Dandadan

DAN DA DAN

Characters

Ken Takakura

MAIN

Momo Ayase

MAIN

Aira Shiratori

SUPPORTING

Miiko

SUPPORTING

Joshi B

SUPPORTING

Serpo Hoshibito

SUPPORTING

Anzu

SUPPORTING

Penny Chinkosu

SUPPORTING

Tsubame

SUPPORTING

Chiquitita

SUPPORTING

Jumanuel Kitou

SUPPORTING

Nessie

SUPPORTING

Seiko Ayase

SUPPORTING

Juhiko Kitou

SUPPORTING

Acrobatic Sarasara

SUPPORTING

Tarou

SUPPORTING

Juichi Kitou

SUPPORTING

Flatwoods Monster

SUPPORTING

Jin Enjouji

SUPPORTING

Juria Kitou

SUPPORTING

Jibakurei Kani

SUPPORTING

Hana

SUPPORTING

Jugemu Kitou

SUPPORTING

Turbo Babaa

SUPPORTING

Muuko

SUPPORTING

Dandadan Season 1: A Wild, Genre-Bending Anime That Redefines Shonen

In the crowded landscape of 2024’s anime releases, Dandadan Season 1 emerged as a electrifying standout, blending supernatural chaos, heartfelt character dynamics, and jaw-dropping animation into a 12-episode run that left fans clamoring for more. Adapted from Yukinobu Tatsu’s cult-favorite manga, serialized on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ since April 2021, this Science Saru production took the anime world by storm, earning a perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 14 reviews. With its premiere on October 4, 2024, and a finale that aired on December 19, 2024, Dandadan Season 1 delivered a masterclass in storytelling, animation, and unapologetic weirdness that cemented its place as one of the year’s best anime.

A Premise That Defies Convention

Dandadan follows two high schoolers with clashing beliefs: Momo Ayase, a tough-as-nails gyaru from a family of spirit mediums who believes in ghosts but scoffs at aliens, and Ken “Okarun” Takakura, a socially awkward occult enthusiast who’s convinced aliens exist but denies the supernatural. Their spirited debate leads to a bet—Momo visits a UFO hotspot, while Okarun explores a haunted tunnel. To their shock, both discover the other’s beliefs are true, thrusting them into a whirlwind of paranormal battles involving yokai, aliens, and cursed powers.

This premise sets the stage for a genre-bending adventure that seamlessly blends shonen action, romantic comedy, horror, and sci-fi. The series’ core revolves around Momo and Okarun’s evolving relationship, spiced with a slow-burn romance and comedic banter, as they tackle bizarre threats like the foul-mouthed Turbo Granny and the invasive Serpoians. The addition of Jiji, Momo’s eccentric childhood friend, in later episodes introduces new dynamics, including a humorous love triangle and deeper emotional stakes tied to his haunted past.

Science Saru’s Animation Brilliance

Produced by Science Saru, known for Devilman Crybaby and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, Dandadan Season 1 is a visual feast. Directed by Fūga Yamashiro, with scripts by Hiroshi Seko (Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen), character designs by Naoyuki Onda, and music by Kensuke Ushio, the anime faithfully adapts Tatsu’s stylized, chaotic art while elevating it with dynamic animation and vibrant colors. From the fluid, expressive character movements to the painterly backgrounds, every frame bursts with personality. The action sequences, like Momo’s psychic battles and Okarun’s Turbo Granny-fueled brawls, are choreographed with cinematic flair, using bold angles and experimental flourishes that make each fight feel like a puzzle to solve rather than a simple slugfest.

The series’ sound design is equally impressive, with Kensuke Ushio’s score amplifying the tension and absurdity. The opening theme, “Otonoke” by Creepy Nuts, and the ending theme, “Taidada” by Zutomayo, perfectly capture the show’s energetic and quirky vibe. The English dub, premiered at Anime NYC on August 24, 2024, and featuring Abby Trott as Momo and A.J. Beckles as Okarun, delivers performances that match the original Japanese cast’s intensity, led by Shion Wakayama and Natsuki Hanae.

Story Arcs and Pacing

Season 1 adapts chapters 1 to 33 of the manga, covering the Turbo Granny Arc, Acrobatic Silky Arc, Serpo Arc, and the first seven chapters of the Cursed House Arc. This fast-paced adaptation introduces key characters and sets up the series’ unpredictable narrative. The Turbo Granny Arc establishes Momo and Okarun’s powers—Momo’s psychic abilities from an alien encounter and Okarun’s curse from the yokai Turbo Granny, which grants him supernatural strength but at a comedic cost (his “family jewels”). The Acrobatic Silky and Serpo Arcs dive deeper into the duo’s teamwork, blending horror with humor, while the Cursed House Arc, introduced in the finale, hints at darker, more emotional territory tied to Jiji’s past.

The pacing, overseen by Seko, strikes a balance between relentless action and quieter character moments. While some fans noted minor lulls when the series leaned into slice-of-life elements, these moments fleshed out Momo and Okarun’s chemistry, making their bond the emotional core of the show. The season’s finale, “Let’s Go to the Cursed House,” ends on a controversial cliffhanger involving Momo facing a group of eerie attackers at a hot spring, setting up Season 2’s continuation of the Cursed House Arc and the upcoming Evil Eye Arc.

Controversy and Thematic Depth

Dandadan doesn’t shy away from mature themes, which sparked debate among viewers. The season includes explicit sexual content, such as Turbo Granny’s crude remarks and uncomfortable moments like the Serpoians’ and Kito family’s predatory behavior toward Momo. The finale’s cliffhanger, depicting Momo in a precarious situation at the hot spring, drew criticism for its handling of sexual assault themes, especially given the long wait for Season 2’s resolution in July 2025. Critics argue the show uses these elements excessively, while defenders see them as part of its coming-of-age narrative, reflecting the messy, often troubling experiences of youth. Despite the controversy, the series’ sincerity and character-driven storytelling keep it grounded.

The show’s humor, heart, and unpredictability shine through its absurd scenarios, from Okarun’s obsession with his stolen anatomy to Jiji mistaking him for a ghost. These moments, paired with emotional beats like Momo’s loyalty to her friends and Okarun’s growth from a shy outcast to a determined fighter, make Dandadan resonate on multiple levels.

Reception and Impact

Dandadan Season 1 was a critical and commercial triumph. With over 10 million manga copies in circulation by March 2025 and 360 million views on Shonen Jump+ by November 2023, the series’ popularity soared post-anime. Its theatrical release of the first three episodes as Dan Da Dan: First Encounter in Asia, North America, and Europe further amplified its reach. Fans on X praised the adaptation for surpassing the manga in some areas, with users like @MunstaMasta calling it “perfect” and @daily_dandadan lauding its energetic character animation. Critics hailed its innovative art style, dynamic direction, and ability to balance genres, with IGN calling it a “visual explosion” and a “masterclass in animation.”

However, some viewers expressed concerns about the sensitive themes, and legal discussions, like Vanessa Esguerra’s analysis of Texas Senate Bill 20, raised questions about the show’s explicit content under certain jurisdictions. Despite these critiques, Dandadan’s bold storytelling and universal praise secured its status as a must-watch.

Looking Ahead to Season 2

With Season 2 confirmed for July 3, 2025, fans can expect the continuation of the Cursed House Arc and the introduction of the Evil Eye Arc, promising darker themes and deeper exploration of Jiji’s backstory. The same creative team, joined by co-director Abel Góngora, will return, ensuring the same high-quality animation and storytelling. For those eager to dive deeper, the manga is available on platforms like Viz Media’s Shonen Jump library, Manga Plus, and dandadan.net, with Chapter 34 as the starting point post-Season 1.

Final Thoughts

Dandadan Season 1 is a triumph of creativity, blending humor, horror, and heart into a chaotic yet cohesive adventure. Science Saru’s stellar animation, paired with Tatsu’s wild imagination, makes it a love letter to anime’s eccentric possibilities. While its mature themes may polarize some, its compelling characters, innovative battles, and emotional depth make it a standout. As fans await Season 2, Dandadan remains a testament to the power of unapologetic storytelling, proving that even the weirdest premises can capture hearts worldwide. Catch the series on Netflix, Crunchyroll, or Hulu, and prepare for a ride that’s as hilarious as it is haunting.

Season 2 Upload Kar Diya Hai, Dekhna Naa Bhule ❤️