While Dragon Ball DAIMA promises an exciting new adventure, the absence of key characters has left us yearning for more.

SUMMARY

As the Dragon Ball saga expands, its enormous roster of heroes, villains, and deities has cemented their places in the hearts of fans.
These characters are not just fan-favorites; they are integral to the franchise’s identity.
While Dragon Ball DAIMA dives deep into a whole new adventure, the absence of these 5 characters feels like a missed opportunity.

Dragon Ball DAIMA has brought back the late Akira Toriyama’s beloved franchise in a fresh, creative direction. Toriyama’s last project is exploring a new storyline involving the Dragon Balls and the mystery surrounding the universe that had left the fans scratching their heads for ages. While the series has piqued interest with its vibrant animation style and nostalgic tone, one glaring question has been on the minds of fans: Where are some of the most iconic characters in the Dragon Ball universe?

Dragon Ball DAIMA | 

Dragon Ball Z and Super have brought some fascinating characters to add richness to the franchise, and thus, their absence from DAIMA is deeply felt. Let’s dive into five characters whose presence is sorely missed in this latest installment of the Dragon Ball universe.

5. Trunks

Trunks or future Trunks have always had two distinct legacies. Trunks is a beloved character in the Dragon Ball saga, from his spectacular debut as the sword-wielding, time-traveling warrior who defeated Frieza to his emotional arcs with Goten and his future counterpart’s sorrowful conflicts. His character is compelling due to the blend of his experience and youthful enthusiasm.

Future Trunks 

In Dragon Ball DAIMA, Trunks’ absence is particularly glaring given the series’ current premise. A young Trunks would fit seamlessly into this world, bringing humor, resourcefulness, and a sense of camaraderie. Fans miss the charm and energy that Trunks brings to the table, as well as the potential for him to showcase his growth as a Saiyan warrior.

4. Whis

Where Beerus brings destruction, Whis brings order, or at least tries to. Whis, the martial arts expert and angelic attendant of Beerus, has established himself as an essential part of the Dragon Ball cast. He is a pillar of contemporary Dragon Ball storytelling because of his serene manner, extensive knowledge of the universe, and sophisticated sense of humor.

In DAIMA, Whis could have served as a guiding force amidst the chaos. His absence raises questions about how the divine balance of the universe is being maintained without him.

The light-hearted interactions between Whis, Goku, and Vegeta are also heavily missed, which often serve as a comedic relief from the high-stakes battles. Whis’ potential as a mentor figure for the younger versions of the characters could have added depth and levity to the series.

3. Beerus

Of course, the God of Destruction, Beerus’ absence Dragon Ball DAIMA feels like a loss. Beerus has become a fan-favorite since his introduction in Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods. As the God of Destruction, he combines sheer power with an endearing laziness and love for food that has endeared him to audiences.

Beerus | Credit: Toei Animation

However, it’s not his powers, But his dynamic with Goku and Vegeta, as well as his hilarious sibling-like bickering with Whis, has added a new layer of humor and stakes to the series.  His presence in DAIMA could have provided a comedic yet intense backdrop to the story, with the God of Destruction begrudgingly navigating his transformed state while keeping his godly pride intact.

2. Frieza

Few characters in the Dragon Ball universe have the lasting impact that Frieza has. As Goku’s first major opponent, Frieza’s chilling presence, cunning intellect, and brutal power have made him an unforgettable villain. Over the years, his role has evolved, from his resurrection in Dragon Ball Super to his shocking return as “Black Frieza“, a transformation that left fans craving for more.

Frieza from Dragon Ball Z | Credit: Toei Animation

Frieza’s absence in Dragon Ball DAIMA feels like a missed opportunity to explore how a character of his magnitude would react to the series’ premise. Imagine Frieza grappling with his tiny form while planning his next conquest; it would be a blend of hilarity and chaos that only Frieza could deliver.

1. Gohan

Gohan has long been a character who embodies both potential and frustration for fans. He has displayed untapped potential throughout the Cell Saga, from his quick ascent as the first Saiyan to attain Super Saiyan 2 to his quieter, academic life in subsequent arcs. However, Gohan’s transformation into the “Beast” form in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero demonstrated a comeback to form and rekindled fans’ affection for the character.

In Dragon Ball DAIMA, Gohan’s absence is particularly notable because he represents a bridge between the past and future generations of Saiyans. We could have seen a mini Gohan navigating the challenges of this mysterious new world, but so far, his role remains unclear. Without Gohan, the series risks missing a chance to highlight one of the most complex characters in the franchise.

Whether or not these characters’ absence is temporary or permanent remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: their return would enrich the series in countless ways. As fans, we can only hope that these iconic characters somehow will find their way into Dragon Ball DAIMA, bringing with them the humor, tension, and power that make Dragon Ball a timeless masterpiece.