Dragon Ball Daima Drops Two Clever Easter Eggs That Celebrate Akira Toriyama's Best Works

Warning: Contains spoilers for Dragon Ball Daima Episode #11Dragon Ball Daimahas returned the franchise to its roots, reincorporating many of the elements that made the series so endearing as it followed Goku in his childhood years.The Demon Realm has been ripe for adventure, and the main cast’s quest for the Dragon Balls is a faithfully nostalgic nod to the awe-inspiring wonder that defined the franchise before large-scale battles stole the focus. Most recently, inDragon Ball Daima’s Episode #11, titled, “Legend”,the anime directly calls back to two of Akira Toriyama’s earliest definitive works.

The first reference may have passed unnoticed by fans who are only familiar with Toriyama’s work onDragon Ball, referencingthe series that preceded Goku’s arrival in the pages ofShōnen Jump. The second, however, should have been recognizable for long-timeDragon Ballfans the moment Neva, the legendary Namekian elder, began singing the original theme to theDragon Ballanime.Daimahas largely been a celebration of Akira Toriyama’s masterful contributions to manga and anime history, and the most recent episode goes a little further beyond in its callbacks.

Majin Due saying “n’cha”, Arale’s catchphrase, in Dragon Ball daima.

Daima References Dr. Slump’s Arale

The New Majin Duu Rises and Says Arale’s Catchphrase

Before the mysterious tailed boy was ever discovered in the mountains, Akira Toriyama made a name for himself as a manga artistwith his gag comedy series,Dr. Slump. Though a large portion ofDragon Ballfans might be only somewhat familiar with the manga, it was the artist’s first major success inWeekly Shōnen Jump, and ran for nearly five years.Dragon Ball Daima, Toriyama’s final vision for his masterwork, pays homage toDr. Slumpand Arale in its introduction of thenewest potential villain, Majin Duu.

Duu, bearing more of a resemblance to Buu thanhis brother Kuu, also shares the big pink Majin’s goofy demeanor. And as soon as he rises from his cauldron, he strikes a pose andyells Arale’s signature catchphrase, “n’cha!”. It seems the greeting strikes some fear in Arinsu and Marba, who quickly and rigidly respond with an ‘n’cha’ of their own. The greeting is also a main part of the N’cha Cannon, Arale’s devastatingly powerful signature attack.

Mini Piccolo sweats at Glorio’s arrival.

Whether Majin Duu will have access to Arale’s many gag abilities remains unknown, though if he is capable of using only a fraction of Arale’s power,he could wind up beingDragon Ball’s most fearsome opponent yet.

Neva Sings the Dragon Ball Theme Song

The Series' Newest Namekian Sings Dragon Ball’s First Opening

The mysterious and wise Namekian legend, Neva, reappeared inDaima’s most recent episode, joining the main cast on their journey through the Demon Realm. The creator of the Demon Dragon Balls seems to know more than he’s letting on, and proves so during his introduction to the series' heroes. Pretending to be senile,Neva begins singing “Makafushigi Adventure!”, the first opening theme to the originalDragon Ballanime.

Dragon Ball Daima Explains The Real Reason Namekians Left The Demon Realm, & It’s Actually Brilliant

The Namekians were once native to the Demon Realm, but most of them chose to leave, and now fans finally have an idea as to why.

Piccolo quickly sees through the act, however, and puts an end to Neva’s song.Dragon Ball Daimahas been a nostalgia-filled celebration of the franchise, and its most recent Episode #11 calls back to Akira Toriyama’s most important works.Ending on a cliffhanger which sees Vegeta being eaten by a Kraken, upcoming episodes are sure to be packed with exciting action and further tributes toDragon Ball.