Dandadan, which premiered in the fall of 2024, has made a remarkable impact on the anime landscape. Its distinct eccentricity and revolutionary take on the shonen genre are key reasons why it has garnered critical acclaim. Science Saru’s adept adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s original work stands out as one of the most celebrated anime in recent memory. The series’ dynamic incorporation of various thematic elements significantly contributes to its widespread popularity.
Spanning twelve episodes, Dandadan captivates audiences by evoking a wide range of emotions—from laughter and shock to heartfelt warmth and even tears. Each episode has its own flair, but several have quickly emerged as standout moments within the series.
12 Okarun and Jiji Become Friends, But the Cliffhanger Is Agonizing
Episode #12, “Let’s Go to the Cursed House”
In the finale, Episode 12 wraps up the mannequin storyline with an engaging mix of comedy and romance. The narrative then shifts to Jiji’s motives for visiting Momo’s house. Together, the trio ventures to Jiji’s hometown, where a series of absurd events occur, further cementing the friendship between Jiji and Okarun.
The final installment feels more like a bridge to the upcoming Season 2, scheduled for July 2025, rather than a conclusive ending. This makes it less impactful when compared to the more self-contained earlier episodes, resulting in it being one of the more mediocre episodes despite its strong comedic and narrative elements.
11 The Most Iconic Granny in the Shōnen Genre Is Introduced
Episode #3, “It’s a Granny vs. Granny Clash!”
After a hard-fought victory, Okarun and Momo are fatigued; this episode opens with the tension brewing as Momo, unconscious, allows Okarun’s cursed energy to surge. The unexpected arrival of Momo’s grandmother, Seiko Ayase, transforms the situation. The Spirit Medium quickly subdues Turbo Granny, showcasing her remarkable abilities until Momo regains consciousness.
Seiko’s character introduces a refreshing shift in the narrative, disrupting the typical Shōnen mold that often assigns mentorship roles to older male figures. She emerges as a key support for Momo and her friends, enriching their supernatural journey with her wisdom and strength.
10 Wrapping Up the Latest Dispute Happily
Episode #10, “Have You Ever Seen a Cattle Mutilation?”
Following their epic confrontation with mutated aliens, Episode 10 strikes a balance between humor and character development. Notably, this episode highlights Aira’s significant character growth, establishing a budding friendship with Momo after the recent upheaval.
The true gem of this episode lies in its insightful look into the Dover Demon’s backstory, illustrating its experiences that parallel human struggles. The comedic apex arrives when Seiko delivers a hilariously simplistic yet effective solution, leading to the comically ludicrous scenario of a cow abduction—a clever allusion to classic alien invasion tropes presented with humor.
9 Introducing a Rival to Shake Up the Story
Episode #6, “A Dangerous Woman Arrives”
Shifting focus back to the main narrative, Episode 6 sees Momo and Okarun searching for Okarun’s missing privates amidst a series of comedic events, including Turbo Granny donning a Cat mascot suit. It also marks Aira’s entrance into the storyline, establishing her as a formidable rival to Momo.
While Aira’s introduction as Momo’s counterpart is significant, Acrobatic Silky’s obsession with Aira adds another layer of complexity. With her acrobatic prowess and combat skills, Acrobatic Silky adds intrigue; however, Momo continues to shine as a clever, compelling presence in this Shonen narrative.
8 Okarun’s Transformation Is Highlighted By Amazing Animation Choices
Episode #2, “That’s A Space Alien, Ain’t It?”
While the series’ premiere may not clearly establish its alignment with traditional action-centric shonen titles, the second episode definitively asserts its identity. It showcases Okarun and Momo’s first confrontation with an alien foe.
Against the challenge posed by the Flatwoods Monster alien, Okarun and Momo must push their abilities to the limit. During this intense struggle, Okarun’s transformation into Turbo Granny highlights a thrilling fusion of combat and artistry, with the vibrant dark reds contrasting against a muted grayscale backdrop. This visually striking scene suggests that Dandadan will continue to enthrall viewers with its unique animation style.
7 Science Saru Knows How to Adapt Controversial Scenes and Make Them Enjoyable
Episode #9, “Merge!, Serpo Dover Demon Nessie!”
Aira’s use of her transformation in this episode marks her emergence as a stronger character. However, the Serpo aliens’ psychic powers quickly turn the tables against her and Okarun. As Aira and Okarun struggle under pressure, Momo arrives just in time to showcase her heroism once again.
Despite the added tension from Nessie’s presence, the team exhibits solid collaboration to vanquish the merged threat. The episode takes a humorous turn when the characters find themselves in embarrassing circumstances upon returning to reality, demonstrating Science Saru’s clever adaptation of potentially awkward moments into genuinely amusing sequences.
6 The Decision to Add Anime-Original Scenes Was Great
Episode #4, “Kicking Turbo Granny’s Ass”
As Momo and Okarun meticulously plot to reclaim Okarun’s lost treasures from Turbo Granny, danger looms. The iconic moment occurs when Okarun heroically carries Momo on his back while they evade peril.
While a brief sequence in the manga only spanned two pages, Science Saru’s decision to extend this moment transformed it into a memorable highlight of the season. Moreover, the episode gracefully introduces darker themes, revealing unexpected emotional depth through Turbo Granny and other spirits, showcasing the series’ willingness to explore complex narratives.
5 The Romantic Bond Between Okarun and Momo Takes Over Everything Else
Episode #5, “Like, Where Are Your Balls?”
Episode #5 departs from the usual paranormal chaos to explore the romantic tension building between Momo and Okarun. It artfully conveys the thrilling yet awkward moments of a budding relationship, revealing miscommunications and unspoken feelings.
This episode cleverly intertwines romance with intrigue by introducing a new character, suggesting the romantic arc will be integral to the overall narrative. Such a balanced approach promises to maintain engagement within the Shōnen genre, setting Dandadan apart from other series that prioritize action over depth.
4 The Love Trope Mixed With Comedy Is Dandadan’s Safest Quality
Episode #11, “First Love”
This episode highlights the introduction of Jin Eijoji, revealing his quirks and the tension arising from his past crush on Momo. By doing so, it adds depth to the narrative while setting the stage for future developments.
The chaotic antics with the possessed mannequin steal the show, resulting in a zany series of events. Notably, these moments help Okarun realize his feelings for Momo, motivating him to openly confront his emotions instead of retreating into uncertainty.
3 Romance, Comedy, and Horror: Dandadan Has Everything
Episode #8, “I’ve Got This Funny Feeling”
As the series highlights Acrobatic Silky’s poignant story, Episode 8 deftly returns to Dandadan’s strength in humor, now infused with romantic undertones featuring Aira. Elements of hilarity entwine with love triangles and miscommunication among the characters.
The episode begins with lighthearted antics but quickly escalates into dramatic tension as the protagonists find themselves targeted by aliens. The return of Seripo aliens introduces elements of suspense that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
2 The First Episode of Dandadan Sets the Series Apart From Other Popular Shōnen Titles
Episode #1, “That’s How Love Starts, Ya Know!”
Dandadan defies typical Shōnen conventions right from its premiere, indicating it aims for a broader audience. One of the standout aspects is its humor, which elevates it beyond the typical juvenile humor found in many titles, suggesting that Dandadan has something to offer viewers of all ages.
In addition to its dark humor, the first episode lays the groundwork for the romantic connection between the lead characters—a rare and appealing approach in the Shōnen realm where romance is often relegated to the sidelines. These compelling features solidify the first episode as one of the series’ strongest entries, capturing the interest of prospective fans.
1 Dandadan’s True Strength Is Emotional Storytelling
Episode #7, “To a Kinder World”
Initially, Dandadan focuses more on humor than drama, but the richness of its storytelling genuinely surfaces in Episode 7. Featuring Acrobatic Silky’s tragic past, the episode skillfully intertwines emotional depth with complex themes of loss and resilience.
With touching adaptations complemented by additional scenes that heighten emotional stakes, this episode demonstrates Dandadan’s capacity for profound storytelling. It embodies the essence of a series that embraces realism and sensitive topics, solidifying Episode 7 as the pinnacle of the first season’s narrative strength.