The anime scene is currently enjoying a renaissance, fueled by modern shounen powerhouses like Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen. However, as these beloved franchises edge towards their conclusions, it leaves a gaping void that the industry is eager to fill. Enter “Dandadan,” an anime poised to reinvigorate the genre with its eccentric blend of the occult and extraterrestrial themes, comedic brilliance, and a strong dash of the bizarre.
“Dandadan,” the highly anticipated adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s manga, makes its grand entrance with an audacious mix of outlandish elements. The story showcases an eclectic cocktail of extraterrestrial chaos, paranormal terrors, and razor-sharp humor that veers into the absurd. As the first three episodes reveal, the series makes a bold proclamation: it intends to be the next colossal hit in anime, possibly even the weirdest and most delightful show this year.
Produced by Science Saru, the animation studio renowned for hits like “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” and “Devilman Crybaby,” “Dandadan” promises both artistic innovation and compelling storytelling. The series centers around Momo Ayase, a high school gyaru with a tough exterior, passionate belief in ghosts, and a deep-seated craving for companionship and validation. Her counterpart, Okarun, is a shy and lonely schoolmate obsessed with proving the existence of extraterrestrials and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). The pair’s dynamic is sparked by a daring bet: each is to visit a paranormal hotspot to debunk the other’s firmly held beliefs — Momo’s haunted locale versus Okarun’s alien site.
The narrative takes off at a whirlwind pace. Momo finds herself abducted by lecherous extraterrestrials, while Okarun gets possessed by a grotesque spirit with a particularly creative menacing streak — threatening his masculinity in very literal ways. From this central premise, the series branches out into uncharted territories, guided by the pair’s burgeoning, albeit bizarre, friendship born out of survival against otherworldly odds.
Director Fuga Yamashiro steers “Dandadan” with a deft hand, creating an assured blend of eye-popping spectacle and genuine emotion. Momo and Okarun’s interactions range from heart-to-heart conversations sharing their personal traumas to adrenaline-pumping escapes from lewd aliens and menacing spirits. The dynamic shifts are miraculously harmonized through fluid, bold, and energetic animation that captures every essence of their chaotic adventures.
The series has a unique rhythm, oscillating between genuine emotional beats and sheer absurdity. One moment, Momo and Okarun are delving into their deeply rooted personal issues, and in the next, they’re combating a gargantuan, poison-breathing sumo-wrestler spirit. This seesawing between tones works because “Dandadan” never falls into the trap of taking itself too seriously. Instead, it thrives on its outlandishness while grounding its characters in authentic emotion.
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Central to the series is the palpable chemistry between Momo and Okarun. Their interplay, a delightful mix of bickering and reluctant dependency, forms the heart of the story. Momo’s no-nonsense demeanor starkly contrasts with Okarun’s reserved nature, yet beneath their surface conflicts simmers a growing mutual respect and affection. Both characters are societal outsiders yet find an odd but comforting alliance in each other. Kudos to the voice actors, Wakayama and Hanae, whose performances exquisitely capture the nuances and tonal shifts that “Dandadan” requires. Wakayama artfully portrays Momo’s sharp wit without overshadowing her vulnerabilities, while Hanae perfectly balances Okarun’s shy awkwardness with moments of infectious energy.
Visually, “Dandadan” is a feast for the eyes. Science Saru’s animation style is instrumental in bringing this world to life, seamlessly transitioning between the mundane and the paranormal. The expertise of Yamashiro’s direction ensures every supernatural clash, every frenetic chase, and every encounter exudes a captivating energy that is both breathlessly crafted and awe-inspiring.
However, the show is not without its potential pitfalls. It occasionally treads into controversial territory by leaning on outdated anime tropes. Some of the extraterrestrial and paranormal entities exhibit obsessions with human anatomy that could alienate certain viewers. These moments are primarily intended for humor, yet they may not resonate well with everyone. This offbeat comedic streak is undeniably part of the show’s unique identity, for better or worse.
Despite these hiccups, “Dandadan” makes a bold statement with its unabashed eccentricity. The series proudly embraces its weirdness, delivering a fresh and electrifying blend of genres. Its compelling characters, stunning art, and an unpredictable storyline position it as a strong contender for the Anime of the Year. The future will reveal whether it can maintain this momentum, but for now, “Dandadan” stands firmly in the limelight as a potential new shounen titan.
And for those keeping tabs, Creepy Nuts have struck gold once again with their opening theme, “Otonoke.”
“Dandadan” is now streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix as of October 4, 2024.
