For anyone who experienced the theatrical screening of the first three episodes, titled Dan Da Dan: First Encounter, it was arguably one of the best ways to enjoy this anime series. That said, if you have a good entertainment system and TV at home, DAN DA DAN is still a fantastic watch. After viewing the entire series, it’s clear that director Fūga Yamashiro approached every episode with a cinematic vision, as each one feels tailored for the big screen.
DAN DA DAN is based on the manga of the same name, which blends the sci-fi, action, horror, supernatural and romance genres. Momo Ayase is a high school girl who believes in ghosts but not aliens, while her fellow highschooler, Ken Takakura, whom Momo nicknames “Okarun”, believes in aliens but not ghosts. In a bet to determine who is correct, the two decide to separately visit locations associated with both the extraterrestrial and the occult—Momo visiting the former, and Okarun visiting the latter.
This leads to Momo being abducted by aliens and Okarun becoming possessed by a demon named Turbo Granny—yes, you read that correctly! While Momo gains psychic powers, Okarun loses his genitals but gains abilities in his possessed form. Together, they team up with friends, family, and fellow students to fight their captors, along with other spirits (yōkai) and aliens—all while navigating their romantic feelings for one another.
If this premise hasn’t scared you off, you’re in for a treat. I highly recommend watching the first few episodes, as I’ll be delving into them in some detail. Alright, strap in—and keep everything strapped in tight!
“The camera in this series focuses and goes to and through places many shows would not go.”
Science SARU has been known for their dynamic colour palette in other anime series like Netflix’s redone version of Devilman Crybaby, even executing beautifully shots in Japan Sinks 2020. The studio even got an episode to animate an episode in Star Wars: Visions, which was one of my personal favourites from the anthology series. DAN DA DAN is no exception, as it blends everything the animation studio has done in the past—arguably with various inspirations from other anime too.
The show has a way of colour-coding certain things in a smart way. For example, when Momo and Okarun are battling one spirit, a red filter is used throughout the fighting scenes. Then, the filter goes away when the battle is done. When they fight an alien around episode 9, there is a commanding neon green filter. These filters are so smart to emphasize the distinction between battles and the enemies the duo are facing.
Episode 9 also highlighted how Science SARU is unafraid to blend different animation styles to enhance the action or comedy on screen. It was striking to see how certain shots utilized a simplified drawing style, with characters’ faces appearing goofy and running around naked, using softer lines in those moments. In contrast, during scenes where Momo and Okarun are fleeing or battling enemies, the lines became darker and more detailed.
“They perfectly build romantic tension for a show that is rom-com mixed with so much zaniness.”
Next, the cinematography was stellar and beyond anything I have ever seen for an anime series. The first three episodes had some cool shots of using panels and played with different aspect ratios. Much like Studio Ghibli films, DAN DA DAN shows some shots of things that many other shows would probably leave out—these could be shots that show a character going in and out of their house or another room. Studio Ghibli is famous for animating these simple, poignant yet unnecessary shots. It shows that the studio and the animators cared to keep these shots in because it adds more depth, and allows the viewer to breathe.
I would argue that some of the shots are even more creative than in Jujutsu Kaisen or My Hero Academia’s fight choreography. From the Turbo Granny arc alone, the first five episodes show off the lengths and heights this show goes. It does not shy away from demolishing its protagonists to show how strong the villains are, but the heroes’ losses are never useless.
Momo and Okarun are always learning and devising plans—mostly with Momo acting as the brains of the pair. However, it’s the digital camerawork during high-speed train fights that truly stands out in the early episodes of DAN DA DAN. The camera in this series focuses on and moves through places many shows wouldn’t dare to explore.
Arguably the best episode, episode 7 showed off the bread and butter of the series. While the show has many gags, this episode brought the heart. Like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, the demons/spirits are heavily humanized. This episode goes into the backstory of the Acrobatic Silky spirit, and it does not disappoint to pull on the audience’s heartstrings. Again, Science SARU is never afraid to use different colouring and lighting techniques because this episode used some lighter borders to show happy memories. Also, the lighthearted piano and no dialogue was so good to set up the turn to the darker tones.
Speaking of music/score, the Dan Da Dan has music/score to match its energy—frenetic, quick comedy and chaos. The hip hop duo Creepy Nuts blew up on social media for their intro song Bling-Bang-Bang-Born for Mashle Season 2, and now did the intro song for this anime series with Otonoke. DJ Maatsunaga and R-Shitei brought the heat again with unique beats and hard-hitting rapping to match—creating another catchy tune. The techno beats of each fight are hype, like I am battling in a Persona game.
Ultimately, Dan Da Dan exemplifies an anime adaptation that successfully elevates good storytelling with outstanding visuals. While I didn’t initially find the manga’s art style particularly special—or perhaps overlooked it—watching the first season gave me a newfound appreciation for the art, enhancing my appreciation for the manga’s style as well.
My only critique is that the colouring can occasionally feel overstimulating, but overall, it’s a visual masterpiece. The dialogue and moments where the viewer is allowed to sit with the awkwardness between Momo and Okarun are executed perfectly in every scene. These moments build romantic tension flawlessly, fitting for a show that combines rom-com elements with so much delightful zaniness.
Despite being a series aimed at a more mature audience, Dan Da Dan deserves widespread recognition. I’m calling it early—this could be the anime of the year! The show has already been greenlit for a second season, which is always an encouraging sign. This season concluded with a fantastic cliffhanger, teasing the introduction of the Cursed House arc.
That’s my take on DAN DA DAN Season 1—anyone who watches it is in for a great time. Ghosts and aliens are real, people! Just maybe not like this.
Dan Da Dan season 1 is available to stream on Crunchyroll and Netflix.