In a groundbreaking shift for the franchise, Dragon Ball Daima finally presents firearms as a credible danger to Goku and his powerful allies. Historically, the Dragon Ball universe has struggled to create adversaries capable of challenging its main characters, with creator Akira Toriyama often resorting to inventive storytelling to introduce new villains. In earlier arcs, humans posed no threat due to their ineffectiveness against Saiyans, who were virtually immune to bullets.
This narrative trend led to the introduction of extraterrestrial antagonists in Dragon Ball Z, catering to the need for a genuine menace. On Earth, no human could inflict damage on Goku, making the stakes consistently low. However, Dragon Ball Daima disrupts this pattern by featuring an entire episode where Goku and his companions find themselves at a significant disadvantage against an armed army, utilizing advanced weaponry.
Goku Proved That Guns Were No Match for Him Way Back in Dragon Ball
Goku Took Shots From General White and Easily Survived
The notion that guns could genuinely harm Goku has always felt implausible. As early as chapter #65, Goku demonstrated his resilience when General White of the Red Ribbon Army fired multiple shots at him while Goku assisted his friend, Android “8-Man, ”in Muscle Tower.
In this encounter, Goku not only endured direct gunfire but was struck in the back as well. Surprisingly, the Saiyan emerged unscathed, reinforcing the idea that firearms represented no real threat to him or his compatriots. This trend continued, as characters like Krillin, Yamcha, and Tien also showcased their invulnerability, further solidifying the notion that conventional weaponry was ineffective against powerful figures like Goku. A memorable instance in DBZ showcases Raditz effortlessly catching bullets from a frightened farmer, emphasizing the absurdity of gun combat against someone of his caliber.
Dragon Ball Daima Introduces a Gun That Can Paralyze and Even Hurt Goku
The Demon Realm Has Some Serious Weapons
In a shocking turn of events, Dragon Ball Daima episode #15 reveals a new type of weaponry: a laser capable of not only inflicting pain and paralysis on Goku and his friends but potentially lethal damage as well, as suggested by the enigmatic Namekian, Neva. The potency of these lasers pushes Vegeta to consume a Demon Realm variant of Earth’s Senzu Bean after being hit, highlighting their lethal capabilities. It’s surreal to witness Goku and his team strategizing to evade a torrent of laser fire rather than straightforwardly charging into battle, which has been the norm.
This shift in dynamic added an exciting element to the battles, deviating from previous encounters where foes posed minimal challenges. Viewers eagerly anticipated the confrontation between Goku and the Gendarmerie Force, a group of elite soldiers initially depicted as mere clones of the Ginyu Force. Regrettably, the actual battle fell short of expectations, as the Gendarmerie Force was defeated with alarming ease.
While Effective, Dragon Ball Daima’s Delivery Doesn’t Work
Daima Could Have Introduced These Lasers Much Earlier On
Despite the thrilling developments, Dragon Ball Daima stumbled in its overall execution. Many fans are left pondering why it took so long to establish the effectiveness of the Gendarmerie’s formidable weaponry. The police forces of Gomah, present since the beginning, had yet to pose a real threat to Goku until this moment. A timely introduction of their dangerous capabilities would have heightened anticipation for Goku’s adventures, creating a stronger narrative thread throughout the series.
From a storytelling perspective, the series would have felt significantly more relevant if Gendarmerie were consistently showcased as more than mere obstacles. Goku’s tendency to avoid wielding weapons in situations like saving Panzy is consistent with his character, as he has a deep respect for his opponents, regardless of their strength. Some foreshadowing or setup could have lent authenticity to the unfolding events.
Dragon Ball GT Explored This Dynamic First
Although Not With Guns, Random Villains Could Hurt Goku Despite Being Weak
Interestingly, this isn’t the first instance where otherwise negligible foes have posed a threat to Goku. In the controversial series Dragon Ball GT, several seemingly weak opponents managed to challenge him. One prime example of a minor villain comparable to the Gendarmerie’s weaponry is the Sigma Force, who incapacitated Goku and Trunks with sleeping gas. Another notable example is Mutchy-Mutchy, a lesser villain who, despite his rank, could shock Goku out of his Super Saiyan form.
Even though many fans view the timing of the Gendarmerie’s weapon effectiveness in Dragon Ball Daima as problematic, it ultimately illustrates that it’s never too late to introduce intriguing elements into a long-standing franchise.
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