This has been a grand year for anime lovers. You name it – Kaiju No. 8, Solo Leveling, Mashle, Demon Slayer, Bleach TYBW and DB Daima it has been quite the lineup.
And now, the mystery named DanDaDan has added to charm of 2024, and this is an understatement. Slick animation, humorous script and a story that just hits the mark, I am so excited to tell you all about DanDaDan. Let’s go!
DanDaDan: Key Information
“DanDaDan” Anime premiered on October 3, 2024 and its available on various streaming platforms like Netflix, Chrunchyroll, Hulu etc. The anime is adapted from its manga which is written by Yukinobu Tatsu. He was previously an assistant of Fujimoto Tatsuki on Fire Punch and Chainsaw Man and Yuuji Kaku on Hell’s Paradise. Dandadan is his first debut as the main author and the response is going pretty well!
DanDaDan is produced by Science Saru, a studio known for their work on “Devilman Crybaby” and other notable anime series.
You can get a good idea of the animation style and the storytelling of the anime from its trailer. Honestly, DanDaDan has set a benchmark for the upcoming New Gen Anime.
DanDaDan: Music & Opening Theme
The opening theme of the anime is “Otonoke” by Creepy Nuts who also made the opening of anime Mashle “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born”. Both are currently competing to get the title of the best anime opening of 2024. Honestly, this opening will give you a wholesome vibe in a weirdly interesting way. It will give you a hint of the Animation style & color usage on this Anime, which in my opinion is next level.
What’s DanDaDan All About ?
Finally, let’s discuss the heart of the matter – the story itself. “Dandadan” centers around two high school students with contrasting beliefs: Momo, a girl who firmly believes in the ghosts and spirits called “yokai” but dismisses the existence of aliens, and Okarun, a boy fascinated by UFOs and Aliens but skeptical of spirits. This unlikely pair forms the core of our narrative, and their partnership sets the stage for an extraordinary adventure.
The First episode is a whirlwind of excitement and unpredictability. The writers know how to cut to the chase and in the very first scene, Momo broke up with his dirtbag boyfriend.
While she was dealing with her breakup, we got to know that she has a huge crush on a character called “Ken Takakura” and yes, Ken Takakura existed in real. He was known for his brooding style and the stoic, honorable presence he brought to his roles.
Then Momo saw a group of boys bullying Okarun and she promptly steps in to defend him. All of these incidents say a lot about Momo that she is a strong-willed girl who knows how to stand for herself and for others in need.
After the nice save, our other main character Okarun who is in contrast with Momo, a socially awkward person, has a light of hope for friendship because the poor guy used to get bullied since his childhood and never had a single friend.
He immediately rushed towards Momo and started yapping about Aliens and UFOs without considering her liking/disliking on the topic. Well, I can’t blame him because that’s how a high school boy would behave if someone extended a hand of friendship to him.
So, as we know that Momo don’t believe in Aliens, so she clearly told Okarun that it’s a Myth and said a lot of mean things to him being a weirdo and not having friends, which she immediately apologized for once she realised that. Well then, Momo started talking about her beliefs on Ghosts and spirits which was disregarded by Okarun and they started arguing with each other (in a funny way).
Then, they both came up with a challenge to prove each other wrong by visiting different locations: Momo went to an Alien hotspot and Okarun went to a haunted tunnel and guess what? Both were proven right. As a result, Momo was abducted by Alien entities called “Serpoians” and Okarun got possessed by an old lady spirit named “Turbo Granny”.
Both creatures had their agendas. Serpoians are the aliens where only Male species are present and they survived through cloning, which is why Serpoians look identical. So, they abducted Momo for the obvious reason: “To reproduce more Serpoians” using a female human which is why they tried to sexually assault her. On the other hand, Turbo Granny possessed the Boy and stole his genitals.
In a twist of fate, Momo discovers she has hidden psychic powers, and together with the possessed Okarun, they fight off the aliens. After the ordeal, Momo gains telekinesis, and Okarun becomes super-fast thanks to Turbo Granny.
With their newfound abilities, Momo and Okarun team up to take on more supernatural threats. They’re joined by some colorful characters like Momo’s badass grandma, Seiko, and the mysterious Aira and Jiji. It’s going to be a wild ride filled with laughter, action, and plenty of unexpected twists!
My Take on DanDaDan
1. Hands Down For the Animation
As I said earlier, the animators know how to cut to the chase, I mean it. DanDaDan is so far a fast-paced Anime which told a lot about the context of the series in the first episode itself. If we take a reference of JJK, MAPPA tried to make some flashy fast paced scenes in the recent episodes, but it turned out to be a disaster. However, you will not feel the same here. The detailing of the scenes and characters are next level. The pace of animation totally accompanies the storyline of the Anime. Not to mention about the quirky vibrant colors, designs and dynamic action sequences which gives it a New Gen Anime feel and will leave you breathless.
2. The Characters are Everything
The main characters, Momo and Okarun, are polar opposites, but their chemistry is undeniable. They’re both lovable in their own ways, and their banter is hilarious. I love how they balance each other out, and their interactions are always entertaining.
However, “Dandadan” isn’t just about thrills and spectacle. Amidst the chaos, there are touching moments of genuine emotion. The developing bond between Momo and Okarun, as they learn to trust and support each other, adds a layer of warmth to the story. These heartfelt interactions provide a perfect balance to the more intense elements of the plot.
3. The Story is a Wild Ride
Without giving too much away, the story of Dandadan is a wild ride filled with twists and turns. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, and you never know what’s coming next. The plot blends supernatural elements with sci-fi in a way that’s both captivating and totally unique.
4. The Laughs Keep Coming
One of the best parts of Dandadan is its humor. The show is filled with laugh-out-loud moments that make it a joy to watch. Whether it’s the quirky characters or the absurd situations they find themselves in, you’ll be chuckling all the way through. What I personally loved is how the animators blend the comedy with the serious scenes like fighting the Serpoians, handling the first breakup and standing up for someone.
5. Final Verdict
“Dandadan” offers a blend of excitement, humor, and emotion that’s sure to appeal to a wide range of viewers. Whether you’re a long-time anime enthusiast or new to the medium, this series promises an entertaining and unique viewing experience.
That’s all for now folks! Stay in the loop for more reviews and anime talk. Until then, happy streaming!
