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Dragon Ball DAIMAhas brought joy and excitement to the long-time fans of Toriyama, who appreciated the original tropes and style of theDragon Ballseries. By revisiting Goku’s childhood in a way that is both canon and true to its roots, DAIMA has succeeded in impressing Toriyama’s final work.
Since it first aired,Dragon Ball DAIMAhas always thrived on its unique blend of action, humor, and pop culture references. In its latest episode, the series struck again as delighted eagle-eyed fans noticed what seems to be a direct nod to Pokémon’s infamous Team Rocket.
The moment in question comes in when little Goku hurls two dragon ball thieves into the sky. The way they fly off into the distance in the scene bears an uncanny resemblance to the iconic “blasting off again!” Team Rocket-specific trope fromPokémon.
Goku Channels His Inner Ash Ketchum
In thePokémonfranchise, Jessie and James of Team Rocket became very popular for their repeated failures and dramatic exits. The iconic scene of them being sent flying into the sky with a sparkle in the sky stands as a major andcontinuing comedic settingof the series. Similarly, Goku’s sending of the Dragon Ball thieves into the air is a call back to the iconic scene.
Dragon Ball DAIMA’s latest episode, Episode 9, is titled ‘Thieves.’ Goku obtains a Dragon Ball in the Demon Realm, and as history has proven many times, it is exceedingly hard to keep a Dragon Ball than it is to obtain it. There is a playful confrontation, which is a joke, a fight for Goku as he toys with a shape-shifter demon and a bird demonwithout going Super Saiyanand sends them flying.
Goku’s Ferocious Elbow to Tamagami 3 in DAIMA Was Sneakily Copied From This Scene From Dragon Ball Z
The scene of him kicking the two demons into the air features exaggerated animations, a matching trajectory, and even the comedic timing that perfectly mirrors Team Rocket’s airborne departures. The only thing missing is the also iconic “Team Rocket has lost agaaaaain!” dialogue.
Why This Easter Egg Works So Well
This playful tribute not only draws laughter from fans but also serves as a testament to how interconnected the previously bounded anime world has become. There are increasingly more references, crossovers, and hidden tributes in anime. BothPokemonandDragon Ballfranchises have dominated and been a huge part of childhood for decades.
The reference fits seamlessly intoDragon Ball DAIMA’s newly minted, carefree tone. The series seems to be no stranger to playful moments, as it often balances intense battles with humor and nostalgia. By channeling Team Rocket’s signature defeat in the hands of the seeminglyinnocent and naive kid Goku, the episode taps into a shared cultural memory that resonates with any fan.
Dragon Ball Daima Will Never Let Vegeta Come Out of Goku’s Shadow
Fans were quick to spot the homage; this attempt byDragon Ball DAIMA’sproduction could be a deliberate celebration ofPokémon’s enduring influence, just likeDragon Ball.
You can streamDragon Ball DAIMAon Netflix and Crunchyroll.
Chandra Shekhar
Anime Writer
Articles Published :856
Chandra Shekhar is an Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 800 published articles under his belt. A law student by training but a storyteller at heart, he blends his sharp analysis with a deep love for all things anime. From the old-school Yu Yu Hakusho to the eldritch horrors of Lord of the Mysteries, his knowledge spans decades and genres. When he’s not writing, he’s likely buried in webnovels, silently hoping his favorite ones get the anime adaptation they deserve.
