Let’s be real for a second. When Akira Toriyama first announced that Goku was going to be a kid again, half the internet groaned. We’d seen this movie before—literally—with Dragon Ball GT. But Dragon Ball Daima capitulo 2 proved that this isn't just a nostalgia cash grab. It’s a deliberate, polished return to the DNA of the original series. It feels different. It looks expensive. And honestly? It’s exactly what the franchise needed after the high-stakes, multiverse-shattering chaos of Super.
The second episode, titled "Glorio," picks up the pieces of the "Conspiracy" introduced in the premiere. We aren't just looking at a few characters getting shrunk; the entire main cast has been "de-aged" by a wish made by Gomah using the Earth’s Dragon Balls. If you were looking for immediate, world-ending combat, you probably felt a bit surprised by the pacing here. This episode is a slow burn. It focuses on the logistical nightmare of suddenly having the body of a first-grader while trying to maintain the dignity of a legendary warrior.
The Demon Realm is Finally Getting Real Lore
For decades, the Demon Realm was this vague, spooky place that existed mostly in guidebooks or non-canon games like Dragon Ball Heroes. Dragon Ball Daima capitulo 2 changes that. We finally get a look at how this world operates. It’s not just a hellscape. It’s a complex ecosystem with its own politics, its own hierarchy, and a very distinct visual style that screams classic Toriyama.
The introduction of the "Warp-sama" and the mechanics of traveling between the human world and the Demon Realm adds a layer of world-building we haven't seen in years. It’s crunchy. It’s specific. We learn that Gomah isn't just a random villain; he’s the new King of the Demon Realm following Dabura’s death. The power vacuum left behind after the Buu Saga is a brilliant narrative thread to pull. It makes the world feel interconnected.
Goku’s New (Old) Power Ceiling
Watching Goku try to adapt to his smaller frame is legitimately funny. It’s not just a cosmetic change. In Dragon Ball Daima capitulo 2, we see that his center of gravity is off. His reach is shorter. His ki control, while still there, feels constrained by a body that isn't used to that level of output. This is a brilliant move by the writers.
How do you make Goku interesting when he’s basically a god? You take away his tools.
By forcing him back into a state where he has to rely on his Power Pole (Nyoibo), the show recaptures the "adventure" spirit. The fight choreography in this episode, though brief, is fluid. It reminds me more of the Jackie Chan-inspired movements of early Dragon Ball than the "teleport and punch" style of the later series. You can see the weight of the movements. When Goku swings that pole, it feels like it has actual mass.
Who is Glorio and Why Should We Care?
The titular character of the episode, Glorio, is the biggest wildcard. He arrives in a sleek, retro-futuristic plane and immediately sets a different tone. He’s stoic. He’s a pilot from the Demon Realm. He isn't a bumbling henchman or a screaming antagonist.
His interaction with the "mini" versions of Goku, Shin, and Degesu is fascinating. He’s looking for a specific kind of help, and he knows exactly who Goku is. This raises a massive question: How much does the Demon Realm know about the events on Earth? If Glorio knows Goku defeated Majin Buu, then the Demon Realm has been watching us for a very long time.
The Technical Leap in Animation
Can we talk about the art direction? It’s gorgeous. Shintani’s influence is all over this. The colors are vibrant but not oversaturated. The character designs for the "de-aged" cast are surprisingly distinct; they don't just look like smaller versions of their adult selves, they have that specific 80s/90s roundness that Toriyama was famous for.
In Dragon Ball Daima capitulo 2, the animation remains consistent. Often, a pilot episode looks amazing and then the second episode drops off a cliff in quality. That didn't happen here. The background art of the Demon Realm, with its weird flora and jagged mountains, looks hand-painted. It gives the show a "prestige" feel that Super often lacked during its weekly run.
✨ Don't miss: Who Sang How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? The Answer Is More Complicated Than You Think
Breaking Down the De-Aging Mechanic
- The Wish: Gomah used the Dragon Balls specifically to neutralize the threats of Earth.
- The Result: Everyone is younger, but they retain their memories and personalities.
- The Twist: This isn't just about Goku; the inclusion of Shin (the Supreme Kai) as a main traveling companion suggests a heavy focus on divine/demonic lore.
Shin’s role here is vital. He’s always been a character who "knows things but stays in the background." Now, he’s forced into the spotlight. His dynamic with Goku in this smaller form provides a much-needed straight-man/funny-man energy. It’s a road trip movie, essentially.
Why This Episode Matters for the Future
Most fans were worried that Daima would be filler. This episode proves otherwise. By establishing the stakes in the Demon Realm and introducing a mission-based structure (traveling to the Third Demon World), the show gives itself a clear roadmap. It’s not about waiting for the next tournament. It’s about exploration.
The "vibe" is the most important part. It feels like a Saturday morning adventure, but with the production value of a feature film. There’s a sense of wonder that has been missing. When Goku eats his first meal in his new body, or when they discuss the mechanics of the Warp-sama, it feels like we are learning about a new universe alongside them.
Common Misconceptions About the Timeline
A lot of people are confused about where this fits. Based on the presence of Shin and the mention of Buu, this takes place after the defeat of Kid Buu but before the end of Dragon Ball Z. It’s a "missing link" period. However, it seems to be ignoring the events of Super for now, or at least operating in a space where those power-ups aren't relevant yet. No Blue, no Ultra Instinct. Just raw martial arts and ki.
This is a smart choice. It levels the playing field. If Goku could just go Ultra Instinct, the Demon Realm wouldn't be a threat. By stripping him back to basics, the stakes feel real again. A few rogue demons with spears actually pose a problem when you're three feet tall and your reach is half what it used to be.
💡 You might also like: Shape of You Chords: Why This Four-Chord Loop Still Dominates the Charts
Moving Forward with Daima
The episode ends on a perfect hook. We are headed into the Demon Realm. No more Earth, no more Capsule Corp comforts. It’s Goku, Shin, and Glorio in a strange land.
If you're looking to keep up with the series, pay close attention to the background characters in the Demon Realm. The world-building is dense. There are visual cues about the social structure of the demons that will likely pay off in later episodes. Also, keep an eye on the Power Pole. It’s not just a callback; it’s going to be Goku’s primary way of overcoming the physical limitations of his new body.
The best way to experience this is to lean into the whimsy. Don't go in expecting Dragon Ball Z's grimness. Go in expecting the curiosity of a kid exploring a backyard that turned out to be a kingdom.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Re-watch the original Dragon Ball (Red Ribbon Army saga) to brush up on Goku's staff fighting style, as it's clearly the blueprint for his combat in Daima.
- Track the differences in the Demon Realm's "levels." The show mentions multiple "Worlds" within the realm, implying a tiered system of difficulty and power.
- Keep an eye on Glorio’s ship technology; it’s significantly more advanced than what we usually see from the Demon Realm, suggesting he might have ties to a more "civilized" or hidden sector of that world.