DAN DA DAN Season 1 Review

Review

With season 2 of DanDaDan kicking off next month, it’s the perfect moment to look back at the incredible first season that took the anime world by storm last year. Animated by the incredibly talented team Science SARU, DanDaDan Season 1 was not just an adaptation; it was a chaotic masterpiece that proved that anime could still surprise and entertain. It carved its own unique space, seamlessly blending supernatural horror, laugh-out-loud comedy, genuine romance, and kick ass action into a genre-defying experience unlike any other anime.

From the first episode, DanDaDan established itself on its style, episodic rhythm and overall electric vibe. We were introduced to the seemingly mismatched duo of Momo Ayase, a spirited high school girl who believes in ghosts but totally dismisses aliens, and Ken Takakura, a self-proclaimed alien fanatic who dismisses the paranormal world of ghosts. Their fated, hilarious schoolyard debate about the supernatural leads them down separate paths – Momo to a rumored UFO hotspot, and Ken (or Okarun as he is called) to a haunted tunnel. The twist? Well both are right and both aliens and spirits are terrifyingly, undeniably real, and they’ve just thrown the duo into this new, bizarre and dangerous reality. This initial premise, while straightforward, quickly escalated into a whirlwind of ever escalating threats, bizarre powers, and increasingly complex plot points.

The brilliance of DanDaDan lies in its entertaining genre-blending. The horror elements are genuinely effective; the Yokai and alien designs are often grotesque, unsettling, and use well known and rarely known real world urban myths from both the East and the West. 
The stakes always feel tangible, with our growing cast of characters facing existential threats from both deep space and the paranormal. Yet, this tension is expertly mixed by the series’ phenomenal comedic timing. 
The humor is rapid-fire, often stemming from the sheer absurdity of the situations to the deadpan reactions of the characters to utter chaos they’re now fighting. The visual gags are plentiful, ensuring that even the most terrifying encounters are swiftly followed by a hearty, often uncomfortable, laugh. This tone became a hallmark of the manga, keeping readers constantly on their toes and this is brought perfectly across to the anime.

Going into the main characters, Momo Ayase is a formidable and refreshingly entertaining female lead. Far from a damsel in distress, she’s headstrong, resourceful, and possesses a growing spiritual power that she learns to use, often through sheer grit and a surprisingly strategic mind. Her journey of accepting the supernatural and her own latent abilities is compelling. Okarun undergoes an even more dramatic transformation. Initially timid and socially awkward, his forced possession by the infamous ‘Turbo Granny’ and subsequent monstrous forms push him out of his comfort zone. His vulnerability, coupled with his newfound powers, creates a character who is both relatable in his anxieties and heroic in his actions. The evolving relationship between the mismatched pair is the series’ undeniable beating heart. Their witty banter, genuine care for each other, and the undeniable romantic tension that just simmers beneath the surface – often comically interrupted by their drastically changed livestyle – provide a deeply engaging emotional anchor. Their dynamic is earned, forged through shared trauma and increasingly bizarre adventures, making their bond feel incredibly authentic.
Plus their romance is endearingly awkward, showing teenage romance is a tough path to navigate, even without a ghostly old woman stealing your manhood!

Season 1 also introduced us to a vibrant supporting cast. From Momo’s eccentric and powerful grandmother, Seiko, with her own brand of spiritual brute force, to the memorable, if terrifying, presence of Turbo Granny herself, each character left a significant mark. The later introduction of Aira Shiratori and Jin Enjoji (Jiji) further complicated the personal dynamics, adding layers of romantic rivalry and new supernatural abilities, ensuring the world felt expansive and alive.
As we learn more about these characters, we’re shown glimpses of their childhoods and against the horror or comedy backdrop we have the rug taken from under us, leaving us moments of sheer heartbreak.  Again, it’s a testament to the genre-blending that the manga did so well before. 

Visually, DanDaDan is a masterclass from Science SARU. The animation is fluid, dynamic, and consistently inventive, particularly during the high-octane battle sequences. Character designs are both detailed and hilarious when they break models for a visual gag.  Where Science SARU truly excelled was in their unique rendering of the supernatural. The Yokai designs are beautifully grotesque, while the aliens range from classic archetypes to truly original, mind-bending forms. The use of vibrant colors that burst from the screen and stand out against the stark shadows when they’re facing the unknown horrors of space and beyond leaves you in awe of the visual tapestry brought to life.  More than once did I find myself rewinding to see that one shot again or the extra smoothness of an impact punch or kick.  Visually DanDaDan is an absolute treat to look at from episode 1 onwards.  

The opening and ending themes were absolute bangers too, capturing the series’ kinetic energy. 
CreepyNuts brings us Otonoke which might be one of the strongest first openings in any anime ever! This theme hyped me up every single week for the episode drop.   Even the closer kept me playing just to vibe with Turbo Granny! 
The voice acting, both Japanese and English, was top-tier, with the cast delivering performances that brought out the full range of their characters’ personalities and amplified the series’ unique humor. AJ Beckles and Abby Trott bring their absolute best to the two lead roles, particularly when both characters “lock in” and go all out in their fights.  Hell, even when they’re arguing with each other it’s got such a genuine teenage angst feel to it.   The electric energy of the anime is perfectly brought to life by the entire cast! 

Season 1 covers around 33-34 chapters of the manga which is a solid chunk of story and remarkable pace which many anime are utilizing nowadays.  It did however leave us on a beast of a cliffhanger, perfectly setting the stage for the next wave of chaos, which as a reader of the manga I can tell you, the next few arcs go even harder than what we have already seen! 

DanDaDan Season 1 was nothing short of a phenomenon. It’s a series that defies easy categorization, pushing boundaries with its blend of horror, humor and at times genuinely emotional heartbreak.  With its plethora of unsettling enemies you’d think it would be overstuffed but surprisingly leaves enough room for a heartfelt romance in the middle. It’s a testament to the creative power of Science SARU and the unique vision of Yukinobu Tatsu’s original manga. 
As we eagerly await Season 2, which promises to delve deeper into the awkward teen relationship between Momo and Okarun, introduce new allies and terrifying foes, and undoubtedly deliver more of the spectacular action and bizarre humor we’ve come to love, the anticipation is ready to blow. 

Verdict

DanDaDan Season 1 was a wild ride, and if the first season is any indication, we’re in for an even more mind-bending, heart-pounding, and side-splitting adventure. Get ready for more supernatural chaos this July on both Crunchyroll and Netflix!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐