Dandadan is a high-energy, unpredictable supernatural anime that exploded onto the scene in 2024. Known for its wild mix of sci-fi, horror, comedy, and emotional storytelling, it quickly became one of the most talked-about shows of the year. Based on the popular manga by Yukinobu Tatsu, Dandadan balances intense action with heartfelt moments and quirky humor, making it an unforgettable experience.
Its appeal lies in how it constantly keeps you guessing—one moment you’re dealing with aliens, the next you’re in a battle against ghosts, all while the characters grow in meaningful and emotional ways. With its fast-paced story and bold visuals, Dandadan offers something refreshingly different in the anime world.
Series Details
| Title | Dandadan |
|---|---|
| Creator | Yukinobu Tatsu |
| Studio | Science SARU |
| First Aired | October 2024 |
| Seasons | 1 (Ongoing) |
| Episodes | TBD |
| Genre | Action, Supernatural, Comedy, Sci-fi |
| Language | Japanese |
| IMDb Rating | 8.4/10 |
| Review Count | 33,000+ |
| IMDb Link | IMDb |
Series Explanation
The story follows Momo Ayase, a confident high school girl who believes in ghosts but not aliens, and Okarun, a shy classmate obsessed with the supernatural, who believes in aliens but not ghosts. After a heated debate, they make a bet—Momo will visit a supposedly alien hotspot, while Okarun will go to a haunted location. What happens next changes their lives forever.
Momo encounters aliens who try to abduct her, while Okarun is attacked by a terrifying spirit. Both survive their respective encounters, but not without consequences. Okarun ends up cursed by a ghost and gains bizarre powers, while Momo awakens latent spiritual energy passed down from her grandmother, a powerful exorcist.
The two team up to deal with an increasing number of paranormal threats that combine the weirdness of both alien invasions and ghostly hauntings. Along the way, they encounter strange entities like Turbo Granny—a hilariously foul-mouthed ghost who possesses incredible speed—and Serpo aliens who are relentless and grotesque.
While battling these entities, Momo and Okarun also start to grow emotionally. What begins as a strange friendship starts to develop into something deeper, though they both struggle to express their feelings. Their journey is full of danger, laughs, and emotional revelations. Each episode adds layers to the world and characters, blending over-the-top action with real human emotions in a way that feels natural and deeply entertaining.
As more characters are introduced, including new threats and mysterious allies, the plot thickens, suggesting that the alien and ghost worlds may be more connected than anyone thought. The mystery deepens while the action keeps escalating, promising even more twists in the upcoming episodes.
Main Cast (Voice Actors)
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Momo Ayase | Shion Wakayama |
| Okarun (Ken Takakura) | Natsuki Hanae |
| Turbo Granny | Mayumi Tanaka |
| Seiko Ayase (Momo’s Grandma) | Romi Park |
| Aira Shiratori | Mikako Komatsu |
My Honest Review
Dandadan is absolutely wild—in the best way possible. It throws logic out the window and delivers a ride filled with chaos, charm, and character. At first glance, it seems like a random mash-up of genres, but everything works together smoothly because of how grounded and emotionally real the characters feel.
Momo and Okarun are the heart of the story, and their chemistry is incredibly fun to watch. Momo is tough, expressive, and has a good heart, while Okarun’s growth from a timid outcast to a confident fighter is genuinely inspiring. Their dynamic brings warmth to even the craziest moments, like fighting a naked ghost in a bathroom or escaping a UFO.
Science SARU’s animation brings a unique energy to the story, with fluid motion, exaggerated expressions, and explosive action scenes. Every battle is packed with creativity, and quieter moments are just as beautiful. The show isn’t afraid to get weird, but it always circles back to its characters and their personal stakes.
Even early into the series, it’s clear that Dandadan is something special. It’s fearless, funny, and heartfelt, with the potential to become a long-running favorite.
What the Series Teaches Us
- Belief matters – Even the most unlikely things can become real when we open our minds.
- Friendship grows through chaos – Facing danger side by side often reveals the strongest bonds.
- We all have hidden strength – Okarun and Momo both learn that their inner power was always there, waiting to be awakened.
Trailer
FAQ
Q: Is Dandadan based on a manga?
A: Yes, it’s based on the hit manga by Yukinobu Tatsu, serialized since 2021.
Q: What makes Dandadan different from other anime?
A: It mixes sci-fi and ghost stories with humor and emotion in a way that feels fresh and exciting. The energy and unpredictability are unlike anything else.
Q: Is it suitable for younger viewers?
A: While it includes comedy, the show has some mature and intense moments, so it’s better suited for older teens and adults.
Q: How many episodes are planned?
A: The episode count for Season 1 hasn’t been officially confirmed, but it’s expected to adapt several arcs from the manga.
Q: Where can I watch Dandadan?
A: It’s currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
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