Goku’s Transformation into a Kid in Dragon Ball DAIMA: Explained

The much-anticipated Dragon Ball DAIMA has finally debuted with its first two episodes after a lengthy hiatus. Fans last experienced the franchise with Dragon Ball Super before it went off the radar. However, as we move towards late 2024, Toei Animation has unveiled another exciting chapter in the beloved series, Dragon Ball DAIMA.

This installment takes a fresh perspective by transforming our cherished Z Fighters into adorable children. Following the premiere, fans are already buzzing with curiosity – What led to Goku becoming a kid?

The answer lies with Demon King Gomah, who employed Earth’s Dragon Balls to revert Goku and his companions back to childhood. Keep reading for more insights.

Explaining Goku’s Transformation into a Child in Dragon Ball DAIMA

Son Goku as a child (Image via Toei Animation)

The transformation of Son Goku and his Z Fighter allies into children occurs right at the start of Dragon Ball DAIMA’s second episode. As previously mentioned, it was the Demon King Gomah who used the Dragon Balls on Earth to grant the wish to turn Goku and others back into kids. The reasoning behind this amusing wish paves the way for exploring a unique domain within the Dragon Ball universe known as the Demon Realm.

For some background, Gomah and his aide Degesu originated from the Demon Realm. As they observed events on Earth, the demise of Demon King Dabura became known to them, placing Gomah in the position of the new king. However, witnessing the extraordinary strength of Goku and his friends unsettled him. Thus, he devised a cunning plan aimed at diminishing their powers by reverting them to their childhood.

Accompanied by Degesu and the elderly Namekian Neva, the trio travelled to Earth to utilize its Dragon Balls. Their quest succeeded in gathering the necessary seven Dragon Balls to summon Shenron, but they were limited to only one wish. King Gomah opted to wish for Son Goku to become a first-grader (around 6 to 7 years old in the Japanese education system) while the younger ones, Goten, Trunks, and Dende, were reverted to infancy.

Set after the Majin Buu Saga, Dragon Ball DAIMA portrays the Z Warriors enjoying a well-deserved break following their exhausting battle against Kid Buu, and celebrating Trunks’ 9th birthday. This saga instilled fear in Gomah regarding Goku’s immense power, prompting him to take preventative measures against a potential invasion of the Demon Realm.

The Abilities of Kid Goku in Dragon Ball DAIMA

As noted earlier, the new series picks up just after the Majin Buu Saga, indicating that Goku retains his significant strength from that era. He still possesses access to his Super Saiyan form and his martial prowess remains unparalleled. Interestingly, he even managed to reclaim his iconic Nyoibo, the red Power Pole he wielded in his youth.

The primary challenge he faces is adjusting to his rejuvenated body. Accustomed to his original physique, Goku finds his new stature disrupts his reach and flying capabilities. Nevertheless, this minor adjustment doesn’t hinder him for long, as he quickly resumes training to acclimatize to his transformed self.

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