The fall season of anime has some incredible titles in rotation! However, “DAN DA DAN” is the stand-out among the rest. From the outstanding voice acting and worldbuilding to the stunning animation from animation studio Science SARU, this is a series anime fans need to put on their must-watch list as soon as possible. The series does contain mature content.
High schooler Momo believes in ghosts but denies aliens. Meanwhile, her classmate Okarun believes in aliens but denies ghosts. When both turn out to be real, the two must work together to challenge the paranormal entities threatening their world.
“DAN DA DAN” is a Wonderfully Weird Series with Clever Storytelling
“DAN DA DAN” is a wonderfully weird and epic series with clever storytelling. It wastes no time in allowing the audience to fall in love with the main characters, providing intriguing context behind why Momo believes in ghosts and Okarun believes in aliens. Based on the popular manga by Yukinobu Tatsu, this anime is an electrifying, action-packed love letter to sci-fi and horror with the heart of a high school romantic comedy.
While this series is labeled a rom-com, it has done an excellent job building the foundation of a friendship between the male and female main characters. There is no love at first sight; in fact, the two of them have a rocky start before almost being forced into friendship. It is refreshing to watch a friendship blossom well before any sort of romantic feelings, especially one built on chaos.
Said chaos begins when Okarun becomes possessed by a ghost called “Turbo Granny.” Momo is abducted by aliens. Both are looking to steal the man’s “banana” or “dong,” which leads to wild dialogue that has audiences cracking up. While the reason behind Okarun’s possession is absolutely absurd, it leads to him and Momo joining forces and learning from each other. Momo taps into her medium-like powers and helps Okarun maintain his new Turbo Form. The only issue is, in this form, Okarun is a bit of a downer.
The switch in Okarun’s personality is flawless. His voice actors (both Japanese and English dub) do a phenomenal job going from high-strung and scared to bummed out in an instant.
Okarun’s Japanese voice actor is Natsuki Hanae, who is known for voicing Tanjiro in “Demon Slayer” and Vanitas in “The Case Study of Vanitas.” His English Dub actor is A.J. Beckles, known for voicing Takemichi Hanagaki in “Tokyo Revengers” and Michizou Tachihara in the later seasons of “Bungo Stray Dogs.” Hanae and Beckles alike bring the perfect energy for both sides of Okarun’s character.
Stunning Animation Combined with Outstanding Music Score
“DAN DA DAN” is the latest series from cutting-edge animation studio Science SARU (“The Colors Within,” “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off”). It is almost impossible to take your eyes off of the screen – the stylistic choices for each episode range from bright, flashing colors to dark and monochromatic. Attention to detail is phenomenal, as everything from epic chase scenes to heartfelt moments are beautifully done.
If anime fans were ever to choose an opener to watch every time, then it should be this one. “Otonoke” by Creepy Nuts is catchy and fits the vibe of the series perfectly.
On top of having an incredible opener, the music throughout “DAN DA DAN” drives the story. The pulse-pounding original music is from kensuke ushio, who did the music for “Chainsaw Man.” Combining remixes of classical overtures with wild chases and fight scenes might sound confusing, but it truly works with the tone of the show.
Where to Find “DAN DA DAN”
“DAN DA DAN” is streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix, with both the original Japanese and English dub airing each Thursday. The manga has 171 chapters and is ongoing. It is available through VIZ Media and Shonen Jump. Manga readers have said nothing but good things about this adaptation, which is always a sign of an incredibly well-done anime.
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