You know you’re in for a treat when the opening theme song is by Creepy Nuts, and they did not disappoint for Dan Da Dan (ダンダダン). If you didn’t already know, Creepy Nuts are the masterminds behind the viral hit ‘Bling-Bang-Bang Born’ from Mashle: Magic and Muscle (マッシュル) and they are back with that same electrifying energy.
Giving that pulp fiction vibe, Dan Da Dan has the graphics and soundtrack that ensures to have the audience hooked from the very first episode. With its gritty, fast-faced energy and bold, exaggerated action sequences, it channels the kind of chaotic adventure you would expect from Yukinobu Tatsu.
Dan Da Dan follows Momo Ayase and her classmate Okarun, an occult geek. Whilst Momo is a firm believer in ghosts, Okarun swears by the existence of aliens. Their conflicting views create an amusing tension between them as they refuse to believe each other’s beliefs. But when they are suddenly thrusted into a bizarre and dangerous world where both paranormal forces and extraterrestrial beings collide, they are in for an adventure.
Momo and Okarun are such a delightful mix of a light-hearted and fast-paced emotional rollercoaster, and I am invested. There’s a charmingly awkward romcom vibe with Momo giving off some serious tsundere energy. She’s got that perfect blend of a tough-girl attitude but has a clear soft spot for Okarun. I mean, why else would you bother with the classmate you got cursed? It’s not like much happened… only that he’s now without a wiener thanks to Turbo Granny.
Episode two keeps the momentum going, plunging us deeper into an epic, pulp-fiction inspired adventure with Momo and Okarun. There is no time to process as Dan Da Dan dives headfirst into its wild blend of genres, leaving you constantly questioning what you are even watching. Is it horror? Romance? Sci-fi? Slice-of-life? The best thing you can do is not try to categorize the series and let Dan Da Dan take you on its wild, genre-bending ride.
The character development for Okarun was one I was not prepared for. Our too shy, shy boy has one hell of a transformation, and it’s all thanks to Turbo Granny. Watching him shift from his timid demure into someone who’s emotionally cynical was comedic in itself. As if suffering from a split personality, this new persona was refreshing to throw into the midst between his balance with Momo. Meanwhile, Momo is starting to understand her psychic abilities after admitting that her grandma was right, channelled her chi in episode one and is now ready to draw out her fuller potentials.
Diving further into the series, I must admit the moment Momo’s grandma aka Santa Dodoria made her first appearance she quickly became my favourite. Her laid-back, modern attitude adds a surprising layer of charm and charisma with her no-nonsense demeanour that just adds spice to all the chaos which brings a refreshing contrast to the craziness of Momo and Okarun. Just like her granddaughter, she does not believe aliens are real which adds another layer of irony and humour. That despite being a spirit medium she still dismisses the ideas of aliens.
This itself tells me that there may be further character development, but with Dan Da Dan, you just have to expect the unexpected. Knowing how abstractly obscured this series can get, I am excited to see how everyone’s perspectives and development will unfold.
From Momo and Okarun’s evolving slow interest to the new quirky characters which will expand the world of Dan Da Dan and its wild mix of genres, with the way that the story is constantly shifting, it makes it impossible to predict what’s coming next (unless you have read the manga), which has me hooked so I am looking forward to more of the madness of Dan Da Dan.
Visually, the art style is gritty and vibrant which captures the hilarious humour in Dan Da Dan while showcasing other elements from the horror to the slow burning development of an unlikely friendship and more. Every scene has a different take on dynamic and exaggerated expressions making it extremely eye-popping. The art in Dan Da Dan gives us a different perspective in connecting with the character development of our protagonists as they navigate this chaotic world that they had thrusted themselves into. It’s a visual feast that balances the continuously blending of genres which makes Dan Da Dan more enjoyable to watch.
Dan Da Dan is the wild, action-packed adaptation by Yukinobu Tatsu, serialised by Shōnen Jump+. The series brings together a comedic blend of supernatural battles, slow-burn, and out-of-this-world adventure, keeping readers hooked with its unique and unpredictable twists. Just remember, you should just enjoy the ride – don’t over think it. It’s a journey you won’t want to miss!
Dan Da Dan is now available for streaming with weekly releases on Crunchyroll.com.