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Dandadan, aired during the fall of 2024, has left a significant mark on the anime industry with its unique bizarreness and its revolutionary approach to the shonen genre. Science Saru’s exceptional adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s work is undoubtedly one of the most appreciated anime in recent times. The seamless blending of various elements is a key factor behind the anime's explosive popularity.
With its twelve episodes, Dandadan has made fans laugh, gasp in shock, feel warmth towards the characters, and even shed tears. While every episode shines in its own way, some have clearly stood out as highlights of the series.
12 Okarun and Jiji Become Friends But the Cliffhanger Is Agonizing
Episode #12, "Let's Go to the Cursed House"
Episode 12 of Dandadan concludes the mannequin narrative with a blend of comedy and romance. The episode then shifts focus to Jiji's reason for visiting Momo's house. Together, Momo, Okarun, and Jiji travel to Jiji's hometown, where a series of bizarre events unfold and deepen the bond between Jiji and Okarun as friends.
The finale of Dandadan doesn’t feel like a true conclusion but rather a setup for the next major arc, which is set to unfold in Season 2, releasing in July 2025. This makes the finale arguably the weakest episode, not because of its content, but due to its role as a transitional piece, especially when compared to the more self-contained and impactful earlier episodes.
11 The Most Iconic Granny in the Shōnen Genre Is Introduced
Episode #3, "It's a Granny vs. Granny Clash!"
After their first epic team-up against an enemy, Okarun and Momo find themselves exhausted, and while this moment could have escalated badly, as Momo’s unconscious state left her unable to suppress Okarun’s cursed energy, the episode introduces Momo's grandmother, Seiko Ayase, to save the day. The Spirit Medium, Seiko, easily overpowers Turbo Granny with her skills and captures the curse until Momo wakes up.
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Seiko’s presence adds a refreshing twist to Dandadan, straying away from a common Shōnen trope that traditionally reserves the role of mentor or teacher for older male characters. Seiko's role is clear from this episode: she will provide support for her granddaughter and her friends through their paranormal adventures.
10 Wrapping Up the Latest Dispute Happily
Episode #10, "Have You Ever Seen a Cattle Mutilation?"
Following the trio's epic battle against the mutated aliens, this episode takes a step back, blending moments of levity with significant character development. Notably, Aira experiences her first major shift, setting the stage for a budding friendship with Momo in the aftermath of the latest incident.
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The standout moment, however, lies in the deeper exploration of Dover Demon's backstory, revealing that the alien's struggles mirror those of humans. The humor peaks with Seiko’s absurdly simple yet effective solution, which unexpectedly leads to the abduction of a cow, a clever nod to the classic sci-fi trope of alien invasions, delivered with a hilariously lighthearted twist.
9 Introducing a Rival to Shake Up the Story
Episode #6, "A Dangerous Woman Arrives"
After spotlighting a budding romance, Dandadan episode six delves back into the main storyline, with Momo and Okarun searching for his missing privates. The episode brims with comedy, especially with Turbo Granny donning the Cat mascot suit. Meanwhile, Aira, the latest addition to the main cast, makes her presence felt. She’s the polar opposite of Momo, establishing herself strongly as a rival.
While the episode sets up Aira’s role as Momo’s rival, Acrobatic Silky, the second Yokai, appears to be obsessed with the newest member. Acrobatic Silky captivates with her acrobatic fighting style, but Momo once again shines with her sharp wit, proving herself a standout heroine in the Shonen genre.
8 Okarun's Transformation Is Highlighted By Amazing Animation Choices
Episode #2, "That's A Space Alien, Ain't It?"
The premiere of the series may not make it entirely clear whether Dandadan follows the same action-packed formula as a typical Shōnen Jump anime, but the second episode leaves no room for doubt. This episode features its protagonists, Okarun and Momo teaming up against their first alien enemy.
The Flatwoods Monster alien pushes Okarun and Momo to their limit, prompting Okarun to transform into Turbo Granny and harness the curse's power for speed and agility. What follows is a thrilling battle, with Okarun and Momo teaming up to take down the alien threat. While the action sequences are exhilarating, the true highlight is Okarun’s transformation, visually accentuated by striking dark red hues against a greyscale backdrop, making it clear that Dandadan will have a variety of animation style to captivate viewers.
7 Science Saru Knows How to Adapt Controversial Scenes and Make Them Enjoyable
Episode #9, "Merge!, Serpo Dover Demon Nessie!"
After Aira is propelled to use her transformation for the first time to save Okarun, she surely has a moment to shine. However, the Serpo aliens quickly overpower her with their psychic abilities, much like how even Okarun struggles against them. With Chiquitita constantly keeping Aira and Okarun at bay, the tension and urgency for Momo's arrival escalate, culminating in her making another heroic entry.
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Nessie’s involvement doesn’t make things any easier, but the main trio manages to execute solid teamwork to defeat the merged entity. When the characters come back to the real world, however, they are in their underwear and Momo and Okarun land in an embarrassing position. What truly elevates this episode is Science Saru’s clever choice to adapt the controversial scene with a funky art style, shifting it from awkward to amusing.
6 The Decision to Add Anime-Original Scenes Was Great
Episode #4, "Kicking Turbo Granny's Ass"
The quest to reclaim Okarun’s family jewels continues as Momo and Okarun devise a plan to lure Turbo Granny out of her territory and defeat her. However, executing the plan proves far more dangerous than expected, with both Momo and Okarun narrowly escaping with their lives. The standout moment of the episode is undoubtedly when Okarun sprints away, carrying Momo on his back.
While the manga's sequence was brief, spanning just two pages, Science Saru’s decision to extend it was a masterstroke, transforming it into one of the most iconic moments of the season. What truly elevates Episode #4, however, is its ability to delve into the darker elements of the series, adding unexpected emotional depth through Turbo Granny and the other spirits that fans initially thought the series wasn't capable of.
5 The Romantic Bond Between Okarun and Momo Takes Over Everything Else
Episode #5, "Like, Where Are Your Balls?"
Episode #5 takes a refreshing pause from the supernatural action, dedicating itself to building the romantic connection between Momo and Okarun. In a short span, it beautifully captures the essence of a budding relationship: the thrill of seeing each other, the lighthearted tension from a classic miscommunication, and an undercurrent of unspoken feelings.
This episode skillfully balances romance with just a hint of mystery by subtly introducing a new character, signaling that the show’s romantic storyline will play a major role alongside its intense action sequences. This approach promises a lasting appeal within the Shōnen genre, setting it apart from series that rely solely on heavy action elements.
4 The Love Trope Mixed With Comedy Is Dandadan's Safest Quality
Episode #11, "First Love"
After introducing Jin Eijoji, a new character, the episode takes a few moments to let him shine, showcasing his quirky personality and adding tension by revealing that Jin was Momo's first crush. His introduction also deepens the plot by presenting his unique predicament and how it ties into the story.
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The episode's highlight, however, is undoubtedly the second half, which features a strange mannequin running amok. Upon realizing that the possessed mannequin might hold Okarun's other family jewel, a chaotic game of catch ensues, filled with hilarious moments. The best part of this sequence is how it drives Okarun to realize his feelings for Momo, inspiring him to take action and express them rather than giving up.
3 Romance, Comedy, and Horror: Dandadan Has Everything
Episode #8, "I've Got This Funny Feeling"
After exploring Acrobatic Silky's poignant backstory, this episode shifts back to Dandadan's greatest strength—humor. With Aira now in the mix, the episode also delves into its romantic undertones, incorporating classic elements of the genre, such as love triangles and humorous misunderstandings between the leads.
While the first half offers a refreshing comedic tone, the second half takes a darker turn as the trio finds themselves hunted by aliens. The Seripo aliens make their return, tormenting Okarun in a tense sequence. This leads to Aira, the newest addition to the main cast, unleashing her powers in an incredibly satisfying moment, making this episode an essence that defines Dandadan at its best.
2 The First Episode of Dandadan Sets the Series Apart From Other Popular Shōnen Titles
Episode #1, "That's How Love Starts, Ya Know!"
Even though Dandandan is a Shōnen title, fans familiar with the genre will quickly sense from the premiere that this series is far from typical despite incorporating all the essential Shōnen elements. One standout aspect of the premiere is its humor, which appeals to a broader and more mature audience. This sets it apart from many other Shōnen titles, which are often aimed at younger teens, signaling that Dandadan will entertain a wider demographic.
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In addition to its dark, mature humor, the first episode hints at a central theme of romantic connection between the main characters, a rarity in most Shōnen series, where romance is often secondary or absent. By showcasing these standout elements, Dandadan Episode #1 distinguishes itself as one of the best in the series, making it clear that these unique qualities will hook any viewer from the start.
1 Dandadan's True Strength Is Emotional Storytelling
Episode #7, "To a Kinder World"
In the first few episodes, Dandadan leans more toward comedy than drama. However, the series’ depth is first glimpsed in episode four with the reveal of Turbo Granny's poignant reason for existence. Episode seven, though, truly confirms Dandadan’s strength in emotional storytelling.
Acrobatic Silky's backstory is adapted beautifully by Science Saru, with a few tweaks and added scenes that build a tragic story sure to move fans to tears. This episode marks a turning point, showing that each villain is crafted with realism and sensitive topics which the series isn't shying away from conveying, making this episode the best from Dandadan season 1.
Two high school students, embroiled in a wager to prove the existence of ghosts or aliens, encounter daunting paranormal threats, acquire superpowers, and possibly discover love. The series blends supernatural elements with personal dynamics as the protagonists navigate their newfound abilities and unexpected challenges.
Release Date September 13, 2024
Cast Natsuki Hanae , Shion Wakayama , Nana Mizuki , Ayane Sakura , Kaito Ishikawa , Mayumi Tanaka , Kazuya Nakai , Kaori Maeda , Miyu Tomita , Ryûnosuke Watanuki , Hikaru Tanaka , Seitaro Taniguchi , Satomi Kobashi , Mayuko Kazama , Ryuuzaburou Ootomo
Character(s) Ken Okarun Takakura , Momo Ayase , Seiko , Aira Shiratori , Jin Jiji Enjōji , Turbo Granny , Serpoians , Miko , Muko , Momo's Boyfriend , Male Student A , Male Student B , Elementary School Boy , Flatwoods Monster
Seasons 1
English (US) ·