Dragon Ball Daima Crowns the Demon World's New King Who No One Saw Coming

Warning: Contains spoilers for the finale of Dragon Ball DaimaDragon Ball Daima has officially come to its conclusion, marking the end of creator Akira Toriyama's final vision for Goku and the rest of Earth's heroes in his iconic series. Episode #20, titled "Maximum", features the climactic bout between Super Saiyan 4 Goku and the evil ruler of the Demon Realm, Gomah. Despite his incredible power-up and familiar, flashy transformation, Goku couldn't quite put the king down for the count. However, Dragon Ball has always placed importance on teamwork and friendship, and the final blow was eventually delivered by a character no one could have expected.

With the Evil Third Eye knocked out Gomah's forehead, the ruler became powerless in the face of Goku and company, and was sealed away in a magical prison by Arinsu. The throne now empty, the cast pondered who would take their place as the rightful leader of the Demon Realm, when the elder Namekian Neva suggested it should go to whoever defeated the previous ruler. With that, it was decided only one character was the correct choice: Majin Kuu.

Majin Kuu Is the Demon Realm's Newest King

The Fan-Favorite Goofball Has Inherited the Throne

When Majin Kuu was first introduced in Dragon Ball Daima, fans pondered whether the anime's latest take on Buu might be the series' main antagonist. Considering Daima's placement in the timeline coming just after the battle with Kid Buu, it would have only made sense for an updated version of the big pink terror to eclipse every other character in strength. Akira Toriyama, on the other hand, having always kept his gag manga tools handy, subverted viewers' expectations by making Kuu a comic relief character.

Majin Kuu and Duu meet the Gendarmerie Force

His goofy demeanor and painted-on innocent smile made Majin Kuu an instant fan-favorite, and although he wasn't an overly impressive fighter, he was proficient in other tasks like running errands. By the time the credits rolled on Dragon Ball Daima, however, Kuu got the last laugh. After smacking Gomah on the back of the head with Arinsu's book of magic, the Third Eye came loose from his forehead, and the lovable goofball Majin was the battle's victor and rightful king of the Demon Realm.

Akira Toriyama's Comedic Writing Came Through in Dragon Ball Daima

The Legendary Creator's Gag Manga Roots Gave Daima a Different Flavor

Goku wearing a hat looking at Panzy sadly while holding a Dragon Ball in Dragon Ball Daima.

Dragon Ball Daima, throughout its concise 20-episode run, is the perfect blend of Dragon Ball's adventurous roots and the action which defined the original series in its second half. Though what sets the anime apart from others in the franchise is its increased focus on comedic elements. Akira Toriyama made a name for himself writing Dr. Slump, an incredibly popular gag manga in Shōnen Jump. While Dragon Ball has always been lighthearted in nature, the artist made use of his gag manga roots in Daima.

Goku in front of the Demon Realm's Third Demon World.

It's Official: The Biggest Anime Episode of 2025 Belongs to Dragon Ball Daima

Dragon Ball DAIMA secures its spot as the highest-rated anime episode of 2025 so far on IMDb, easily surpassing the series' top scores of the past.

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Containing several of the franchise's funniest moments, like Vegeta's refusal to give up bath time with his wife, Dragon Ball Daima leans into comedy to great effect throughout. And before the series could come to a close, Akira Toriyama left fans with one final gag by placing Majin Kuu on the Demon Realm throne. The series' legendary creator passed away in March 2024, and it's unknown what the future of Dragon Ball will have in store without Toriyama at the helm. Though it's certain the series won't be the same without his sense of humor.