Dandadan Episode 1 Review: WTF Did I Just Watch

This is definitely the best anime of this season yet. Let’s discover how this episode plays out.

Dandadan Overview

Dandadan aka Dan Da Dan is a Japanese manga series created by Yukinobu Tatsu. It began serialization on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ app and website in April 2021. As of October 2024, the series has been compiled into 16 tankōbon volumes. Known for its mix of supernatural elements and quirky humour, Dandadan has gained popularity among manga readers.

The anime is directed by Fūga Yamashiro, the series features scripts written by Hiroshi Seko, with Naoyuki Onda handling character designs and Yoshimichi Kameda designing the aliens and supernatural entities. Kensuke Ushio composed the music for the anime, adding to the atmospheric tone of the series. The anime premiered on October 4, 2024, on the Super Animeism Turbo programming block, airing on JNN affiliates such as MBS and TBS.

The opening theme, “Otonoke,” is performed by Creepy Nuts, while the ending theme, “Taidada,” is sung by Zutomayo. Prior to its television debut, the English dub premiered at Anime NYC in August 2024.

Dandadan Episode 1 Review

After a long time, I did not have words to express what I just watched, but I must confess that I loved every bit of it. This anime, at its core, is about two individuals who have very different views. They also have diverse personalities, considering one is a popular girl, and the other is a loner. The show opens with the heroine, Momo, being rejected by her scumbag of a boyfriend with whom she agreed to go out only because he reminded her of the famous actor Takakura Ken. She later comes across a boy being bullied mercilessly, whom she saves without thinking about it too much.

This encounter encourages the boy to talk about aliens with Momo, only to find out she is not at all interested in them. On the contrary, she is very much a believer in ghosts because she has a deep connection with them. Once strangers, these two finally start to bicker, trying to prove each other wrong. Finally, a bet gets placed; the girl will visit a building famous for UAP sightings, and the boy will visit a tunnel famed to be haunted by ghosts. And this is where things go awfully wrong.

Right off the bat, you will notice just how weirdly different the animation style is. The characters showcase very loud actions which seem almost animated, plus, they are also very quirky but not devoid of feelings. Momo is energetic and violent, but at the same time, very sensitive when she talks about her grandmother. The music is also playful with retro and disco beats that compliment the absurdity of the situation very well.

Now, if I must point out the best part of the show, it is definitely the aliens and the ghosts that we see. These things not only frightened me but creeped me out and made me laugh. Never have I ever thought that I would witness a ghost wanting to gobble weenies and aliens asking the heroine for her bananas.

Verdict

I think I have said enough, as it will be a crime if I spoil anything anymore. Please watch this show, as I am sure it has the ability to become one of the best anime of this year. If you are into funny, creepy and wildly entertaining shows, then this is for you.

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