The anime industry, thriving on wildly successful shounen series such as ‘Demon Slayer’, ‘My Hero Academia’, and ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’, now finds itself on the cusp of a major transition. As these beloved franchises near their conclusions, the search for the next big phenomenon has intensified. Enter ‘Dandadan’, an adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s manga that promises to breathe new life into anime with its bizarre mix of the supernatural and the extraterrestrial. The anticipation among fans has been palpable, and the series wastes no time in declaring its arrival with unprecedented flair and humor.
‘Dandadan’ comes from the capable hands of Science Saru, the studio behind hits like ‘Scott Pilgrim Takes Off’ and ‘Devilman Crybaby’. The story introduces us to Momo Ayase, a spirited high school gyaru with a tough exterior who is a fervent believer in ghosts. Alongside her is Ken Takakura, nicknamed Okarun, a quiet and lonely classmate who obsessively seeks proof of extraterrestrials and UAPs. The two form an unlikely alliance based on a bet: Momo aims to prove ghosts exist by visiting a haunted site, while Okarun attempts to validate his belief in aliens by exploring a hotspot for UFO sightings.
Their adventures quickly take a turn for the bizarre. Momo is abducted by lecherous aliens, while Okarun finds himself possessed by a grotesque spirit, transforming their rivalry into a necessity for survival. Through outlandish and life-threatening encounters, the duo forges a tenuous bond, offering a fresh take on the shounen genre that blends comedy and horror in unpredictably delightful ways.
Director Fuga Yamashiro helms the series with an assured blend of spectacle and depth. The early episodes are a whirlwind, seamlessly transitioning from tender moments of trauma-sharing between Momo and Okarun to frenetic battles against otherworldly entities. One moment they might be running from a spirit keen on stealing Okarun’s “banana organ” (the euphemism isn’t lost on anyone), and the next, they’re squaring off against a poison-spewing sumo-wrestling apparition. The fluid animation and bold visual style of Science Saru make these transitions as captivating as they are surreal, grounding the chaotic narrative in a visually arresting framework.
A significant strength of ‘Dandadan’ lies in the chemistry between its lead characters. Momo’s no-nonsense, assertive demeanor balances out Okarun’s reserved awkwardness, creating a dynamic full of humorous friction and genuine moments of connection.
. Their interactions are brought to life by the stellar voice performances of Wakayama and Hanae. Wakayama infuses Momo with a sharpness that masks her vulnerability, while Hanae captures Okarun’s shy but earnest energy. Together, they navigate the show’s tonal shifts with a deftness that keeps viewers engaged and emotionally invested.
The animation is another triumph for Science Saru. The seamless shifts from the mundane to the extraordinary, coupled with the detailed and energetic depiction of action scenes, ensure that every encounter with the supernatural feels both thrilling and beautifully crafted. Director Yamashiro’s vision is clear; each shot and each sequence is designed to highlight the frantic energy at the heart of ‘Dandadan’ while also offering visually stunning moments that leave a lasting impression.
However, ‘Dandadan’ doesn’t escape criticism entirely. Some of its humor, heavily reliant on outlandish and occasionally outdated anime tropes, might not resonate with all viewers. The comedic obsession that some paranormal entities display towards human anatomy, for instance, may feel uncomfortable and out-of-place. Yet, this offbeat humor is integral to the show’s identity, providing a unique flavor that sets it apart from more conventional series.
Despite occasional missteps, the show’s eccentricity is undeniably part of its charm, proudly flaunting its weirdness as a badge of honor. By daring to blend genres and subverting shounen tropes, ‘Dandadan’ carves out a niche that feels refreshingly original and exciting. The series’ strong characters, stunning animation, and unpredictable plot make it a strong contender for Anime of the Year. Whether it can sustain this momentum throughout its run remains to be seen, but for now, ‘Dandadan’ stands tall as a potential new heavyweight in the anime arena.
Adding to the excitement, the show’s opening theme “Otonoke” by Creepy Nuts has already created waves, further cementing the show’s vibrant and eclectic personality.
With ‘Dandadan’ now streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix from October 4, anime enthusiasts have much to look forward to. This series promises a wild ride through the realms of the strange and the supernatural, making it a must-watch for those seeking something truly out of the ordinary in their anime lineup.
Published – October 02, 2024 05:31 pm IST
World cinema / television / cartoons and animation / reviews
