Oh, the joy of anime where anything – absolutely anything – can happen.
Dandadan, adapted from Yukinobu Tatsu’s eclectic manga, is a whirlwind that left me gasping, laughing and occasionally questioning my own sanity. Imagine a high school drama interspersed with spirits, aliens and one particularly bizarre hunt for golden “family jewels”. Yes, you heard that right.
I should’ve known from the first five minutes that my usual popcorn wouldn’t suffice. By the time Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura (forever ‘Okarun’ in my mind) ended up in a reality-defying battle with an elderly spirit named Turbo Granny, I was already clutching my cushion for comfort.
It’s been a while since an anime swept me into its chaotic orbit this quickly since Kaiju No 8, and with such audacity. Bear in mind though, it’s got an age rating of 17+ or 14+ and the first episode has Momo in her undergarment.
A STORY THAT SPIRALS OUT OF CONTROL (IN THE BEST WAY)
The series opens with Momo and Okarun challenging each other to prove that ghosts and aliens are real. What starts as an innocent wager spirals into interdimensional madness.
One moment Momo is showcasing psychokinetic prowess; the next, Okarun is struggling to hold onto his, let’s say, “masculine assets”, which Turbo Granny delightfully pilfers. The stakes have never been so hilariously high.
This show doesn’t just flirt with absurdity, it marries it in a whirlwind ceremony officiated by UFOs and yōkai. Every episode plunges you deeper into the weird and wonderful, where each twist makes you wonder if the writer lost a bet or found the world’s most interesting fever dream.
It’s hard not to love Momo, whose gyaru energy scream confidence, even as she navigates battles with aliens and her complicated crush (which she hasn’t fully realised in the episodes that are already out) on Okarun.
And then there’s Okarun himself, a blend of sweet and perpetually anxious, constantly under supernatural siege yet managing to stay endearing. Their chemistry is both high-school-level romantic, and a survival pact laced with awkward admiration and reluctant teamwork.
One standout is Seiko Ayase, Momo’s grandmother, a spirit medium who can put any anime’s wise mentor to shame.
With a personality as brash as her exorcism skills, she’s both comic relief and a formidable force – who knew an elderly woman with no innate powers could steal every scene she’s in?
A GLORIOUS HODGEPODGE OF ANIMATION AND SOUND
Science Saru’s animation takes Dandadan to that rare tier where sheer style meets fluid madness. Expect to see Momo and Okarun moving with an exaggerated dynamism that echoes their outlandish predicaments.
The visual transitions between comedic slapstick and eerie, pulse-pounding horror are almost too smooth. One minute you’re watching a Turbo Granny chase scene that feels like Looney Tunes on steroids; the next, you’re bracing for a jump scare with hauntingly rendered yōkai.
Kensuke Ushio’s soundtrack? A surreal cherry on top. When the creepy theme of Turbo Granny kicked in, I felt like a teenager again, sneaking a horror film at 3am on a dare. And if that wasn’t enough, the show’s opening theme Otonoke by Creepy Nuts is an absolute earworm – catchy with a dash of eerie, much like the show itself. Admittedly, I’ve caught myself repeatedly singing Dandadan Dandadan Dandadan absent-mindedly. I just love the music they put out – like Bling-Bang-Bang-Born from the Mashle: Magic and Muscles anime.
WHY IT WORKS (DESPITE ITSELF)
Dandadan works because it’s utterly fearless. It doesn’t just dip its toes into genre-mixing, it dives headfirst into a soup of sci-fi, horror and rom-com, armed with a ladle and a grin.
My favourite moment (okay, one of many) was Momo outsmarting an alien-creature hybrid with a blessed talisman in the second episode and a trick worthy of slapstick legend. It reminded me of the times I’d concoct wild scenarios during childhood games, where logic had no place and fun reigned supreme.
But it isn’t all chaos for chaos’ sake. Beneath the insanity, there’s a narrative about finding connection and bravery in unexpected places.
Watching Momo and Okarun’s relationship evolve from strangers to teammates who’d risk anything for each other felt surprisingly heartfelt, like seeing friends grow closer through absurd shared experiences. I’ll confess: I laughed when they awkwardly flirted mid-battle, but I also rooted for them as they faced giant crabs and maniacal spirits.
To put it simply, it isn’t just an anime. Somehow, it’s a reminder that sometimes you need a series that throws rules out the window and opts for sheer entertainment.
Sure, it’s not for everyone – those looking for conventional stories or minimal weirdness might flee. But if you’ve ever stayed up late telling ghost stories or wondered what would happen if Studio Ghibli, a haunted house, and an alien invasion had a lovechild, Dandadan is a must-watch.
To anyone ready to experience chaos wrapped in heart: grab that cushion, maybe a second snack, and dive into the wonderfully bizarre world of Dandadan. You won’t regret it – though you may need a moment to catch your breath – or maybe it’s best to wait ‘til the first season ends so you don’t wait too long for the next episode for come. – Izah Azahari
