The anime industry, currently reveling in the success of modern-day shounen giants like Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen, finds itself on the brink of a transformative phase. With these popular franchises advancing towards their eventual finales, a new champion is eagerly anticipated, one that can capture the imagination of audiences and sustain the momentum. Enter Dandadan, a series poised to fill this gap with its unique blend of supernatural and extraterrestrial escapades.
For those who feel that the shounen genre has settled into predictable tropes of exceeding one’s limits and harnessing the power of friendship, Dandadan promises a refreshing jolt. This anime adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s critically acclaimed manga storms onto the scene with its surreal mix of otherworldly chaos, spine-tingling horror, and humor that is both sharp and delightfully absurd. With its initial trio of episodes, the series has announced itself as a formidable contender, brimming with potential to become one of the standout anime productions of the year.
Helmed by Science Saru, the studio known for groundbreaking projects like Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and Devilman Crybaby, Dandadan follows the adventures of Momo Ayase and Okarun. Momo, a high school gyaru with a tough exterior and an unwavering belief in ghosts, finds herself set against Okarun, her introverted classmate who is fervently committed to proving the existence of extraterrestrials. A wager between the two students sees Momo venturing to a ghostly hotspot, while Okarun pursues evidence of aliens, in their respective quests to debunk each other’s convictions.
In a twist of fate, Momo is abducted by amorous aliens, while Okarun becomes possessed by a bizarre elderly spirit with intentions that threaten his masculinity in a rather literal sense. Together, they navigate a whirlwind of enigmatic encounters that gives Dandadan its distinctive charm and appeal. Their improbable partnership serves as the core of the series, forging a connection through harrowing and comically surreal incidents that test the limits of their courage and ingenuity.
Director Fuga Yamashiro, leading the project at Science Saru, masterfully orchestrates a blend of vibrant spectacle and emotional depth. The dynamic between Momo and Okarun is at once awkward and compelling, marked by rapid-fire exchanges and a growing mutual reliance. The sheer energy of their interactions, whether they are dodging an infamous spirit or countering lewd alien advances, is rendered with an impressive fluidity and boldness that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
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Dandadan’s audacity extends to its tonal shifts, swinging from heartfelt dialogues to explosive battles with grotesque spirits, such as a sumo-wrestler giant with a toxic breath, with an ease that maintains its entertainment value. Remarkably, this tonal interplay is handled with an astute awareness of the emotional beats that root the characters in their fantastical world.
The essence of the series lies in the chemistry between Momo and Okarun, two outsiders who find solace in their shared battles. Momo’s assertiveness contrasts sharply with Okarun’s more pensive nature, yet beneath their surface-level bickering lies a burgeoning respect and camaraderie. This dynamic is skillfully brought to life by voice actors Wakayama and Hanae. Wakayama adeptly portrays Momo’s tough exterior and inner vulnerabilities, while Hanae captures the balance of Okarun’s shyness and animated energy with endearing accuracy.
Visual grandeur is a staple of Dandadan, with Science Saru’s animation seamlessly transitioning between the ordinary and the paranormal. Director Yamashiro’s expertise ensures that each ghostly encounter and every pulse-pounding chase sequence are both chaotic and exquisitely crafted.
One might critique the series for occasionally treading into uncomfortable territory, relying on outdated anime conventions, particularly the fixation of some entities on human anatomy. Although intended for comedic effect, these moments may not appeal universally. Still, this eccentric humor is an integral part of Dandadan’s identity.
What sets Dandadan apart is its unabashed eccentricity, which it wears proudly as it blends genres to create something refreshingly novel and intriguing. With its strong protagonists, stunning visuals, and an unpredictable storyline, it is certainly on track to be a contender for Anime of the Year.
Dandadan is now available for streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix, inviting viewers to dive into its unpredictable and wildly entertaining world.
