Dragon Ball DAIMA revealed a lot of information about Namekians, but the series' resident Namek, Piccolo, really didn't get the proportionate screen-time. DAIMA might be the most informative Dragon Ball series in the franchise. In less than 30 episodes, the series uncovered and showed off the Demon Realm, introduced viewers to a whole new cast of interesting characters, and even fleshed out the background of Namekians.

While there were several key points relating to Namekians, Piccolo didn't play a major role in the series. Neva, the group's guide and creator of the Demon Realm's Dragon Balls, played a much more prominent role than the Special Beam Cannon creator. It's pretty disappointing, considering how cool Piccolo is as a character and how interesting it would have been to see him interact with the world at large.

Dragon Ball DAIMA Revealed A Lot Of Lore Relating To Namekians

Namekians Are Demons After All

The Namekians in Dragon Ball have had a few twists and turns relating to their origins. When they were first introduced, it was through the Demon King Piccolo. He was one of Dragon Ball when he was first brought into the series, and before anyone knew what a Namekian was, King Piccolo was referred to as a demon.

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In Dragon Ball Z, the planet Namek was explored, showing the real home of Namekians. It turns out that they were never demons but aliens, coming from an entirely different planet. Dragon Ball DAIMA shook up this concept again, reintroducing the Namekian's home as the Demon Realm.

Instead of aliens, the Namekians were demons the entire time. They left the Demon Realm, according to Neva, because their ability to create Dragon Balls made them a sought-after group. Other races in the Demon Realm wanted to subjugate the Namekians, so they left to find a new planet to call their own.

Piccolo Was Basically A Background Character

Even With All The Namekian Lore, Piccolo Didn't Play A Major Role In The Series

Piccolo's minimal role in Dragon Ball DAIMA left a lot to be desired. DAIMA is the shortest entry into the Dragon Ball universe, so not everybody was able to get an exceptional amount of screen time, but it was still odd that Piccolo didn't get the time he deserved. The background of Namekians was a pretty important point in the series, so it would have made sense for Piccolo to have a few more interactions with Neva, the original Namekian home world, or any other aspect of the Demon Realm.

Piccolo has played a pretty minor role in Dragon Ball throughout most of the series. In Dragon Ball Super, Piccolo was relegated to the role of babysitter before he became the amazing Orange Piccolo in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. Orange Piccolo is Piccolo's first real moment back in the limelight in far too long.

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Dragon Ball DAIMA May Have Finally Explained Orange Piccolo's Real Origin

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Piccolo could be a much better character if he was given more screen time, and Dragon Ball DAIMA was the perfect opportunity for it. He had a few decent moments fighting alongside Goku, Vegeta, and the rest of his allies in the Demon Realm, but it would have been really interesting to hear Piccolo's thoughts on where the Namekians originally come from.

Dragon Ball Franchise Image
Created by
Akira Toriyama
First TV Show
Dragon Ball
Latest TV Show
Super Dragon Ball Heroes
First Episode Air Date
April 26, 1989