Adapted from Yukinobu Tatsu’s breakout manga, Dandadan has swiftly claimed its place among the standout anime of fall. This eccentric series, streaming on Crunchyroll, merges alien abductions, cryptid hunting, and supernatural battles with a dash of romantic comedy. With its unhinged energy and dazzling animation, Dandadan is the anime equivalent of a double-shot espresso laced with hallucinogens. Here’s why this 12-episode spectacle has captured the hearts of anime enthusiasts worldwide.
The story begins with Momo Ayase, a confident high schooler who firmly believes in ghosts but dismisses UFOs, and her shy classmate Ken Takakura (nicknamed Okarun), who holds the opposite views. A bet between the two propels the narrative: Momo investigates aliens, while Okarun confronts ghosts. This seemingly straightforward premise plunges viewers into a chaotic world where intergalactic perverts and terrifying yokai coexist.
Science Saru’s animation studio delivers an electrifying visual treat in Dandadan. The series oscillates between frenetic, hyper-stylized action and moments of breathtaking elegance. For example, early episodes feature monochromatic palettes that explode into vivid crimson during climactic battles. Later episodes shift to bold greens and electric blues, creating an intoxicating visual language that keeps viewers riveted.
The battle scenes are dazzlingly unhinged, blending slapstick comedy with genuine peril. Whether Momo is battling grotesque alien invaders or gnawing on crab meat with relentless determination, the animation’s elasticity captures every mood with precision.
At its core, Dandadan thrives on its richly developed characters. Momo’s sharp tongue and fierce loyalty make her a compelling protagonist, while Okarun’s evolution from timid conspiracy theorist to unlikely hero is both humorous and heartfelt. Their camaraderie anchors the show amidst its absurdity, creating moments of genuine emotional resonance.
One standout episode delves into the tragic backstory of a vengeful spirit, delivering a gut-wrenching narrative through minimal dialogue and stunning visuals. This shift from dynamic action to muted melancholy showcases the show’s narrative range.
Dandadan excels in blending black comedy with moments of genuine tension. Take Turbo Granny, a fiendish yokai-turned-stuffed-cat with a penchant for inappropriate one-liners and snack-time wiener fixations. Her presence is as hilariously off-putting as it is unnerving. The humor, razor-sharp and pitch-black, slices through the tension just when it’s about to boil over.
Chases between spectral adversaries feature cartoonishly exaggerated facial expressions, offering comic relief. Yet, these moments never break the immersive spell of the show, highlighting the creators’ ability to juggle multiple tones seamlessly.
Within the first ten minutes, Dandadan dives into controversial territory, with Momo nearly assaulted by depraved aliens. While these scenes are undeniably uncomfortable, director Fūga Yamashiro ensures they focus on Momo’s resilience and agency. This deliberate approach sidesteps gratuitous exploitation, maintaining a fine balance between shock value and meaningful storytelling.
Science Saru’s animation team elevates the series with ingenious use of color and shadow. A pivotal episode unfolds in near-greyscale, climaxing in a blaze of crimson that conveys raw emotion. Another sequence uses desaturated palettes to depict sorrow, transitioning into a luminous requiem among the stars. Such attention to visual detail enriches the narrative, making Dandadan a feast for the eyes.
No discussion of Dandadan is complete without mentioning Kensuke Ushio’s masterful score. The music’s genre-hopping brilliance blends classical motifs with techno beats, heightening the show’s emotional and comedic beats. Tracks like “William Hell Overture,” a cheeky take on the classic “William Tell Overture,” perfectly encapsulate the show’s eccentricity.
Additionally, Creepy Nuts’ opening theme “Otonoke” is a certified earworm that has fans humming long after each episode ends. The music’s infectious energy mirrors the show’s chaotic spirit, cementing its place in anime playlists everywhere.
What makes Dandadan impossible to ignore is its embrace of contradictions. It’s a love story that subverts romantic tropes while leaving viewers starry-eyed. It’s a comedy that makes you wince even as you laugh. And it’s an action-packed spectacle interspersed with tender moments that reveal the show’s soul.
Under lesser hands, this blend of absurdity and pathos could have been a disaster. Yet, Science Saru’s meticulous execution turns it into a masterpiece. The studio’s refusal to play it safe rewards viewers with one of the most intoxicating anime experiences in recent memory.
For fans of audacious storytelling and dazzling animation, Dandadan is a must-watch. Its chaotic charm, richly layered characters, and bold visual choices make it a standout in the anime world. All episodes are currently streaming on Crunchyroll, so dive in and experience the madness for yourself.