Magic vs Chi: Dragon Ball Daima’s Most Important Powers, Explained

Dragon Ball DAIMA has proven to be just another addition to the amazing world created by Akira Toriyama. As its story progresses, fans discover many secrets and enigmas hidden for decades inside the universe that Goku and his friends inhabit. One of the most intriguing topics the series has approached is the difference between magic and chi.

While both energies have been present in the franchise from the very beginning, DAIMA is the first time that their origins have been openly discussed. Following the inspiration for many topics in this show, which seem to be linked with the Taoist religion, the difference between these two natural forces becomes clear. Chi is the energy that connects a being with the universe, while magic is the selfish manipulation of the universal forces.

Magic Is The Yang to Chi’s Yin

Both Energies Work In Opposite But Complementary Ways

Throughout the Dragon Ball DAIMA anime, the concept of magic has gained notoriety like never before in the franchise. Not only is this natural force the reason behind Goku’s predicament, but it is also the main source of power for the inhabitants of the Demon Realm. Its newly gained relevance has led to many interesting discoveries. For example, the retcon to the Namekian Race’s origins, making them natives of the Demon Realm, implies that the titular Dragon Balls are the result of demonic magic. Such details have greatly expanded the lore of this supernatural energy, linking it directly with Taoism.

It is no secret that the franchise created by the late Toriyama is inspired by many terms and beliefs of this ancient religion. Chi itself is the physical energy that all living creatures are born with, according to the followers of this tradition. As such, magic itself can likely also be explained by Taoistic concepts. According to this belief, magic is the inherently selfish use of Chi to alter the forces of nature. While not an evil practice in itself, it does require the user to have a certain degree of arrogance.

This is likely why the races who possess the greatest ability for this technique reside in the demon realm. Not all inhabitants of this world are evil, but their ruthless environment pushes many towards a dark path. Magic is the manipulation of the cosmos using Chi, which explains why characters like Goku cannot use it. As a martial artist, Kakarot is often in touch with the universe itself, allowing its forces to flow through him. His power does not come from a need to control nature, instead allowing it to use his body as a conduit.

The Taoist Origins Of Magic Explain White Magic As Well

Only Beings Of Pure Heart Can Use Magic In Selfless Ways

While the Dragon Ball series never fully explained magic before DAIMA, fans were already aware of the existence of white and dark varieties of this technique. As can be inferred from their names, each of these skills is often associated with the forces of good and evil respectively. This distinction, while not always accurate, helps explain why some characters are more adept at white magic than others. Users of this ability could manipulate the energy of the universe in their favor, but not because of a selfish desire.

As the series has progressed, it has been implied that only those who are pure of heart can learn to purify magic, in most cases members of the genderless Glind race, who go on to become Kais. Characters like the Supreme Kai of Universe 7, Shin, use their knowledge of magic to manipulate Chi and bend the universe to their will. Yet, unlike the demons who use dark magic, they intend to help others, whether it is to defeat an evil being or heal an innocent. This goes in line with the themes of the Dragon Ball franchise.

A great example of this is the protagonist of the series himself, Goku. As a member of the Saiyan race, Kakarot was supposed to grow into a ruthless and violent warrior who would conquer Earth without caring for its inhabitants. Nevertheless, thanks to the teachings of his grandfather and his friends, Goku not only overcame his cruel nature but also established himself as a protector of the planet he was supposed to destroy. Demons who use white magic act in similar ways, not allowing the selfish nature of their ability to tarnish their noble goals.

The Demon Realm’s Own Energy Might Propitiate Magic

Its Evil Nature Could Influence The Abilities Of Its Inhabitants

One of the most intriguing aspects of Dragon Ball DAIMA has raised about its Demon Realm is the presence of dark energy all over this dimension. This energy is what gives its inhabitants their incredible powers, as well as allowing them the ability to achieve ominous new transformations. As is the case with energy, the series does not immediately associate this energy with evil, but it does strongly hint at it being the source of many of the Demon Realm’s most dangerous residents.

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If this energy permeates the whole dimension, meaning that the demonic races are exposed to it as soon as they are born, this could explain their inherent talent for magic. The Demon Realm’s dark energy could push those exposed to it to become naturally more selfish, thus giving them an advantage over other magic users. The races that have left behind this dimension, like the Namekians or Glind, have retained their arcane skills, but have left behind their selfish desires.

Magic and Chi Maintain Balance In The Universe

Dragon Ball Has Made It Clear That Everything Is About Equilibrium

As the story of Dragon Ball has progressed, one of its most recurring tenets has been the necessity of balance. From the benevolent Gods of Creation to the powerful and imposing Gods of Destruction, there needs to be an equilibrium for life to exist. Magic and Chi seem to be the manner in which mortals help maintain stability across the multiverse. While martial artists work with nature to empower themselves, magic users bend it to their will, keeping its might in check. It is this balance why magic, despite being selfish by nature, is not an evil force.

Dragon Ball is a series that, although better known for its incredible and exciting battles, hides many teachings for fans to learn from. Magic and Chi’s Taoist origins are just one example of how deep and intricate Toriyama’s work can be. Both skills are vital for the universe to keep existing and have made the series that much more interesting to study and enjoy.

Dragon Ball DAIMA is the fifth overall series in the action-adventure anime franchise. It features most of the classic cast members as de-aged versions of themselves, including Goku, Vegeta, and Bulma. The series was announced at NYCC 2023, with creator Akira Toriyama returning to handle DAIMA’s run.

Seasons

1

Writers

Akira Toriyama