Dandadan

Being a manga reader first, I was quite skeptical at first, because I adored the writing and art-style of the manga, and I thought an anime adaptation for a manga this ambitious and genre bending would be watered down in both art and animation, especially when I saw the first looks (very skeptical of their being less details on characters) but all those worries soon dissolved away when I finally heard it's Science SARU doing it, not to mention their recent line-up Scott pilgrim, Devilman crybaby and keep your hands off Eizouken all match the zaniness and vibe of DandaDan, also studio founder Masaaki Yuasa is one of my favorite anime directors/animators of all time, worked on shows such as Ping pong, Tatami Galaxy and again Devilman.

Ever since the first episode drop, I've been anticipating the next week after week, as it does not pale comparison to the manga, sometimes even better. I was mainly worried because this was the first anime I read first, but now I know Dandadan not only cemented itself as a phenomenal manga but also a great anime.

Dandadan kicks off with an absolute banger of an intro by Creepy Nuts that instantly grabs your attention and sets the tone for the wild ride ahead. The anime blends supernatural elements, action, and comedy in a way that feels fresh and unique, giving new-gen anime fans something truly exciting to look forward to The show wastes no time immersing you in its unpredictable and fast-paced story, revolving around eccentric characters dealing with bizarre situations involving aliens and ghosts. The animation quality is top-tier, with stunning visuals that capture the chaotic energy of each scene perfectly But what really stands out is the potential this anime has.

With its dynamic storytelling, memorable characters, and fantastic world-building, Dandadan has all the makings of a new anime classic. The balance between its heart-pounding action, humor, and heartfelt moments makes it an easy 10/10 for me If you're looking for a unique, adrenaline-pumping anime that breaks away from typical shonen tropes, this is definitely one to keep your eyes on.

Dan Da Dan is an eccentric anime that breaks the mold, bringing a hilarious twist to supernatural high school adventures with raunchy, irreverent humor and unpredictable paranormal encounters. Following Momo Ayase, a girl who firmly believes in ghosts but scoffs at aliens, and her classmate Okarun, who is convinced that aliens are real but ghosts are fiction, Dan Da Dan immediately sets itself apart with a storyline rooted in supernatural clashes and absurdity.

The anime kicks off with a bet between Momo and Okarun to prove their respective beliefs, leading to unexpected and laugh-out-loud outcomes. Momo finds herself abducted by a group of aliens who, in an unusual turn of events, end up unblocking her chakras and unleashing latent psychic abilities. Meanwhile, Okarun's ghost-hunting adventure takes a strange turn when he's possessed by a spirit, resulting in his body being semi-controlled by supernatural forces. It's a setup that skillfully blends paranormal intrigue with outlandish comedy, throwing viewers into a world where nothing is off-limits and every episode brings new supernatural hijinks.

What makes Dan Da Dan stand out is its dedication to the absurd. This isn't your typical ghost-meets-alien storyline; it's full of wild scenarios that get progressively stranger as Momo and Okarun team up to confront spirits, aliens, and everything in between. The battles are a particular highlight, with Momo using her psychic abilities to combat outlandish extraterrestrials while Okarun grapples with his own possession, adding slapstick comedy and unpredictability. The animation style complements this energy, with exaggerated, dynamic visuals that enhance the ridiculous nature of the characters' adventures.

A defining aspect of the anime is its raunchy humor, which comes in full force when Okarun's anatomy becomes a central plot point-specifically, his missing "parts." The bizarre quest to retrieve Okarun's lost anatomy adds an outlandish twist, poking fun at typical shonen tropes with a more risqué, adult sense of humor. Rather than shying away from the topic, the anime fully leans into it, balancing the crude with genuine comedic timing. This willingness to embrace such an absurd premise, along with the characters' reactions, makes for an ongoing gag that never feels forced. It's refreshingly bold, adding an extra layer of hilarity to the already unpredictable storyline.

Beyond the laughs, Dan Da Dan brings a fresh angle to the supernatural genre, infusing it with a dose of modern high school life and classic paranormal elements. The anime's supernatural elements feel vibrant and innovative, blending folklore, sci-fi, and fantasy without getting bogged down in complicated lore. Spirits and aliens are depicted in a way that is both creepy and comical, avoiding the typical tropes of "terrifying monster" or "futuristic robot." Instead, they're rendered as whimsical, strange beings that sometimes feel just as awkward in their own supernatural skin as the human characters do. This approach gives the show an unpredictably quirky vibe, keeping viewers guessing about what kind of bizarre entity might appear next.

What elevates the humor and supernatural flair is the relationship between Momo and Okarun. Their contrasting personalities and beliefs create an odd but endearing chemistry that grows over the course of the series. What begins as a rivalry based on conflicting beliefs evolves into a partnership filled with humorous banter and reluctant camaraderie. They're both strong-willed and determined but often find themselves in situations that are way over their heads, forced to rely on each other's oddball talents. This dynamic not only adds depth but ensures that the characters are consistently fun to watch.

While the anime is eccentric, its appeal lies in its willingness to mix bold, raunchy humor with heartfelt moments and thrilling supernatural action. For fans who enjoy an anime that doesn't take itself too seriously and embraces both the crass and the comedic, Dan Da Dan is a refreshing find. Its paranormal themes, over-the-top battles, and absurd humor are perfect for those seeking an anime that pushes boundaries and isn't afraid to be unapologetically weird. Whether you're drawn in by the ghost-versus-alien premise or just looking for a good laugh, Dan Da Dan delivers with originality and a delightfully twisted sense of humor.

I was skeptical at first with this anime, but seeing the art style and animation and then watching this first episode and loving every second of it i just binged it and cant wait for the next episode every week. Both the sub and dub for this anime come out at the same time which is a rarity and i love both. I was really routing for re:zero season3 to win this year(mostly because re:zero is one of my top 3 favorite anime) but after episode 7 its safe to say that this anime deserves anime of the year or at least give that single episode a reward. Like oh my god that was one of the most beautiful episodes I have ever seen.

This is a bit different than the animes I am used to and like. Yet, somehow I enjoy it. The animation is quite good especially the coloring which is beautiful in fight scenes. The plot may seem absurd at first, the combination of aliens and ghosts, but the love factor helps it make sense. In fact, the drama of the show is very powerful, proof of which is the sensational episode 7.

The characters are likable and easy to connect with. They don't look shallow which makes me excited for their future reveals and developments. The voice actors are brilliant, as well.

Moreover, the comedy works really good because it doesn't happen all the time, the jokes or situations are actually funny, and nothing is forced. Overall, the show has a lot of potential, if it doesn't fall off the wagon. The pilot is neither slow nor too fast; it provides enough information and build up for a fight and then it delivers beautifully. Afterwards, the show doesn't bore you with irrelevant and uninteresting subplots. It just follows the main path with a smooth pacing. All in all, I believe Dandadan is so far the best anime of 2024 and may even go up against the greatest of all time in the upcoming years.