TV Review | DAN DA DAN (Episodes 1-3)

“DAN DA DAN is a mishmash of several genres that creates a weirdly fun ride lead by an unlikely yet compelling duo of characters. Science Saru’s unique style and approach to colours pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling.”

DAN DA DAN is a series based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu. The first episode is now streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix. Episodes release weekly on Thursdays.

MIXING GENRES

Momo Ayase is a high school girl who believes in ghosts and Ken Takakura (nicknamed Okarun by Momo) is an otaku who believes in aliens. As Ken doesn’t believe in ghosts and Momo doesn’t believe in aliens, they decide to prove each other that what they believe in is right. To their biggest surprise, Momo is abducted by aliens and awakens her supernatural powers while Ken gains the powers of a curse.

DAN DA DAN is all kinds of weird mixing several genres together. There are science fiction elements with aliens and fantasy elements with ghosts/spirits. But, there is also a bit of horror in there with the ominous atmosphere. With that, add a dash of comedy and you get an amazing anime. The humour feels natural and is part of the opposing points of view and personalities of the characters. It lightens the mood when needed too. Plus, considering what the story is about, comedy helps making fun of the situations the characters are in. After all, Okarun’s weenie was stolen by the spirit Turbo Granny.

CHARACTER-DRIVEN

The first three episodes take their time to build the relationship between Momo and Okarun. It’s a burgeoning friendship but one that clearly aims to become a romance at some point. There is also a rom-com aspect to the story. It’s not common to have an anime focus on its lead characters for a few episodes before starting to introduce its secondary cast. But, it’s a smart choice because it allows the audience to really get to know the main characters, care about them and get familiar with the story. And these are compelling main characters. The opposing personalities of Momo and Okarun make them a loveable duo. You can’t get enough of them.

It’s a series, there’s no need to rush anything and the team behind this series has understood that! In fact, it’s only with the third episode that the first secondary character is introduced. This episode properly introduces that character while still having the main focus on Momo and Okarun. With only three episodes, this series shows us it makes all the right choices in terms of storytelling and characters. It proves its easily the best anime series of the year. Each episode picks up where the previous one left off. It is a serialized format making the story feel like a film. These first three episodes were actually released earlier this year as a film DAN DA DAN: First Encounter.

VISUALS

Science Saru (Tatami Time Machine Blues, Star Wars: Visions) has proven time and again that they are a great anime studio. DAN DA DAN is another win for them. It’s a gorgeous animation that retains Science Saru’s unique style. You immediately know when you are watching an anime from this studio. The character designs standout with over exaggerated facial expressions. In addition, the visuals are an integral part of the story. The specific approach to colours reflects the different genres of this series. DAN DA DAN plays with what you know about anime production and takes it into a totally new direction. That’s the genius of Science Saru. It’s a studio that always pushes to boundaries. This project is the pinnacle of their work.

OPENING AND END CREDITS

The opening theme is ‘Otonoke’ (オトノケ) by Creepy Nuts. I’m not fond of rap songs but this one is a great song. Plus, it fits perfectly for DAN DA DAN. The opening credits is absolutely weird like the series itself. It introduces the characters and the spirits/aliens while playing with animation styles. You know right away that you are in for something truly special. It’s hands down the best opening credits of the year!

The end theme is ‘Taidada’ performed by ZUTOMAYO. It’s a secretive Japanese group. You may have heard their songs before in the anime films Drifting Home and My Oni Girl. In true ZUTOMAYO fashion, the group delivers another funky rock song. The end credits focuses on the other aspect of this series – the comedy. It’s all about “the cat,” so it’s really fun to watch. We have a winning combo with this series!

VERDICT

DAN DA DAN is a mishmash of several genres that creates a weirdly fun ride lead by an unlikely yet compelling duo of characters. Science Saru’s unique style and approach to colours pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling. Undoubtedly, this is the best anime series of the year.