Dragon Ball DAIMA [Season 1 Episode 12]

Dragon Ball DAIMA – Episode 12: “True Strength” Review

A Long-Awaited Power-Up and a Battle of Wits

Dragon Ball DAIMA has been a wild ride since its announcement, and Episode 12, titled “True Strength,” delivers on multiple fronts—action, humor, and a long-overdue transformation that fans have been begging for. Produced by Toei Animation and set to air in Fall 2024, this miniseries continues to carve its own path in the Dragon Ball universe, blending nostalgia with fresh twists.

This episode kicks off with Goku and Vegeta facing off against the Krakken, a sea monster that’s somehow managed to swallow Vegeta whole. But let’s be real—Vegeta isn’t the type to stay down for long. What follows is a spectacle of power, strategy, and a few surprises that had fans buzzing online.

The Highlights: Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta (Finally!)

The biggest talking point? Vegeta achieving Super Saiyan 3. Yes, you read that right. After decades of fans wondering why Vegeta skipped this form (while Goku and Gotenks flaunted it), Dragon Ball DAIMA finally made it canon. And boy, did it deliver.

The transformation scene was everything fans could’ve hoped for—intense, visually stunning, and packed with that signature Vegeta arrogance. The way his hair flares out horizontally (instead of Goku’s iconic downward flow) sparked debates online, with some calling it “goofy” and others praising the unique design. Either way, seeing Vegeta flex this form after all these years was pure fan service done right.

One fan on MyAnimeList put it perfectly:

“After 30 years since the debut of Goku’s SSJ3, Vegeta’s SSJ3 is finally canon.”

Another added:

“Absolute Cinema (Water Vegeta SSJ3).”

The fight choreography was top-notch, blending fluid animation with the chaotic energy Dragon Ball is known for. Vegeta’s battle against the Tamagami (a mysterious new foe) showcased his growth—not just in power, but in strategy. Unlike Goku, who often brute-forces his way through fights, Vegeta’s approach here was calculated, proving once again why he’s the Prince of all Saiyans.

The Underworld’s Tricky Trials

Beyond the flashy transformations, Episode 12 also introduced a clever twist: a battle of wits. The Tamagami’s final challenge wasn’t just about strength—it was a mental test. And let’s be honest, if Goku had been the one facing it, he’d have been doomed.

Fans were divided on this. Some loved the change of pace:

“The final challenge was tricky. But Kuu got him covered. Kuu was supposed to be the smart one, but I didn’t think he’d be that smart. No way Goku or Vegeta would’ve been able to get the first Dragon Ball.”

Others felt it was a bit unfair:

“Old Namekian dude a bitch for giving the Tamagami a power-up. Just because Vegeta and Goku like to fight doesn’t mean you can give an unfair advantage to the opponent!!”

Still, it added depth to the episode, making the victory feel earned rather than handed over.

The Majin Bros: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em?

Duu and Kuu, the Majin brothers, continue to be a polarizing duo. Duu’s brute strength and Kuu’s intelligence make them an entertaining pair, but some fans feel they lack the menace of past villains like Majin Buu.

One fan noted:

“Duu still doesn’t look intimidating. Even Majin Buu was more menacing. I am guessing Duu will absorb Kuu at some point.”

Another countered:

“I’d like to start off by how hilarious, funny, stupid, and powerful Duu is. His fighting style is so nostalgic, reminding me so much of Buu.”

Whether you find them charming or underwhelming, their dynamic keeps the story moving, and their fusion (if it happens) could be a game-changer.

Controversy: Does This Break Canon?

Not everyone was thrilled with Vegeta’s SSJ3 reveal. Some fans argued it contradicts Dragon Ball Super, where Vegeta never used this form.

A heated discussion erupted:

“Everything up till now was consistent with later story development from DB Super. And we know from the Super story, that Vegeta has never learned to go SSJ3.”

Others dismissed this, pointing out that DAIMA might exist in a separate timeline:

“Daima might be a different timeline… look at Shin and Kibito defusion in Super being done by dragon balls while here in Daima they defused because of Majin Buu.”

At the end of the day, Dragon Ball has never been strict with continuity, and most fans seemed happy to roll with it.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Fans

Episode 12 of Dragon Ball DAIMA is a love letter to long-time fans. It balances nostalgia (SSJ3 Vegeta!), fresh challenges (mental battles!), and the series’ signature humor. The animation is crisp, the fights are exhilarating, and the character moments—especially Vegeta’s growth—are satisfying.

As one fan perfectly summed it up:

“Vegeta finally got his time to shine again, excellent episode and seeing Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta was hype.”

If you’ve been sleeping on DAIMA, now’s the time to jump in. With only a few episodes left, the stakes are higher than ever, and if this episode is any indication, the finale is going to be explosive.

Rating: 9/10 – A near-perfect blend of action, humor, and fan service.

What did you think of Episode 12? Let’s discuss in the comments! 🚀