The anime industry is at a crucial juncture. With behemoth shounen series like “Demon Slayer,” “My Hero Academia,” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” approaching their climaxes, fans are bracing for an entertainment vacuum. As these titans bow out, the search for a new front-runner to captivate audiences has begun. Anime enthusiasts, hold your breath because the long-anticipated adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s manga, “Dandadan,” has arrived to fill that void.
“Dandadan” ventures boldly into untrodden territory with its fusion of extraterrestrial chaos, paranormal terror, and an absurdist sense of humor that’s both sharp and wildly entertaining. Over its first three episodes, it confidently lays down the gauntlet, signaling its intention to become the next major player in the anime landscape. If the initial quality and creativity continue, “Dandadan” may very well clinch the title for the most enjoyable and quirky anime of the year.
Produced by the renowned studio Science Saru, which has given us iconic series such as “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” and “Devilman Crybaby,” “Dandadan” follows Momo Ayase, a high school gyaru with a tough exterior, a burning belief in ghosts, and an underlying need for companionship and validation. Her counterpart, Okarun, is a timid schoolmate consumed by loneliness, amplified by his intense obsession with proving the existence of extraterrestrials and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). Their story kicks off when they make a bet aiming to debunk each other’s beliefs by visiting activity hotspots: Momo’s haunt for ghosts and Okarun’s site for aliens.
The adventure begins with Momo abducted by lecherous aliens and Okarun possessed by a grotesque granny spirit that comically threatens his masculinity in literal ways. From here, their bizarre odyssey unfolds in uncharted territory, their unlikely bond solidifying through continual life-threatening encounters with otherworldly entities. The charm of “Dandadan” lies in this very dynamic between Momo and Okarun, marking the series with a distinctive flair unlike any other.
The series owes much of its tonal success to director Fuga Yamashiro, who masterfully blends spectacle with emotion. Momo and Okarun’s interactions — everything from heart-to-heart conversations about their past traumas to adrenaline-pumping escapes from an extraterrestrial menace — are brought to life with fluid, bold, and energetically relentless animation. The transitions between tender moments and chaotic encounters are almost demented in their rhythm, making the tonal shifts seem exhilarating rather than jarring.
A key component in the series’ appeal is the engaging chemistry between the leads.
. Momo’s no-nonsense toughness contrasts starkly with Okarun’s shy awkwardness, but the two develop a mutual respect and budding affection. These ever-evolving interactions are brilliantly voiced by performers Wakayama and Hanae, who navigate the tonal rollercoaster of the series with impressive adeptness. Wakayama lends Momo a sharpness while subtly hinting at her vulnerabilities, whereas Hanae balances Okarun’s reserved nature with sporadic bouts of manic, endearing energy.
Complementing the vibrant narrative are scenes teeming with visually arresting spectacle. Science Saru’s animation prowess ensures seamless shifts between the normal and the paranormal. These transitions, guided by Yamashiro’s direction, lend the series an electrifying tempo. Every scene, whether it’s flight from a poison-breathing sumo-wrestler spirit or a comic confrontation with aliens eager for strange experiments, is crafted with astonishing attention to detail.
However, “Dandadan” isn’t without its quirks — and occasionally, missteps. The show sometimes meanders into uncomfortable territories, especially with its occasional lean on outdated anime tropes related to human anatomy, played mostly for laughs. While it’s an aspect of the show’s offbeat humor, it might not sit well with all viewers. Still, these quirks form part of the show’s identity, making its eccentricity a badge of honor.
Breakthrough shows often rely on strong, well-rounded characters, unique art styles, and compelling storylines, and “Dandadan” delivers on all these fronts. Its genre-blending approach makes it feel fresh and exhilarating. The series stands tall with its audacious mix of sci-fi and supernatural ingredients, solid enough to potentially earn it an “Anime of the Year” nod.
With an official soundtrack from Creepy Nuts (featuring their hit “Otonoke”), adding to the frenzy, “Dandadan” is poised to leave an indelible mark on the anime landscape. Whether it continues to ride this wave of momentum remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly claims its place as a potential new heavyweight contender in shounen anime.
Dandadan is streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix, starting October 4.
Published – October 02, 2024
World cinema / television / cartoons and animation / reviews
