In 2021, manga writer/artist, Yukinobu Tatsu published a manga series for Shonen Jump+ titled “Dandadan.” Story follows a high school girl named, Momo Ayase. Raised by her grandmother, she believes in the supernatural except for aliens. One day, she meets another student, Ken “Okarun” Takaura. A nerdy boy fascinated with aliens minus ghosts. The pair make a bet to see if they can spot the thing, they don’t believe is real. In a twist of fate, both aliens and ghosts exist.
After two encounters with aliens and a demon named, Turbo Granny, places a curse on Okarun granting him powers costing him his penis and testicles. This isn’t a joke. She gave him the John Wayne Bobbitt treatment. Momo’s psychic powers manifest barely evading the aliens. Momo & Okarun work together to combat adversaries and retrieve the latter’s family jewels. Momo’s grandmother, Seiko guides them on their predicament.
In 2024, (same year Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero! came out) an anime adaptation officially streamed on Crunchyroll, Hulu & Netflix. Season 1 earned praise from critics and streamers alike. A second season is scheduled to premiere in July 2025. I’ve been hearing good things about Dandadan as one of the most talked about anime. I watched all 12 episodes. It’s really good.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS whatsoever.
Lifted & Cursed Aspects
Lifted: Abby Trott (Nezuko from Demon Slayer) & A.J. Beckles both did a superb job for their respective voiceover performances as Momo & Okarun.
Fun Fact: Momo’s celeb crush, Ken Takaura (Okarun shares the same name) exists in real life. He was a popular Japanese actor in the ’70s.
Animation brings a few elements to life such as character models, fluid movement, lighting, environmental locations etc.
Action Sequences are pretty good displaying Momo & Okarun’s powers.
Humor has a few legit funny moments that made me chuckle.
Chemistry between Momo & Okarun serves as the main highlight. As the season progresses, they form a close friendship. They even learn to control their powers.
Pacing didn’t feel like a drab. I was hooked since the first episode.
Japanese hip-hop duo, Creepy Nuts wrote the opening theme, “Otonoke.” Admit it, you couldn’t resist skipping the intro. I haven’t listened to a banger since SpyxFamily’s second season opening song, “Kura Kura.” Otonoke earns Bonus Points.
My favorite episodes are 6-7. Momo & Okarun cross paths with a girl named, Aira. They encounter a tall demon with a tragic backstory.
Two golden spheres play a crucial role. If you know, you know.
Cursed: Season Finale abruptly ends without concluding a story arc and properly setting up the next one.
The Final Verdict: A-
Dandadan’s first season marks the beginning of an anime series. If you’re an anime enthusiast or looking for something to watch during your spare time, give this one a try.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 