Let’s face it: modern anime might start to feel somewhat… trained on copy-paste. Enter Dandadan, a show that turns the oddness up to eleven, adds aliens, ghosts, love, high school drama, and somehow makes everything fit. Dandadan, directed by Fuga Yamashiro and animated by the wildly inventive staff at Science SARU (Devilman Crybaby, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!), is like getting struck in the face with a glitter cannon of turmoil – and honestly, we’re here for it.
Aliens vs. Ghosts, Nerds vs. Brats
The narrative begins with the conflict between two teenage worlds: Momo Ayase (resident gyaru, attitude included) believes in ghosts, but Okarun – aka Ken Takakura – is your typical UFO-obsessed nerd who believes aliens are the real deal. Naturally, they wager to show whose right… and surprise, they’re both wrong. Or more precisely, they are both right, which sends them headfirst into a realm of psychic grandma showdowns, extraterrestrial nudists, and haunted toilets.
It sounds like a fever dream, but Dandadan somehow makes it make sense.
Predictable Rom-Com, But Make It Paranormal
However, the energy is what makes it strike differently. Its predictability is erratic – picture Scott Pilgrim crossed with Mob Psycho and a dash of overly hormonal ghostbusters. Momo and Okarun’s uncomfortable flirting is interrupted by ridiculous fights, strong emotional beats, and humorous timing so strong it ought to bear a warning label.
It’s all quite extra and somehow quite relatable.
Characters That Aren’t Just Quirky for the Sake of It
Momo (voiced by Shion Wakayama) is not only the archetypal bratt; she is complex, bold yet sensitive, and very devoted. Okarun (Natsuki Hanae), the ultimate underdog, is somewhat sad, socially awkward, yet has the heart of a leading man you can’t help but cheer for.
Add to that a haunted attractive boy (Kaito Ishikawa as Jiji), a psychic granny (Nana Mizuki), an exorcist with far too much drip (Ayane Sakura as Aira), and you have a slapping lineup. These are not simply supporting characters; each one has their own arc, trauma, and well-timed punchlines – emotional support chaos gremlins.
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Animation That’s Jumpier Than Your Anxiety
Let’s discuss visuals. Science SARU vibes in addition to animating. Without skipping a beat, the program alternates between neon-tinted anarchy and gritty, sketchy horror. Like they emerged from a prehistoric scroll, ghosts are warm-toned and textured. Aliens: cold, CGI-odd, and downright cursed. The difference is intentional and really effective – somewhat genius.
Like your brain after three cups of cold brew, the animation style fits the show’s emotional beats: quick, erratic, and sometimes unhinged.
Deep Themes Disguised as Banana Organs
Dandadan has something to say beneath the supernatural shenanigan. It’s a narrative on not being believed, puberty, body image, bereavement, and self-worth. You’ll chuckle at the alien wanting to take Okarun’s “banana,” but you also sit with Momo’s loneliness and Okarun’s shame over not being “masculine enough.” It’s real, it’s raw, and it sneaks up on you between battle scenes.
One minute you are laughing, the next you are emotionally damaged. It’s the duality.
Season 2? Get Ready.
Dandadan is just becoming weirder, crazier, and more emotionally turbulent with Season 2 releasing on July 3, 2025 (mark your calendars). Expect more complicated lore, greater stakes, and maybe at least one more spectral pervert.
In a sea of same-same storytelling, Dandadan is that one crazy buddy who arrives at the group chat at 2 AM with memes, trauma, and a lot of heart.
And honestly? We need more of that.
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