The Super Saiyan Goku Balloon takes flight at the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.

SUMMARY

The 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade had a massive balloon of Super Saiyan Goku.
Toei Animation could have used the opportunity to promote Dragon Ball DAIMA.
Dragon Ball series missed a golden oppotunity by invoking nostalgia instead of curiousity.

With the release of Dragon Ball DAIMA, the legendary series returns to its simplistic roots and renews the excitement of watching the chibi Goku face off against enemies and wandering carefree.

Goku in Dragon Ball Z. [Credit: Toei Animation]

Dragon Ball fans across the world were thrilled as Goku made his return to the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in his iconic Super Saiyan form. The appearance of Goku alongside legendary characters of Western animation like Minnie Mouse and Spiderman is a monumental representation of the celebrated series’ enduring legacy and its global influence.

But during this proud moment, a question sneaks up at fans: why did they not feature the DAIMA version of Goku, the chibi Goku, instead? Is it because of the recognition of the grown-up version? Or is it a tribute to Dragon Ball Z?

A DAIMA Goku Would Have Been A Fitting Choice

The Thanksgiving Parade saw Goku’s massive ballon sliding across the New York skyline, with fans who spotted Goku using their X handles and posting pictures with #ThanksGoku.

Chibi Goku in Dragon Ball DAIMA [Credit: Toei Animation]

This is not just a moment of pride for the Dragon Ball franchise but also an excellent opportunity. Many people might just think of Goku’s balloon and remember the show they watched when they were kids. There might be some going back to rewatch, but not many.

The Parade was a golden opportunity for the promotion of Dragon Ball DAIMA. With the simple and light-hearted nature of the anime, it would definitely attract a lot of attention. It could even have become a sensation by the end of the day. But it was not even mentioned or paid attention to.

Instead of focusing on invoking nostalgia for the longtime fans, it should have introduced new audiences to the timeless hero. However, Goku’s Super Saiyan ballon might have highlighted Dragon Ball’s popularity, but it inadvertently cast a shadow over the franchise’s latest venture.

Why The Balloon is a Double-Edged Sword

Super Saiyan Goku [Credit: Toei Animation]

The Dragon Ball series has gone through a lot of change, and what has been cemented in the minds of most of the audience is the image of the Dragon Ball Z Goku. The Thanksgiving parade balloon captured the essence of Dragon Ball Z’s Goku, and Toei Animation’s marketing strategy seems incomprehensible.

Instead of the same old figure, many fans believe Toei should’ve taken a stance to place the DAIMA Goku in the parade. The new franchise is a chance for there to be a change, a younger version that accommodates all sorts of audiences, not just the action and thrill seekers. Promoting Dragon Ball DAIMA would help establish its unique identity and story.

A Missed Opportunity for Franchise Evolution

Piccolo and Vegeta in DAIMA [Credit: Toei Animation]

Toei Animation is more interested in sticking with their old fame; by showing Super Saiyan Goku, they only make the fans recall a ‘has been.’ They had a golden opportunity to introduce DAIMA to the Western audience in an unforgettable way. A balloon flying across one of the most popular cities in the world would make people curious.

In a way, Dragon Ball was thanking the long-time audience, and although that is heartwarming, their announcement of a change in the essence of the Dragon Ball series to cater to the younger audience lies forgotten.

It remains to be seen how Toei will keep their word about attracting the newer generation audience.