The Fans have been thrilled to see shows like Solo Leveling, Kaiju No. 8, and A Sign of Affection bring beloved manga stories to life. Now, another major title is joining the ranks—Dan Da Dan. Written and illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu, Dan Da Dan is an exciting mix of supernatural elements, horror, and outrageous humor. But beyond its thrilling plot and energetic storytelling, it’s the deeper themes of love, resilience, and human connection that really make the series shine. The combination of emotional depth and comedic chaos promises to make this anime a must-watch for any fan.

What Is Dan Da Dan About?

The story of Dan Da Dan began as a manga in 2021 on Shounen Jump+. It follows Momo Ayase, a high school student who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a boy she nicknames Okarun. Their relationship begins in a strange way—after defending Okarun from bullies, Momo mocks his obsession with paranormal phenomena. She believes in spirits (having grown up in a family of spiritual mediums) but thinks aliens are just myths, while Okarun is convinced the opposite is true.

To settle the argument, they make a bet. Momo heads to a UFO hotspot, and Okarun visits a haunted tunnel. Both end up getting more than they bargained for—Momo is abducted by aliens, and Okarun is possessed by a yokai (an evil spirit). Though they escape their terrifying situations, these encounters leave them changed forever. As they adjust to their new abilities, they realize that supernatural threats are all around them. Together, they face these dangers with the help of family, friends, and some unexpected allies, building a strong bond along the way.

The Magic of the Manga Comes to Life in the Anime

Before creating Dan Da Dan, Yukinobu Tatsu worked as an assistant to Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto, alongside other talented mangaka like Tatsuya Endo (Spy x Family) and Yuji Kaku (Hell’s Paradise). Despite his peers’ success, it took a bit longer for Yukinobu to get his breakthrough. His editor encouraged him to draw something without worrying too much about plot structure, and this freedom allowed him to pour his creativity into Dan Da Dan. The result is an engaging and unique series that quickly gained attention.

The manga’s stunning art has earned comparisons to the works of legendary horror artist Junji Ito. Its grotesque monsters and dynamic perspectives make readers feel like they’re stepping right into the chaotic world alongside the characters. In the anime adaptation, produced by Science SARU (the studio behind Scott Pilgrim Takes Off), these visual elements are elevated even further. Characters like Turbo Grandma, known for her incredible speed, and the monstrous Flatwoods Monster are brought to life with impressive detail and artistry.

One of the anime’s standout features is its use of color to enhance the storytelling. Powers are visually indicated by unique coloring, and intense battle scenes are infused with vibrant hues that heighten the drama. In a particularly memorable moment from Episode 2, Momo’s house is attacked, and the scene shifts to striking black and white, adding to the tension and mood. These creative choices bring the manga’s detailed artwork to life, making each episode a feast for the eyes.

How many Maneki-Neko can you count in the fun and explosive ending theme song of #DANDADAN, “TAIDADA,” by ZUTOMAYO? 🐱@animeDANDADANen pic.twitter.com/Qs74tqBRXp

— Netflix Anime (@NetflixAnime) October 7, 2024

Momo and Okarun: The Heart of Dan Da Dan

At the heart of Dan Da Dan are its two main characters, Momo Ayase and Okarun, voiced by Shion Wakayama and Natsuki Hanae, respectively, in the Japanese version. Momo is a bold and confident gyaru, a subculture that embraces individuality and non-conformity. Okarun, on the other hand, is shy and introverted, shaped by years of bullying and rejection. Despite their differences, they form a close bond, becoming a perfect example of opposites attracting.

Their initial disagreements about the supernatural stem from deeply personal experiences. Momo believes in spirits because of her grandmother, a spiritual medium who raised her after her parents passed away. Okarun, meanwhile, clings to his belief in aliens as a way to cope with the loneliness of his childhood. Their shared vulnerability and desire for connection help them grow closer as they face the strange and dangerous world together.

A Unique Blend of Horror and Humor

Supernatural themes have long been a staple in anime, with classics like Death Note and Mononoke exploring spirits and demons. Dan Da Dan takes a different approach, injecting absurd humor into its supernatural horror elements. Creatures like Turbo Granny and the bizarre Serpoians are genuinely creepy, but their strange obsession with stealing human genitals adds an unexpected and comedic twist.

While the show could have leaned more into the horror aspect, its choice to blend tension with humor gives it a unique charm. This balance of frights and laughs is one of the hallmarks of Dan Da Dan, setting it apart from other shows in the genre. Instead of being dominated by darkness, it carves out a playful, unpredictable space in the world of supernatural anime.

Dan Da Dan premiered on October 3, and you can catch it on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix. With its mix of emotional depth, outlandish humor, and incredible visuals, it’s shaping up to be a standout in the 2024 anime lineup.