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

Warning: Contains spoilers for episode 11 of Dragon Ball DaimaDragon Ball Daima returned the franchise to its roots, reincorporating many of the elements that made the series so captivating as it followed Goku in his childhood. The Demon Realm is ready 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 the large-scale battles stole the focus. More recently, in Dragon Ball DaimaEpisode #11, titled “Legend”, the anime refers directly to two of Akira Toriyama's first definitive works.

The first reference may have gone unnoticed by fans who only know Toriyama's work in Dragon ballreferencing the series that preceded Goku's arrival in the pages of Shōnen Jump. The second, however, should have been recognizable a long time ago. Dragon ball fans the moment Neva, the legendary ancient Namekian, began singing the original theme for the Dragon ball anime. Daima was largely a celebration of Akira Toriyama's masterful contributions to the history of the manga and anime, and the latest episode goes a little further in its returns.

Daima makes reference to Dr.

The new Majin Duu stands up and says Arale's catchphrase

Before the mysterious tailed boy was discovered in the mountains, Akira Toriyama made a name for himself as a manga artist with his comedy series, Dr.. Although a large portion Dragon ball fans may be only slightly familiar with the manga, it was the artist's first big hit in Shonen Jump Weeklyand it ran for almost five years. Dragon Ball DaimaToriyama's final vision for his masterpiece, pays homage to Dr. and Arale in introducing the newest potential villain, Majin Duu.

Duu, who bears more resemblance to Buu than his brother Kuu, also shares the big pink Majin's silly demeanor. And as soon as he gets up from the cauldron, he strikes a pose and shouts Arale's catchphrase, “n'cha!”. It seems the greeting strikes some fear in Arinsu and Marba, who respond quickly and stiffly with an 'n'cha' of their own. The salute is also a main part of the N'cha Cannon, Arale's devastatingly powerful attack.

It remains to be seen whether Majin Duu will have access to Arale's many gag abilities, though if he is able to use just a fraction of Arale's power, he could end up being Dragon ballthe most fearsome opponent yet.

Neva sings the Dragon Ball theme song

The series' newest Namekian sings the first opening of Dragon Ball

The mysterious and wise Namekian legend, Neva, reappeared in Daimalatest episode of, 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 he proves it during his introduction to the series' heroes. Pretending to be senile, Neva starts singing “Makafushigi Adventure!”the first opening theme of the original Dragon ball anime.

Piccolo quickly realizes the act and puts an end to Neva's song. Dragon Ball Daima has been a nostalgia-filled celebration of the franchise, and its most recent episode 11 nods to Akira Toriyama's most important works. Ending on a cliffhanger where Vegeta is eaten by a KrakenThe upcoming episodes will certainly be packed with exciting action and more tributes to Dragon ball.