The Fall 2024 anime season is off to an exciting start, offering a lineup of promising new titles like Blue Box and returning fan favorites such as Re Season 3. Among these, one anime stands out as a potential sensation: Dandadan, a highly anticipated adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s shonen hit. Produced by Science Saru, the series follows the quirky adventures of Momo Ayase, the granddaughter of a spirit medium who doesn’t believe in aliens, and Ken “Okarun” Takakura, an alien enthusiast who doubts the existence of ghosts.
Dandadan is an eclectic blend of genres, offering a mix of comedy, supernatural themes, and heartfelt moments. Fans of Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen will find much to love in this new series, which has been predicted to match, if not surpass, the popularity of its predecessors. Despite their differences, these three shonen titles share several key elements, making Dandadan a must-watch for fans of the supernatural battle genre.
A Chaotic Energy Similar to Chainsaw Man
Before creating Dandadan, Yukinobu Tatsu worked as an assistant to Tatsuki Fujimoto on Chainsaw Man and Fire Punch, and this influence is evident. Both Chainsaw Man and Dandadan share an unconventional tone, mixing absurd humor with terrifying situations and emotional moments. While Dandadan embraces a lighter tone, the series doesn’t shy away from its bizarre and unapologetically weird scenarios, endearing it to fans who enjoy eccentric storytelling.
The humor in Dandadan mirrors that of Chainsaw Man, pushing the boundaries of appropriateness with raunchy jokes and unexpected comedic moments. Yukinobu Tatsu’s expressive art style enhances these humorous scenes, and Science Saru’s dynamic animation ensures that these gags land effectively. Viewers who appreciate Chainsaw Man’s daring humor will likely find themselves laughing out loud while watching Dandadan.
A Heartfelt Story About Found Family
Beyond the chaotic energy, Dandadan and Chainsaw Man also share a deeper thematic connection. At their core, both series are about found families—unlikely groups of individuals who come together and form bonds stronger than blood. While Chainsaw Man’s trio of a Devil Hybrid, a Fiend, and a Devil Hunter represent a darker take on this theme, Dandadan offers a more hopeful portrayal. Momo and Okarun, along with a diverse group of characters that includes spirits, aliens, and possessed teenagers, create a unique family of misfits.
This theme of acceptance and finding companionship in unexpected places is central to both series, resonating with audiences who enjoy heartfelt stories amidst supernatural chaos.
Fast-Paced Action Like Jujutsu Kaisen
For fans of action-packed anime like Jujutsu Kaisen, Dandadan delivers thrilling, fast-paced battles against supernatural foes. While Jujutsu Kaisen leans into explicit horror with its cursed monsters, Dandadan takes a different approach, blending eerie atmosphere with Tatsu’s intricate art style. The terrifying designs of characters like the Serpo aliens and the wide-mouthed ghost Reiko Kashima bring a unique horror element to the show, showcasing Tatsu’s inspiration from horror legends Kentaro Miura and Junji Ito.
Science Saru’s animation adds another layer to the action, with detailed transformation scenes and dynamic movement during fight sequences. The studio’s knack for fluid, expressive visuals promises to make Dandadan’s action scenes as captivating as those in Jujutsu Kaisen, where fast-paced combat and supernatural threats keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
A Unique Identity Within the Shonen Genre
Despite its similarities to Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen, Dandadan stands out for its distinct tone and emphasis on romance. Unlike the darker themes often seen in modern shonen series, Dandadan brings a sense of lightheartedness and hope to the genre. The relationship between Momo and Okarun is a central element of the story, with their budding romance adding emotional depth to the series. Unlike many shonen romances, which often take a backseat to the action, Dandadan places the romantic subplot at the heart of its narrative, making it a refreshing change for fans craving more character-driven storytelling.
While Dandadan takes inspiration from its shonen predecessors, it ultimately creates a story that feels fresh and exciting. With just two episodes aired so far, the anime has already exceeded fans’ expectations, staying true to the manga while elevating its visuals through creative animation and sound design.
If Science Saru can maintain this level of quality throughout the season, Dandadan could very well become one of the standout series of the year, earning a place alongside Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen as one of the modern shonen greats. Fans of supernatural anime and action-packed shonen are in for a treat with this latest addition to the genre.
Related Topics
10 Reasons Why Uzumaki is the Best New Anime of Fall 2024
12 Underrated Anime from 2024 You Should Watch
Top 10 Fantasy Anime That Transport Viewers to Other Worlds