.
Dragon Ball Daima Merchandise & Collectibles
Bandai’s S.H.Figuarts line has released several Daima figures, and they’re among the best Dragon Ball figures available.
S.H.Figuarts Mini Goku
The Mini Goku figure comes with the Power Pole, multiple interchangeable hands, and different facial expressions. At around $35, it’s reasonably priced for the quality. The detail on these smaller-scale figures is impressive.
S.H.Figuarts Mini Vegeta
Mini Vegeta captures the Prince of all Saiyans perfectly, complete with his signature scowl. The articulation lets you pose him in classic Vegeta stances. Priced around $36.
S.H.Figuarts Mini Piccolo
The Piccolo figure is pricier at around $60, but the quality justifies it. Piccolo’s cape and turban are removable, and the detail work on his outfit is excellent.
Other Merchandise
UNIQLO released a Dragon Ball Daima clothing collection featuring Toriyama’s designs. The Crunchyroll Store carries apparel, accessories, and home goods. Trading cards featuring Daima characters are available as part of the Dragon Ball Super Card Game: Fusion World series.
FAQ
Dragon Ball Daima is a 20-episode anime series that aired from October 2024 to February 2025. It features Goku and his friends transformed into children by villains from the Demon Realm. The series was created with heavy involvement from Akira Toriyama and celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Dragon Ball franchise.
Yes. Dragon Ball Daima takes place after the Majin Buu Saga in Dragon Ball Z but before Dragon Ball Super. The timeline order is: Dragon Ball Z → Daima → Dragon Ball Super → End of Z. The first episode confirms this by showing Trunks’ ninth birthday, placing it shortly after Buu’s defeat.
Dragon Ball Daima has 20 episodes total, making it the shortest Dragon Ball series ever produced. The series ran from October 11, 2024 to February 28, 2025. The first episode is longer than standard length.
Dragon Ball Daima is available on Crunchyroll (US, Canada, Latin America, Australia, and more) and Netflix (UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia). Both subbed and dubbed versions are available on Crunchyroll. The series also premiered on Adult Swim’s Toonami on June 15, 2025.
Yes. The English dub premiered on Crunchyroll on January 10, 2025, with new episodes releasing weekly on Fridays. All 20 dubbed episodes are now available to stream.
No. While both series feature Goku being turned into a child, they’re completely different. GT is not considered canon and follows a different storyline with different villains. Daima is canon, was created with Toriyama’s direct involvement, and takes place in a different part of the timeline. Daima focuses on the Demon Realm, while GT dealt with the Black Star Dragon Balls.