Dandadan follows the wild adventures of high school students Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura, who become entangled in the paranormal world. Momo is a spirited gyaru with ties to spiritualism, while Ken is an awkward loner obsessed with UFOs.
When they’re suddenly thrust into dealing with ghosts and aliens at the same time, their mismatched beliefs collide. From the get-go, it’s clear these protagonists will find themselves in bizarre scenarios as they attempt to understand their mysterious new reality.
Guiding the anarchic journey is animation house Science Saru, known for visual experimentation in works like Devilman Crybaby. They’ve set out to adapt Yukinobu Tatsu’s original manga series.
In this review, we’ll take a look at the vibrant characters, thrilling scenarios, and visual storytelling of Dandadan’s early episodes to understand what makes this anomaly of a show worth keeping an eye on.
Undulating Images
The animation from Science Saru truly brings Dandadan to life. They take the bold linework and expressive panels from the manga and infuse them with motion in a way that accentuates both mediums.
Characters bounce between fluidly animated action scenes and still frames emphasizing emotion. In one moment, Ayase and Ken’s high-speed battle against supernatural foes plays out like a kinetic adventure before stopping on a close-up of one processing their shock.
Backdrops shift just as dynamically. Ayase’s hospital visit transforms the sterile building into a haunting setting through shifting reflections on mirrors and tiles. Scenes portraying Ken’s paranormal encounters submerge you in his terror across abandoned tunnels and shrines through unsettled camerawork and lighting.
Colors carry the viewer seamlessly between these tonal shifts. Bright neons dominate lively sequences but bleed into dull grays and shadows as danger emerges. They lend Ayase’s alien abduction an alien feel while maintaining the disturbing, uncanny valley Science Saru is known for.
Character motions are likewise versatile. Early talks see their stilted interactions imitate the manga’s paneling through limited motions. But later, Ken’s possessions unleash a barrage of frames, melding man and spirit into a flurry matching Dandadan’s pace.
Each style comes together fluidly. Silence may hold a scene, yet words continue the captivating narration. Imaginative visual metaphors like Okarun bursting from Ayase’s phone strengthen absurd moments in memorable ways.
The animation stays faithful to the oddballs at its heart too. Character illustrations bring the strangeness of Turbo Granny and Serpoians to life just as uncomfortably as the pages. Emotive voice acting further blends the human and unnatural.
Through constantly shifting techniques in service of the story, Science Saru marries the manga’s spirit with animation’s vibrance, keeping viewers fully immersed in Ayase and Ken’s undulating reality. Their visual mastery makes the paranormal feel plausible and propels Dandadan’s unique energy.
Complex Connections
At the heart of Dandadan lies the developing bond between Momo and Okarun.
Momo makes strong first impressions. A rebel with Gyaru style, she defends Okarun from bullies. While dismissing his beliefs, she understands the supernatural from her medium lineage. Momo asserts herself in a bold voice that matches her fiery spirit.
In contrast stands Okarun, withdrawn and teased for his obsessions. Yet a passion burns within for proving the paranormal’s existence. His meeker tone shifts frantically following encounters.
Though opposites, both harbor insecurities that draw them to each other. Momo finds solace in another outcast where she sees worth. Okarun gains confidence by impressing the only friend and accepting his nature.
Their rapport grows humorous as insults shift to understanding. Facing otherworldly terrors together forges respect as each glimpses behind barriers to each other’s pain.
Subtler performances shine too. Ayase navigating confusing feelings supplies nuance. Okuran accepting guidance breaks walls in ways just as profound.
Else characters like Turbo Granny amuse through audacious depravity. Her haunting cackle chills yet elicits laughs from society’s rebuke of norms. These oddballs feel real through their vulnerable, distinct natures.
Momo and Okarun feel true as individuals, yet dependent on one another for fulfillment. Their blossoming bond surpasses surface traits to reveal shared struggles and needs. Connections form from unlikely places when we strive to see humanity in another. The stars’ emotive voice acts let these lessons resonate.
Weaving Tales
Dandadan spins an engaging yarn across its early episodes. Ayase and Okarun’s argument plants seeds foreshadowing paranormal encounters.
The premiere sees challenges unveil Momo’s psychic gift and Ken’s inner demon amid alien abductions. Information emerges naturally through their collaboration against uncanny forces.
Episode two builds intrigue by introducing Granny’s spirit haunting Ken’s house. Fresh revelations like Okarun’s past blend seamlessly into ongoing arcs.
The third moves their battle across realities meeting Serpoian invaders. Mystery deepens regarding powers pulling them together amid humor and fights.
Disparate genres weave a cohesive tapestry. Alien invasions mesh with ghostly hauntings, balanced by heartwarming bonds. Absurdity never outweighs sincerity in Momo and Okarun’s growth.
Pacing excels through fluid transitions between emotional beats and action. Silence builds, then releases tension through raucous sequences and reveals.
Complex plots feel digestible thanks to focusing on core relationships. Side characters add flavors versus overwhelming the central duo’s story.
Overarching mysteries increasingly hook you across episodes. Short vignettes form an acohesive movie told over three acts versus isolated stories. Dandadan proves mastery of crafting an expanding narrative with replay value through balanced pacing and blending tones.
Amplifying the Chaos
The musical score of Dandadan makes plenty of noise to match the on-screen bedlam. Composer Kensuke Ushio has crafted an unhinged soundtrack, switching rapidly between pounding percussion and eerie drones.
Tension spikes during climactic clashes, his thumping beat driving action while unstable instrumentation compliments swirling visuals. Less is more for poignant moments, minimal piano carrying emotion.
Vocal songs set the right tone too. The opening’s manic rhythms and unusual synth timbres inject energy. Its anthemic chorus swells match epic sequences.
Voice acting elevates characters further. Shion Wakayama lends Momo sass and spirit, whether firing insults or fighting demons. Natsuki Hanae conveys Ken’s quirks through nervous mumbles, turning resilient.
Side characters get their due, like Mayumi Tanaka’s unsettling croak as Turbo Granny surfacing from beyond. Sound design makes the supernatural feel real through their voices alone.
Even silence gets attention. During a tense schoolyard spat, absent music intensifies staring peers. Small audio flourishes keep you hooked, like spectral moans wandering tunnels.
Every element meshes for Dandadan. Its synthy score instills a feeling of strange adventure while emotive performances humanize peculiar beings. Together they amplify visuals into a fully-realized cinematic experience.
Transcending the Page
Adapting a beloved property requires careful attention. The anime proves respectful to Dandadan’s roots while evolving its form.
Momo and Okarun’s introductory scenes remain loyal to the manga’s pacing. Yet animation brings liveliness, from hallway amblings to exaggerated arguing.
Visual influences emerge too. Dynamic establishing shots set a more immersive mood. Character reveals translate intricate panels into visceral video.
Some reworked sequences better fit the new medium. Episode one converts Momo’s emotive double-page reaction into a climactic single shot.
Fan reactions vary too. Purists praise faithful moments but also appreciate new surprises, like Turbo Granny receiving more screen-time antics.
Changes feel natural while honoring the source. Conversations borrow the manga’s panel-dividing while retaining essence through animation.
Perhaps most striking come later episodes. Faithful adaptations give way to new content, suggesting plans to truly expand this world.
Obsessives need not worry; Dandadan’s absurdist spirit perseveres in its transition. And for newcomers, the anime invites discovery of its weirdly wonderful pages.
Overall, the adaptation excels by transcending limitations. Animation brings fresh perspectives while maintaining respect and capturing fans of the madcap narrative.
Supernatural Simplicity
Three episodes in, Dandadan proves worthy of anticipation. Its unique premise of mashing alien encounters with ghostly weirdness comes to life through Science Saru’s animation mastery.
Yet the heart of the show remains its charismatic leads. Momo and Okarun feel authentic in their insecurities and passion, emerging as a refreshingly realistic anchor. Their bond encapsulates the fun inherent to odd couplings finding strength in one another.
Dan Da Dan earns praise through a rare simplicity. Plot points emerge fluidly versus convoluted exposition, prioritizing humor over answers. Genres seamlessly blend amid grounded character focus, holding it all together.
Going forward, curiosity abounds. How will Science Saru evolve imaginative battles and otherworldly creatures? Further developing Momo and Okarun’s dynamic promises even sweeter moments cementing their charm.
For those seeking quirky, accessible stories with hearts, this anomaly satisfies. Fans of offbeat pairings and creative action stand much to gain. Dan Da Dan proves itself a strange yet endearing treat, making future chapters well worth following. Its seamless amalgamation of heart and hijinks without sacrifice to either makes a unique addition well deserving of viewers.
The Review
Dandadan
Dan Da Dan mixes genres into a wholly engaging experience. Despite supernatural chaos, Science Saru's animation and the heartfelt core duo ensure this offbeat journey stays grounded. Effortlessly blending humor and heart, Dan Da Dan's premiere proves a delightful watch for anyone seeking quirky fun.
PROS
- Charismatic central characters in Momo and Okarun
- Imaginative blending of genres like horror and sci-fi
- Visual mastery from Science Saru in designs and sequences
- Humor amid peril keeps events lighthearted and entertaining.
- Stories establish a balance of clarity and mystique.
CONS
- Potential for formula if momentum lost enhancing characters
- A comparatively simplistic plot may not captivate all audiences.
- Reliance on manga could hamper welcoming newcomers.
