Review of Dan Da Dan

I was never interested in watching this initially, but someone I respect and follow on X hyped this anime based on the manga. He felt that this would be the next Frieren. And since then, before and during the run of the anime, there's so much hype about this anime. Does this live up to the hype? § Overview Ayase Momo wants to help her socially awkward schoolmate, Takamura Ken, stand up to his bullies. (As to why she refuses to call him by him name and why she chooses to call him Okarun, you have to watch this.) Little did they know that they would developa friendship thanks to the supernatural. Okarun wants to convince Momo that UFOs exist, whilst Momo wants to convince him that ghosts exist. From this, we see some wacky developments that may make you laugh.

§ Notes

1. The first thing that you will notice is the unusual art style in the opening theme, and it's trippy. For those who dig deep, it is a product of so many inspirations. One may appreciate that, though I am indifferent as far as I'm concerned.

If you ask me, the art style made me feel what it's probably like when seeing cubism, the art style of Picasso, for the first time. It's not the art style that I adore personally, but you know it's well-made.

It is well-animated, and the fight scenes are a sight to behold.

2. The characters are fun, especially Ayase Momo. They are quirky. The additional characters, Aira and Jin, are a great addition.

But to be honest, I don't like Okarun's weakness. He is tolerable despite that as he protects his friends from danger.

3. Story arcs are separated by different types of supernatural elements such as a particular yokai or Japanese apparitions or aliens. So far, there's no overarching plot that ties these arcs together, which is a letdown. If not for the fun factor, it would have been hard to recommend this. There's this odd emotional episode giving the backstory to one of the characters, but the overall tone is fun.

4. One aspect I did not like is its overuse of crass jokes, namely that Okarun's wiener and balls are being targeted. They should stop that and move on to other stuff. If you're of a certain age, such jokes are funny. But when you get to a certain age, such jokes are cheap laughter and maybe a turn-off. It's annoying.

The show won't stop being fun even if they stop using such jokes.

5. I don't mind the fanservice where there's nudity involved. Dandadan's art style isn't erotic enough anyway, and in my opinion, the female characters aren't gooning material.

6. I know there will be a season 2 come summer of 2025. I think how they chose to create the cliffhanger is polarising. I didn't like it.

§ Conclusion

Dandadan is a fun show. As far as the technical aspects are concerned, it deserves praise. I wouldn't be surprised if it wins some awards.

But I'm giving this a mixed feeling rating because not everyone will be thrilled with its jokes, not to mention, the toxic meta-commentary involving fans of different races, if you know what I mean.

As far as the story goes, there's nothing so far that would make me recommend it. It's nothing special, and this is the aspect where it is overrated. I can partially recommend it just because of the fun characters.