Dragon Ball Daima Makes an Epic Broly Callback as the Anime Nears Its Finale
As the Dragon Ball DAIMA series approaches its end, the talented animators behind Goku’s adventure in the Demon Realm are working hard to make sure the finale is an epic event. The latest episodes of the series are considered by most fans as the best, thanks to their stunning animation and intense fight scenes.
One moment caught the attention of viewers around the world, and with good reason, as it was a direct homage to an iconic Broly scene. The scene during which Gomah flies up with his arms crossed was a reference to a similar moment in Dragon Ball Super’s second movie. Most surprising of all, these two scenes were animated by the talented Ryo Onishi, one of the franchise’s most prominent artists.
Dragon Ball Daima Homages One of Broly’s Most Epic Moments
Ryo Onishi’s Talent Is Beyond Impressive
In episode #17 of the Dragon Ball DAIMA anime, the Z Fighters and their new allies fight against the current Demon King Gomah, the series' main villain and a callback to another iconic antagonist. During this intense battle, the demonic ruler wishes to demonstrate his full power, easily overpowering the heroes. At one point, to seemingly mock his adversaries, Gomah surrounded himself with a pillar of light and took to the skies This memorable scene was more than just proof of how powerful the Demon King was, it was also a homage to an iconic moment from the franchise’s 20th movie.
After Broly’s rage turned him into a rampaging monster, Goku was forced to fight with all his might, pushing the Legendary Super Saiyan into a corner. In a burst of power, the green-haired warrior created a ball of energy to surround himself, causing him to float high in the air. When examined together, it becomes clear that the scene of Broly ascending and Gomah’s epic taunt are almost identical. The animator behind both moments, Ryo Onishi likely wanted to recreate one of his most popular to celebrate DAIMA's action-packed final episode.
Ryo Onishi Is a Vital Part of the Dragon Ball Franchise
His Talent Can Be Seen in Several Beloved Entries
One of the main reasons why a moment as simple as an antagonist floating ominously over the heroes can become such a beloved scene is the talent of Ryo Onishi, the main animator behind these events. The artist has been a key part of the anime series ever since the release of Bardock’s special episode. His use of color, fluid movement, and the angles of the camera give the franchise a feeling of excitement that few other animators could achieve.
Nonetheless, fans might recognize his style better in the Dragon Ball Super: Battle of the Gods film, another project where he worked as a main animator. While he might not be as well-known as other members of the Dragon Ball team, his contributions to the series have been invaluable. As proven by his callback in episode #17 of DAIMA, his talent and creativity can turn any simple action into an intense and exciting memory.

Dragon Ball DAIMA
- Release Date
- 2024 - 2025
- Network
- Fuji TV, Kansai TV, Tokai Television Broadcasting, Fukui TV, Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting, Iwate Menkoi Television, Sendai Television, SAGA TV, TNC, OHK, Ishikawa TV, Kochi Sun Sun Broadcasting, TV Shizuoka, UMK TV Miyazaki, Television Shin Hiroshima System, NST, NBS, Sakuranbo TV, TSK, Ehime Broadcasting, KTS, NIB, KKT, Fukushima TV, TOS, AKT, Toyama Television, Okinawa Television Broadcasting
- Directors
- Kazuya Karasawa, Ryuta Kawahara
- Writers
- Akira Toriyama
- Franchise(s)
- Dragon Ball
Cast
- Masako NozawaSon Goku (mini) (voice)
- Koki UchiyamaGlorio (voice)
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