Dandadan is really unserious. It’s just, quite simply, kind of crazy. And we need more series like that.
After 2024’s slow period in the release of popular anime, fans were starved for something new and unique. Dandadan might not have been the fresh drink of water the world was expecting, but this story drew in ghost lovers, alien enthusiasts, and romance enjoyers alike with a story where a girl who believes in ghosts and a boy who’s obsessed with aliens meet-cute. Or maybe more like meet-ugly. Though it sounds simple, watchers are in for a wild ride.
Dandadan, a 2021 manga series by Yukinobu Tatsu, got its first season of anime adaptation by studio Science SARU in fall of 2024 and almost immediately made a name for itself. It’s become a fan favorite since 2024, and was considered by some to be the anime of the fall. Fans have rejoiced as it’s made its comeback with another season this Autumn.
Dandadan is incredibly well-made, and if you can get over how crazy it is (or get even more obsessed because of it), it’s an enjoyable watch for any anime fan who likes action, comedy, or anything of supernatural nature.
Dandadan has quite a unique plot for an anime, though; it’s not every day you find something trying to combine spirits and urban legend martians in one, but Dandadan does it seamlessly… by shoving it all together and explaining nothing.
In a sea of anime about fighting villains, falling in love, and achieving dreams, the premise is refreshing and enjoyable. Those aren’t bad tropes, but there’s a lot out there in the anime world. But Dandadan boldly breaks out of those shackles with a simple, crazy, but hilarious main plot: getting a pair of golden orbs back after a turbo-speeded granny ghost stole them. And as usual with anime, they get into lots of side-drama on the way there. It lends a serious hand to comedy, in the midst of its insanity. Nevertheless, even if nothing makes sense in the end, it’s still fun to watch.
The lack of strong plot can be a downside, though. Dandadan is pure action and comedy, but that’s just as much refreshing for some people as it can be confusing and boring for others. Though there’s a plot and depth if you know where to look, those looking for a riveting and streamlined story may not find it here.
One of the best parts of Dandadan to watch is the bickering constantly going on between the main characters. The constant argument and butting heads is part of what makes them feel really human. None of the characters are perfect, just like real people aren’t perfect.
For first time anime watchers, Dandadan might be a bit outlandish, but if you’re not squeamish and don’t have a problem with anime being… well, really anime, then I definitely recommend.
