In the vibrant world of anime, where classic shounen series have reigned supreme, the void left by giants like Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen is looming ever closer as these mainstays approach their narrative conclusions. With such titans gradually winding down, the anime industry is anxiously anticipating the arrival of its next groundbreaking sensation. Enter ‘Dandadan,’ a refreshing new series that promises to shake things up with its eccentric blend of genres and offbeat storytelling.
As some aficionados of the medium may have noted, the shounen genre has, in some instances, followed predictable tropes centered around themes of surpassing one’s limits and the strength found in camaraderie. Entering this scene with unapologetic vigor, ‘Dandadan’ aims to reinvigorate the landscape by offering something decidedly different. The long-anticipated adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s cerebral yet whimsical manga bursts onto the screen with a mix of alien pandemonium, paranormal scares, and a hearty dose of sharp, absurd humor. The show stakes its claim as a potential game-changer through its initial trio of episodes, each packed with relentless energy and entertainment. It’s a series that might not just be the weirdest but possibly the most enjoyable of the year.
The series is brought to life by Science Saru, a studio renowned for its innovative takes on animation, as evident in their work on projects like Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and Devilman Crybaby. ‘Dandadan’ charts the adventures of two highschoolers: Momo Ayase, a gyaru coping with loneliness behind a tough exterior and her firm belief in ghosts, and Okarun, her introverted classmate, whose life revolves around outlandish notions about aliens and unidentified aerial phenomena. The narrative propels forward when they agree to visit sites of alleged supernatural activity — Momo to dispel myths of extraterrestrials and Okarun striving to disprove ghostly tales.
What follows is a series of wildly unexpected events: Momo finds herself abducted by lecherous aliens, while Okarun becomes the vessel for a grotesque, gender-threatening granny spirit. Despite the chaos, a peculiar bond forms between them, an alliance shaped by their shared ridiculous and often dangerous encounters with otherworldly beings.
Director Fuga Yamashiro crafts ‘Dandadan’ with a distinctive blend of emotional depth and visual spectacle. The compelling interactions between Momo and Okarun — from dueling with an ethereal adversary intent on hijacking Okarun’s anatomy to confronting opportunistic aliens — are brought to life through fluid, vibrant, and dynamic animation. The series operates with a charming rhythm, seamlessly transitioning from heartfelt exchanges to adrenaline-fueled action sequences.
. These tonal shifts work because the series embraces absurdity without becoming nonsensical, maintaining an authentic emotional core that grounds the characters’ experiences in relatable poignancy.
Central to ‘Dandadan’ is the chemistry between its two protagonists. There’s an enchanting dynamic at play — a nuanced blend of antagonism and reliance where Momo’s pragmatism contrasts with Okarun’s reticence but there’s an unspoken respect and growing affection as they navigate their peculiar world. Wakayama and Hanae, the talents behind the voices of Momo and Okarun respectively, navigate the series’ tonal complexities with remarkable skill. Wakayama masterfully captures Momo’s fiery assertiveness while deftly revealing her soft spots, whereas Hanae exudes a perfect mix of timidness and exuberance through Okarun’s character.
Visually arresting, the series benefits from Science Saru’s groundbreaking animation style, seamlessly marrying ordinary and extraordinary sequences. The expertly crafted transitions contribute to the show’s appeal, managing to convey the thrills of a frenetic chase or battle while enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. However, some longtime anime fans might find the occasional reliance on certain clichéd elements — particularly regarding the treatment of human anatomy — jarring, though these moments are largely played for comedic effect. Such offbeat humor adds an irreverent touch that helps define the series’ unique identity.
In the broader context of anime, ‘Dandadan’ stands out with its unapologetic embrace of individuality. It boasts an eclectic genre blending that remains engaging and fresh throughout. With its well-defined characters, exquisite artistic presentation, and unpredictable storyline, the series appears poised to carve its niche and potentially earn accolades as the year’s standout anime. Whether it maintains its initial momentum remains to be seen, but ‘Dandadan’ has certainly positioned itself as a contender in the shounen realm.
As a parting note, musical duo Creepy Nuts have contributed another memorable track with “Otonoke,” a fitting underscore to the chaotic yet delightful world of ‘Dandadan.’
‘Dandadan’ is available for streaming on both Crunchyroll and Netflix, starting October 4.
