Why Everyone is Obsessed with Dandadan: A Glorious, Unhinged Fever Dream of an Anime
2025 has proven to be a banner year for anime. With a wave of thrilling releases and highly anticipated returns, fans have been treated to a diverse range of storytelling, from epic battles to heartfelt tales. Amid this diverse landscape, one show has taken the anime world by storm: Dandadan. What began as a quirky supernatural tale about aliens and ghosts has evolved into something far more complex and dynamic. Its unpredictable mix of emotional depth, outrageous humor, and jaw-dropping animation has made it a breakout hit, with an ever-growing fanbase across the globe.
At first glance, Dandadan might seem like another entry in the crowded genre of supernatural high school stories. But those who venture beyond the surface will find that this anime is unlike anything else. Its frenetic energy, unapologetic weirdness, and profound moments of introspection make it a standout not only for this season but for the entire decade.
The Premise That Explodes into Mayhem
The premise of Dandadan could easily be described as a clash of genres, resulting in an energetic and unpredictable rollercoaster of a story. At its foundation, the series centers around two high school students, Momo Ayase and Okarun (whose real name is Takakura), whose casual debate about whether ghosts or aliens are real turns into a high-stakes battle for survival. Ayase, a self-proclaimed believer in the supernatural, and Okarun, an alien enthusiast, are thrown into a chaotic scenario that neither could have possibly imagined.
What begins as a simple challenge—Ayase visits a haunted location, while Okarun attempts to find proof of aliens—soon spirals out of control. Ayase is abducted by aliens who seek to harvest her organs for reproduction, while Okarun finds himself cursed by a demonic yokai known as Turbo Granny. These encounters are not just isolated incidents—they set the stage for a series of increasingly bizarre and perilous events that transform their lives in ways neither of them could predict.However, this bizarre setup is just the tip of the iceberg. The true magic of Dandadan lies in its ability to take these outlandish elements and turn them into a narrative that is both thrilling and deeply emotional. The story doesn’t just rely on the spectacle of its supernatural elements. It uses them to explore themes of identity, trauma, friendship, and personal growth, making it a story that resonates on a deeply human level despite the madness surrounding the characters.
A Female Protagonist Redefining the Shonen Genre
One of the most exciting and refreshing aspects of Dandadan is its lead protagonist, Momo Ayase. Unlike many other shonen heroes, Ayase is not defined by traditional tropes. She is not simply the tough girl or the love interest, but a fully realized character with her own motivations, struggles, and emotional journey. In a genre often dominated by male protagonists, Ayase’s presence feels like a breath of fresh air.
Her backstory adds layers of depth to her character. Ayase’s relationship with her grandmother, a medium who communicates with spirits, is a key aspect of her emotional journey. She is skeptical of her grandmother’s spiritual beliefs, but as the story progresses, Ayase begins to confront her own complicated feelings about spirituality, family, and identity. Her internal conflict is an essential part of her growth as a character, and it makes her moments of vulnerability all the more impactful.
But Ayase is not alone in her struggles. Okarun, the male co-lead, also undergoes significant emotional development throughout the series. He begins as an awkward, alien-obsessed outcast who is hesitant to connect with others. But as he and Ayase face increasingly dangerous supernatural forces, Okarun is forced to confront his own insecurities and learn how to trust in himself—and in Ayase.
This dynamic between Ayase and Okarun is one of the series’ strongest aspects. Their friendship evolves over time, moving from an uneasy alliance to a deep, heartfelt connection. What starts as an accidental partnership slowly turns into a powerful emotional bond that anchors the entire story. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and shared experiences, making it one of the most organic and meaningful friendships in recent anime.
Unfiltered Chaos and Emotional Clarity
While Dandadan is undoubtedly a series filled with outrageous action, bizarre supernatural creatures, and jaw-dropping battles, what truly sets it apart is its emotional clarity. The series masterfully balances its chaotic, high-octane moments with quieter, more introspective scenes that delve into the emotional lives of the characters.
One of the most striking elements of Dandadan is how it portrays the inner turmoil of its protagonists. Both Ayase and Okarun are carrying emotional baggage that informs their actions and decisions throughout the series. Ayase’s difficult relationship with her grandmother, her past experiences with bullying, and her fear of vulnerability shape who she is and how she interacts with others. Meanwhile, Okarun’s obsession with aliens and conspiracies is a coping mechanism for his deep-seated feelings of isolation and self-doubt.
As the story progresses, these characters are forced to confront their fears and insecurities in ways that are both uncomfortable and cathartic. The show doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of their personalities, allowing the audience to see their flaws and weaknesses in stark detail. Yet, this vulnerability is what makes their eventual growth so satisfying.
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of Dandadan is how it portrays the importance of human connection. The supernatural chaos that surrounds Ayase and Okarun is often used as a metaphor for the emotional challenges they face. In moments of fear and despair, they find strength in each other. Their growing bond serves as a reminder that even in the most chaotic of circumstances, human connection and understanding can provide the foundation for personal growth and healing.
Horror, Humor, and Heart—All in Perfect Balance
One of the things that Dandadan does so well is its ability to seamlessly blend horror, humor, and heart. In many anime series, these elements exist in isolation, often creating tonal whiplash when they collide. But in Dandadan, these seemingly disparate elements work in harmony, creating a unique and dynamic viewing experience.
The humor in Dandadan anime is absurd, surreal, and frequently dark. Whether it’s the bizarre antics of alien abductions or the grotesque imagery of Turbo Granny, the show never hesitates to push the boundaries of what is considered funny. Yet, amid the madness, there are moments of genuine warmth and tenderness that ground the story and give it emotional weight.
The horror aspects of the series are equally well executed. The supernatural creatures that Ayase and Okarun encounter are genuinely unsettling, and the show never hesitates to lean into body horror and grotesque imagery when the narrative demands it. But these horror elements never overshadow the emotional heart of the story. Instead, they serve as a backdrop to the characters’ personal journeys, amplifying the stakes and making their emotional growth feel even more impactful.
Visual Storytelling on Overdrive
The animation in Dandadan is nothing short of spectacular. From the very first episode, it’s clear that this show is operating on another level when it comes to visual storytelling. The animation is bold, dynamic, and unapologetically over-the-top, with vibrant colors, intricate character designs, and frenetic action sequences that leave a lasting impression.
Studio Science SARU, known for its work on Devilman Crybaby and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, brings its signature style to Dandadan, imbuing the show with a sense of energy and urgency that matches its chaotic tone. The animation doesn’t just support the story—it actively enhances it, using visual flair to elevate the emotional impact of key moments.
The fight scenes are particularly noteworthy. Unlike many anime that rely on traditional action choreography, Dandadan uses its animation to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Characters stretch, distort, and warp as they engage in psychic battles and alien confrontations, creating a visual language that feels entirely unique to the series.
But what’s most impressive about the animation in Dandadan is how it mirrors the emotional tone of the story. The visual style shifts fluidly between moments of intense action and quieter, more reflective scenes. The exaggerated character expressions and vibrant color palettes reflect the characters’ emotional states, making it clear that the animation is not just eye candy—it’s an integral part of the storytelling.
Genre and Tropes: Breaking the Mold
While Dandadan contains many familiar elements from the shonen genre—supernatural powers, intense battles, and a central duo of protagonists—it defies the typical tropes associated with this category. Unlike most shonen anime, which often follow a predictable hero’s journey, Dandadan subverts expectations at every turn. The characters are not your typical heroes, and the narrative doesn’t follow a traditional arc of growth and victory. Instead, the show thrives on its unpredictability and willingness to break conventions.
By blending supernatural horror with absurd comedy and deeply emotional moments, Dandadan reinvents the shonen genre in a way that feels fresh and exciting. It doesn’t just offer a different take on familiar tropes—it flips them on their head, creating an anime that feels both nostalgic and completely new.
Conclusion: The Future of Dandadan and Its Impact on Anime
As Dandadan continues to captivate audiences, it’s clear that the series has become a game-changer in the anime landscape. Its unique blend of humor, horror, action, and emotional depth has struck a chord with viewers, and it’s likely to inspire future creators to take bold risks with their own storytelling.
With its rich character development, masterful animation, and fearless exploration of complex themes, Dandadan has set a new standard for what anime can achieve. It is a series that challenges its viewers, constantly surprising and engaging them in ways they never expected.
Looking ahead, it’s exciting to think about where the story will go. Will Ayase and Okarun’s relationship continue to evolve? What new supernatural threats will they face? And how will the series continue to balance its offbeat humor with the poignant moments that have made it so beloved?
Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: Dandadan is not just a standout of the season, but a defining anime of 2025. It’s a wild ride, full of heart and chaos, and it’s one that anime fans will be talking about for years to come.