image source
Dan Da Dan is the kind of anime that throws you into a well-orchestrated chaos right from the start, featuring bizarre aliens, rude ghosts, and even a bit of youthful romance. This touch of madness, combining absurd humor with a plot full of unexpected twists, is one of the reasons why the anime has been so captivating for me. The series begins by placing us in a setting where Okarun and Momo, two teenagers with very different beliefs, make a bet: he believes in aliens, she in ghosts, but both think the other's belief is crazy.
This is where things get interesting because they soon find themselves facing exactly what they don't believe in. I can give you a little spoiler that may have already appeared in the Anime’s introduction. As a challenge to each other, they decide to prove there are no ghosts or aliens. However, they end up proving the opposite that both exist and are now somehow out to get them.
And speaking of unusual encounters, we have the iconic Turbo Granny. This is one of the strangest supernatural entities introduced in the anime. She’s a perverted old woman who curses Okarun in a way that’s both hilarious and a bit scary, giving the protagonist a rather unconventional "ability" and creating a funny yet bizarre dynamic.
This character adds an unsettling touch of humor to the story, reminiscent of other anime that also mix dark and comedic elements, like Mob Psycho 100, where the supernatural also meets humor in surreal situations.
The anime also gives us a glimpse into the romantic interactions that develop in an unexpected way between Momo and Okarun. Despite the surrounding insanity, the chemistry between the two is quite genuine and ends up being one of the elements that hold the viewer’s attention between one crazy scene and the next. This youthful "romance" amidst battles with ghosts and aliens is somewhat reminiscent of the dynamic rhythm in Noragami, where the supernatural and the mundane intertwine unpredictably. Momo, with her strong and stubborn personality, and Okarun, more reserved and alien-nerd, are the kind of duo that seems unlikely but works in a unique way.
To top it off, Dan Da Dan’s animation is a show in itself.
Each scene is filled with vibrant colors and moments that make the screen literally explode with action, something many have compared to Chainsaw Man, where aesthetics and frenetic action go hand in hand. The production quality gives it a stunning visual appeal, with aliens and ghosts having truly memorable and even grotesque designs, like the Serpoian aliens, who are scarily funny, blending horror and eccentricity in a comic way.
Dan Da Dan manages to blend heavy and humorous themes in a way that few anime can.
With its fast-paced scenes at just the right moments, eccentric characters, and intense moments of action and humor, the anime is perfect for those who enjoy a supernatural mix with a touch of comedy. If you're a fan of series like Mob Psycho 100 or Noragami, or enjoy a plot where the improbable becomes the center of the story, Dan Da Dan is definitely a hot recommendation.
Moreover, it also plays with the clichés of youthful romance amidst absurd settings, making each episode a surprise.