Fans of the Dragon Ball franchise have been left pondering Gohan’s absence in the latest series, *Dragon Ball Daima*. During an interview at the Anime Pasadena convention on November 8-9, 2025, Kyle Hebert, the English voice actor for adult Gohan, shared insights into this decision. Hebert suggested that Gohan’s lack of involvement in *Daima* might actually be beneficial for the character, allowing him to focus on his scholarly pursuits while chaos unfolds.
In *Dragon Ball Daima*, set before the events of *Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero*, Gohan is notably absent. Hebert explained that while the anime states Gohan is “studying,” it may also reflect a strategic choice by the producers. Gohan, who has recently married and is dedicated to his studies, is portrayed as being engaged in important work, making his absence from the action understandable.
Gohan’s Transformation
Hebert speculated that if Gohan were to appear in *Daima*, he would likely experience a transformation into a child, similar to the other characters. The storyline involves Gomah’s wish to revert all fighters who battled Majin Buu back to their childhood forms. This means that even if Gohan had been present, he would have been affected by this transformation, potentially adding to the chaos of the plot.
Even though Gohan’s absence raises questions, it aligns with the larger narrative. The series focuses primarily on Goku, Vegeta, and new allies as they navigate the challenges posed by Gomah and other adversaries. Hebert emphasized that Gohan’s character was not essential to the storyline at this juncture, allowing him to prioritize his studies and personal life.
Producer Decisions
It appears that Gohan’s absence was not solely a matter of plot but also a decision by the producers, influenced by recent events in the franchise. The character received significant attention in *Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero*, which introduced a new transformation for him. Producers may have opted to avoid overexposing Gohan and instead focus on other characters within *Daima*.
Historically, Gohan has been positioned as a central figure within the series, only to see his prominence fluctuate over time. Hebert noted that this pattern has occurred before, supporting the idea that Gohan’s role may be intentionally limited at this point to allow for character development and narrative balance.
As *Dragon Ball Daima* unfolds, Goku, Vegeta, and their companions embark on an adventurous quest after being shrunk to miniature sizes. This animated series, released in October 2024, continues to explore themes of teamwork and resilience as they venture into the Demon Realm to restore their original forms.
The *Anime Pasadena* convention, where Hebert shared his insights, showcases a variety of attractions related to anime and pop culture, featuring gaming tournaments, cosplay contests, and interactive entertainment. It serves as a gathering place for fans to celebrate their favorite franchises, including the ever-popular Dragon Ball series.
In summary, while Gohan’s absence in *Dragon Ball Daima* may leave fans with questions, it also provides an opportunity for the character to grow in other ways. With the franchise’s history of character development, audiences can look forward to what lies ahead for Gohan and his companions in future installments.
