DVD Corner

Dandadan Season 1 Blu-ray Review

“Dandadan” is in desperate need of a stronger story.  

Based on the manga by Yukinobu Tatsu, 2024’s “Dandadan” anime series revolves around high schoolers Momo and Ken. In the 12 episode debut season (with a second season soon to be aired), Momo has just broken up with her dirtbag boyfriend and encounters a bullied and lonely otaku (Ken). The two engage in an odd conversation in which Momo believes that ghosts are real while Ken (AKA Okarun) believes in aliens/UFOs/UAPs. The two place a bet to prove who is right with the loser being the winner’s assistant. The two decide to do solo investigations with Momo looking into aliens while Ken seeks out ghosts. Shocker- Momo discovers aliens are real while Ken encounters a spirit. More specifically, Momo meets 3 creepy Serpoian aliens while Ken becomes cursed by a spirit known as Turbo Granny (not making this up, folks). Momo and Ken’s lives become forever changed as the two also develop powers with Ken having yokai abilities while Momo develops psychokinetic abilities. From there on out, stories involving the Flatwoods alien, Ken losing his balls (yes, you read that right), Turbo Granny needing to be defeated in order to save Ken, Momo’s grandma Seiko who is a spirit medium, a spirit monster known as Acrobatic Silky, Mantis Shrimp, Nessie, a fellow student named Aira (who develops her own powers), Momo’s childhood friend and crush Jiji (and his ailing parents), and sentient anatomical models Taro and Hana. 

Directed by Fuga Yamashiro and penned by Hiroshi Seko, “Dandadan” has become an immensely popular anime series to a downright baffling degree. Sure, the supernatural series has action and humor, but there’s a real lack of substance to this show. It’s a virtually aimless anime that thrives on putting its core characters of Momo and Ken in a weird series of adventures. It often feels like manga creator Yukinobu Tatsu just threw a bunch of elements together with aliens, ghosts, and powered humans and just started writing in more oddball characters, juvenile comedy, and off putting perverted moments that will make you question what you are watching. Much like the irritating opening theme song, “Dandadan” is also frequently goofy and loud. It often feels like the series is just trying to get your attention by being as strange and frantic as possibly. Obviously, the series has a devoted fanbase that will eat this show up, but to me, it’s a show that needs a stronger focus and story.

As meandering as “Dandadan” can be, the coming-of-age series does have some central messages here about romance, friendship, the occult, change, and life. If only it would lean into these elements more.

It must be said that the animation by Science Saru is the real MVP here. The backgrounds, the use of color, the character designs by Naoyuki Onda, and the stylish action really stand out. Even if you aren’t invested in the story or characters, the animation work is to be applauded for sure. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? The animation and especially the colors really pop on Blu-ray. Fans will be pleased by the transfer. 

Audio Track: Japanese and English 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How do they sound? The original Japanese track delivers while the English dub is also quite satisfactory.

Extras:
* Opening and ending credits
* “Director Scene Breakdown”- Director Fuga Yamashiro breaks down the numerous scenes of episode 1.
* “Interview With The Filmmakers”- A 10 minute interview with director Fuga Yamashiro and producer Kohei Sakita.
* 4 trailers, 2 teasers, and 3 TV spots.
* “Interview with Kensuke Ushio”- A 5 minute interview with the composer.
* “Commemorative Interviews”- 18 minutes of interviews with voice actors Shion Wakayama and Natsuki Hanae,  editor Shihei Lin, author Yukinobu Tatsu (who is anonymous), and director Fuga Yamashiro.

June 4, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Dandadan Anime, Dandadan Season 1 Blu-ray Review