Review of Dan Da Dan

Really really good. Super full of style, beautiful animation, stellar dub cast. Momo is undboutedly the main protagonist of this story, which is super cool to see from a shounen. I didn’t love all the sexual violence she faces—while I understand that appears to be a key element of the show, sometimes it felt a bit gratuitous. To put my tinfoil hat on, I believe it’s because the mangaka thinks sexual violence is the greatest foe Momo can face. While I can’t argue against that viewpoint, I just wish Momo was naked less overall. The relationship between Okarun and Momo is so cute. Again,I love how Momo is more of a protagonist of the two, and how Okarun is the object of affection. I love how sweet he is, and how they bicker and banter amongst each other. They make each other feel cared for in a way neither of them haven’t been before, which I think is so sweet. The miscommunication between them gets old a bit quickly though, and I’m hoping it lets up as we move through the series.

Again, the animation is stellar, like oh my god, so beautiful. Science Saru did a fantastic job. The flat colors work really well, the action scenes are beautiful, etc.

I did like the plot of yokai versus aliens, I thought that was really cool. The monster design is awesome, and I’m excited to see more creatures down the line. I like a lot of the themes going on here—aliens representing sexual violence/growing up, while yokai are more tradition/what you know/love? I’m still figuring out Dandadan myself, so my thoughts are messy. Something about manufactured consent to be exploited.

Because of some of Momo’s scenes, I can’t recommend this to a first time anime watcher who isn’t completely familiar with how horny the medium can be. But for everyone else, it’s a must watch, weird, and refreshing take on the Shonen battle formula.