Anime ● Review: Dan Da Dan

Very Average Joe
4 days ago
5 min read

English Title: Dan Da Dan

Japanese Title: ダンダダン

Director(s): Yamashiro Fuuga, Yamada Kayona, Wakano Tetsuya, Nishiyama Hiromi & others

Screenwriter(s): Seko Hiroshi

Studio: Science Saru

Released: 2024–2025

Season 1 Runtime: 12 episodes, ~24m each.

Season 2 Runtime: 12 episodes, ~24m each.

Starring: Wakayama Shion, Hanae Natsuki, Mizuki Nana, Sakura Ayane, Tanaka Mayumi, Ishikawa Kaito

My Verdict: Entertaining series. Some visual elements are a bit jarring but generally well-produced. It is funny, but can be funnier. Tries a little too hard to be edgy. Grounded by the friendship between the two lead characters.

● Based on the ongoing manga of the same name by Tatsu Yukinobu that started in 2021, the plot follows high school students as they deal with yokai and extraterrestrial aliens. I have not read the manga so the review is of the anime only.

● Takakura Ken is a typical shy nerd who gets pushed around occasionally. He is intensely interested in the “occult” (more like the paranormal) but does not believe in yokai or spirits. Ayase Momo, on the other hand, has a grandmother, Seiko, who is some sort of fortune-teller/spirit medium so she accepts the existence of yokai but not aliens.

● One day, after Momo defends Ken from bullies, the two strike up a conversation and argue about the existence of the spiritual realm and aliens. They attempt to convince each other of their respective positions: Momo goes to an abandoned hospital reportedly known to be visited by aliens and Ken goes to a tunnel known to be haunted. Both have a dangerous encounter and the plot follows the two as they deal with the consequences of their encounters and their friendship develops…

● Given the premise of one boy and one girl dealing with the paranormal and with at least one of them being a skeptic, it vaguely reminds one of The X-Files—that is, if The X-Files was flipping nuts.

● They do encounter one yokai after another and although this does not occur by the episode, there is a mild “monster of the week” feel to it. Thankfully, there is a main arc of the pair dealing with the aftermath of their initial encounters and their friendship, which gives the series focus.

● Also, each arc is not evenly divided; it’s not as if each arc is three episodes long so it comes across as more organic.

● Just when there seems to be too much of the supernatural, it does shift to aliens. It can use more aliens given the amount of supernatural in the market. Hopefully, it will achieve a better balance going forward.

● Momo having something like telekinetic powers makes sense given her grandmother and is arguably necessary for storytelling, that one of the main characters has some powers so they can plausibly deal with the paranormal. However, others like Ken (later nicknamed “Okarun”) getting some powers is convenient. Relying on Okarun’s knowledge and intellect would be more natural.

● On a related note, as more characters are introduced, they too conveniently have supernatural abilities. Over time, more characters are necessary and natural for storytelling, and there is reason for their supernatural abilities, but there is over-saturation. Something quirky or odd is sufficient; for example, Seiko looks much younger than someone who is supposed to be Momo’s grandmother and that is used for the comedy.

● There are a few occult images and terms (not used in the context of spells or curses) but the work otherwise generally assumes or adapts, in a liberal fashion, Japanese/Asian folklores and pop culture.

● Although it does not encourage an unhealthy interest in or glorifies the occult, the comedy, in a way, trivializes it. For example, Okarun having powers due to a partial-possession is supposed to be a cool thing and that is not something that should be encouraged. As already mentioned, the story doesn’t need it anyway.

● There is consistent action (not necessarily violence), including the bickering between Momo and Okarun. Although the latter is generally shy, he has a certain intensity, and Momo has a little bit of a temper. This makes work feel energetic.

● The above is fine but it tries too hard to be edgy at times. The main characters finding themselves losing their clothing is part of the mildly absurd comedy and is hardly the worst seen in anime, but it is not necessary. It would be funnier if it focuses on the irony of the situation. It can take the parody further.

● On occasion, the bickering is pushing it but despite that and all the paranormal elements, the story is grounded by the friendship between Momo and Okarun. At that age, they both have a lot to learn about people but, given their respective personalities and that girls are in some ways more mature at that age, Momo takes the lead emotionally. It is well-written and relatable.

● The performances are solid across the board although the comedy is aided by the recognizable leads: Wakayama Shion is Kawai Mai in Police in a Pod (2022) and Hanae Natsuki is Kamado Tanjiro in Demon Slayer (2019); hearing them struggling with the extraordinary in this series reminds one of their other characters’ troubles.

● Visually, the environment is excellently rendered. It can be very clean but also at times fittingly gritty. The characters are deliberately not as clean, at least not the linework. Although this matches the story’s vigorous tone, it is markedly different to the environment. In this respect, it can be jarring.

● The animation (motion) of the characters can be awkward at times but it is appreciated that there are some longer shots that follow the action. This is better than the constant quick cuts that sometimes make the action harder to follow.

● The character designs for humans are normal for anime but some of the villains are very different. These may be jarring but they work; for example, the aliens resemble dolls of the horror genre and they are mildly freaky.

● The music composed by Ushio Kensuke has good variety. Electronic is common for action sequences and the old-school synths for suspense themes are common. The latter is used by the likes of Stranger Things (2016).

● Interestingly, on more than one occasion, when Momo and Okarun battle against some force, it is in a parallel realm, an idea that is similar to Stranger Things. This obviously avoids doing serious material damage in the “normal” realm and exposure that is difficult to hide and explain, but the reason is not clearly explained.

● On balance, it is an entertaining series that blends action, supernatural, sci-fi, horror, thriller, romance and slice-of-life genres. The premise is interesting enough, and the comedy and parody help sell it. The pacing is fast but measured. Along with the action and dialogue, the series is energetic and comes across as more dynamic than it is. It does try too hard to be edgy; the fact that yokai and aliens are after human reproductive organs is funny enough. Needs to focus on the irony and parody.