Dandadan

I'll consider this an all-rounder anime, every aspect of this anime is on point like animation, character development, humour, everything.

I personally think that this anime stands out because of its unique blend of action, comedy, and supernatural elements. The way it connects the concepts of ghosts and aliens makes it truly different from other shows, giving it a fresh and original vibe. That's the main reason it's receiving so much love and appreciation from the audience.

The emotional moments really elevate the story and give more depth to the characters. The Acrobatic Silky Arc was definitely the highlight of this season.

At this moment, the intro song has become a popular meme - it's super catchy. The music production team has done a fantastic job overall.

Overall, I was unable to find any major flaws in this anime. Everything was on point, and I would definitely love to watch the second part of this season.

I've watched the first two episodes so far. The first one totally blew my mind! The second one wasn't as strong, but still good. If the anime stays this good until the end, it's easily gonna be one of the best of the year.

The visuals are amazing. I legit shouted when Ayase was walking down the hallway all upset-it was both super real and at the same time just hyper-exaggerated. The animation quality is off the charts: emotions, movements, everything is done so well. There's some clever perspective play, kind of like Return to Treasure Island, but done more subtly.

I don't know much about school life in Japan (never been there), but for some reason, I believe this is how it actually is. (Sorry if I'm wrong, Japanese friends, but you guys keep making anime like this, so what can I say?)

The characters are super vibrant. Ayase kind of reminds me of Eris from Mushoku Tensei (miss her a lot). She's just as wild and impulsive, but also kind and caring.

Ken Takakura reminds me of Zenitsu from Demon Slayer.. He's shy and lacks confidence. I'm curious to see how his character evolves by the end of the season-hoping for some growth, but who knows. And yeah, it's funny that he shares the same name as the legendary actor Ken Takakura.

The humor is solid, and there's a lot of it. Some of it's a bit edgy. I'm sure I missed some references, so if you catch any, feel free to share, even if they seem obvious to you!

Oh, and did you know that in Japan they use sea creatures as insults? I had no idea. But let's be real, "brainless shrimp" hits way harder than "stupid ram," right?

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.

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.

Dandadan is a visual explosion, a masterclass in how to use animation to tell a story that's as hilarious as it is terrifying. Director Fuga Yamashiro, with his experience on "Eizouken!", takes the reins and steers the anime into uncharted territory, merging classic techniques with experimental flourishes that perfectly complement the outlandish narrative.

The art style of Dandadan is a captivating blend of seemingly disparate elements. It draws inspiration from traditional anime aesthetics, giving a nod to the iconic works that came before it. But it doesn't stop there. The character designs, with their exaggerated features and expressive eyes, sometimes evoke the charm of Western cartoons, adding a layer of playful absurdity. And then, when you least expect it, the art takes a sharp turn towards the grotesque, showcasing terrifying yokai with intricate details that would make Junji Ito proud. This constant shifting of visual gears mirrors the unpredictable nature of the story itself, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

Science Saru, the studio behind Dandadan, flexes its animation muscles in every single frame. The fight sequences are a spectacle to behold, a whirlwind of motion and impact. Characters contort and stretch in impossible ways, defying the laws of physics as they deliver devastating blows. The animators utilize dynamic camera angles and distorted perspectives, creating a sense of raw power and kinetic energy that truly immerses you in the action. But it's not all high-octane battles. Dandadan also excels in its quieter moments, where subtle shifts in expression and body language speak volumes. This masterful control over the animation allows the series to seamlessly transition between explosive action, slapstick comedy, and heartfelt drama.

Yamashiro's directorial vision is evident in every aspect of Dandadan's visual presentation. He's not afraid to break the mold, experimenting with a wide range of techniques to create a truly unique aesthetic. The color palettes are vibrant and varied, shifting to reflect the mood and atmosphere of each scene. He plays with aspect ratios, sometimes stretching the frame to emphasize the scale of a monstrous yokai, other times narrowing it to create a sense of claustrophobia. He even incorporates live-action footage in unexpected ways, blurring the lines between reality and animation. This bold and innovative approach is a testament to Yamashiro's talent and his desire to push the boundaries of anime.

Science Saru, founded by the visionary Masaaki Yuasa, has a well-deserved reputation for producing some of the most visually stunning and innovative anime in recent years. With Dandadan, the studio continues this tradition, showcasing its signature style in all its glory. The fluid animation, expressive character designs, and imaginative use of visual metaphors are all hallmarks of Science Saru's unique approach. The team clearly relishes the opportunity to bring Tatsu's bizarre creations to life, imbuing each yokai and alien with a distinct personality and visual flair.

The visual brilliance of Dandadan is further enhanced by its exceptional sound design. The soundtrack, composed by Nasuo, perfectly complements the on-screen action, blending traditional Japanese instruments with electronic beats to create a truly unique soundscape. The voice acting is also top-notch, with each actor bringing their characters to life with incredible energy and nuance. The sound effects are crisp and impactful, adding weight to every punch, kick, and supernatural encounter. This meticulous attention to sound elevates the viewing experience, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable world.

While the art and animation are undeniably impressive, they serve a greater purpose than just being visually appealing. They are integral to the storytelling, enhancing the humor, horror, and emotional depth of the narrative. Whether it's a terrifying yokai encounter, a hilarious misunderstanding between the two leads, or a touching moment of friendship, the visuals work in perfect harmony with the story to create a truly impactful and unforgettable experience.