Ahead of its premier in October, the anime adaptation of DanDaDan got an advance theater screening presented by Gkids Films. Titled, DanDaDan: First Encounter, it featured the first three episodes of the anime along with exclusive interviews with the voice actors, director, and the author. Animated by Science Saru, whose works include Devilman Crybaby, Star Wars: Visions, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, with music by Kensuku Ushio (Chainsaw Man), and an opening by Creepy Nuts (Mashle, Call of the Night), DanDaDan is sure to be a chaotic and fun ride!
About DanDaDan
For those of you who aren’t familiar, Momo Ayase believes in spirits but not aliens. Okarun believes in aliens but not spirits. They challenge each other to prove their fixations are real. Turns out, they’re both right! Momo gets abducted by aliens and awakens to psychic powers, while Okarun’s manhood is taken, and he gets possessed by a vengeful spirit. Now the two must combine their powers to fight off the creatures of the occult.
DanDaDan First Encounter
The first three episodes of the anime perfectly encapsulate the hectic and fast-paced nature of the manga. It combines action, horror, rom-com, and humor to create a strangely cohesive and entertaining show. The jumps from genre to genre may feel random, but director Fuga Yamashiro has done an excellent job of adapting the cinematography to enhance each scene based on the desired genre. For example, as Momo explores an alien hotspot she tells Okarun about how she was picked on for doing a ritual to ward away evil spirits. The scene is slow and reflective, with close ups and flashbacks, giving watcher’s a chance to empathize with Momo.
Then panic sets in as the lights flicker and go out. The shots and angles become frantic and distorted. The scene shifts to horror as three mysterious grinning figures grab Momo and drag her away. This juggling act of genres gives DanDaDan a unique identity that anime lovers will find refreshing.
Animation and Voice Acting Highlights
Science Saru, the animation company, has done an incredible job of putting the manga’s warped and cartoony style in motion. Especially during comedic scenes, the exaggerated faces and movements helped alleviate the tension and was a welcome break from the action. The voice actors, as well, fully embraced the “gap” appeal of the characters to heighten these absurd situations. During the pre-show interview, Shion Wakayama, the voice of Momo, described her experiences with “gyaru” culture. Noting how she balanced that loud and brash behavior with Momo’s inherently caring nature. Natsuki Hanae, voice of Okarun, also talked about embodying his character’s outwardly gloomy personality while still highlighting his passionate, wise-cracking attitude. The two leads play off each other beautifully. Momo and Okarun are a shoo-in to be voted best couple.
DanDaDan is set to air on October 3rd, 2024, streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix. An English dub has also been announced with Abby Trott, as Momo, and A.J. Beckles, as Okarun. The manga is available from Viz Media.
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