Dragon Ball DAIMAhas introduced plenty of exciting new perspectives on franchise staples so far, including Dragon Balls,Namekian origins, and, in its earliest episodes, fusion methods. The series has already explored the lore about Potara Fusions and ways to undo that which was previously considered irreversible. Still, in the anime, another method is introduced in the Demon Realm. InDragon Ball DAIMA, the Fusion concept gets a potential origin, or at least another branch on its history, as the Join Bugs are introduced in the Demon Realm’s Third Demon World, suggesting exciting moments ahead for Goku and friends.
Fusions were introduced with notable early examples inDragon Ball Z’sNamek Saga when Nail was absorbed into Piccolo and later in the Imperfect Cell Saga when he absorbed Kami. But as the franchise quickly reminds readers and viewers, Fusions are not exclusive to Namekians, with multiple incredible techniques possessing different entry barriers, including Potara and the Metamoran, aka Fusion Dance techniques. However, with the Join Bugs,there appears to be a distinct middle ground between Potara and Fusion Dance techniques inDragon Ball DAIMA.
Join Bugs May Predate Potara Fusion in Dragon Ball DAIMA
Boasting Similar Conditions to the Fusion Dance but with Fewer Prerequisites
InDragon Ball DAIMAepisode #4, Goku learns about Medi Bugs, particularly the Join Bugs in the Third Demon World, with users being able split one into half, and share with another user to fuse into a more powerful, conjoined being for a limited time. This relative simplicity appears to be a more natural, consumable version of Potara Earrings, yet its effect is not permanent, with a vague time limit similar to that of the Fusion Dance’s union. However, unlike with the Fusion Dance,Dragon Ball DAIMAnever states that either user of the Join Bugs must have similar power levels first.
With their uses grouped with more mundane, general pharmaceutical purposes like healing burns, treating headaches, and skin treatment, not much stock is placed in Medi Bugs in the region.
With the Glind indicated to have their origins inthe Second Demon World inDragon Ball DAIMAandthe Medi Bugs being commonplace enough to be cheap souvenirs in the Third Demon World, there’s plenty to gather from their first appearance. With their uses grouped with more mundane, general pharmaceutical purposes like healing burns, treating headaches, and skin treatment, not much stock is placed in Medi Bugs in the region. Perhaps this is due to Demon Realm residents' relatively low power levels inDragon Ball DAIMA, rendering Fusion more a novelty than in the Buu Saga.
Medi Bugs Will Feature in Future Dragon Ball DAIMA Episodes
Glorio Humors Goku’s Request
Despite Glorio’s reaction indicating that Medi Bugs are nothing extraordinary inDragon Ball DAIMA,Goku requests an assortment because he recognizes their value, especially as an outsider to the Demon Realm. The Join Bugs are one of several varieties introduced, including the Achichi, Zutsu, and Beaut Bugs, which serve their purposes and may be helpful in a pinch. However, they remain bugs at the end of the day, with Shin quickly repulsed by the idea of eating bugs even if they boast similar stamina-restoring abilities to the Senzu Beans.
Medi Bugs introduced so far inDragon Ball DAIMAinclude:
Given the Demon Realm’s mysterious and far-reaching connections to the origins of many of theDragon Balluniverse’s phenomena, it’s not a reach to suggest these Medi Bugs are connected to other well-known concepts in the franchise. Goku quickly parallels Senzu Beans with the Revive Bugs andthe Fusion connection with Join Bugsindicatesa point of origin for what’d become the Potara technique honed by the Glind of the Demon Realm. But the Join Bugs also tease an obvious yet exciting possibility inDragon Ball DAIMA:more Fusion variants.
Fusions Are Surely in the Near Future for Dragon Ball DAIMA
Goku Kai and Vegolo on the Horizon?
Dragon Ball DAIMAdropping Fusion hints with the Join Bugs is a tantalizing move by the showrunners, hinting at the possibility of more wild combinations in the series. Shin shows an understandable distaste for eating bugs, so he and Glorio don’t show initial interest in participating. Given the initial Fusion retcons from episode #1 suggesting thatPotara Fusions can be separated by Majin Buu’s internal gases, even with Supreme Kais,Fusion seems strongly suggested forDragon Ball DAIMA’sfuture.
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However,given Goku’s canonical Fusions with Vegetaand the possibility of factoring in Piccolo, Join Bugs could produce exciting and, in all likelihood, highly weird unions inDragon Ball DAIMA.
Dragon Ball DAIMA
Cast
Dragon Ball Daima sees Goku and his allies inexplicably shrunk into miniature forms, prompting a journey to the Demon Realm. This animated adventure, part of the Dragon Ball franchise, explores their mission to solve the mystery and restore their original statures. Released in October 2024.
