Dandadan and How to Make a Great Premiere

Key Takeaways

Dandadan is an action-packed occult romantic comedy featuring two leads with supernatural encounters.
The dynamic characters, visuals, and pacing of Dandadan’s season premiere make it a standout in anime.
The balance of chaos and calm, character chemistry, and stunning visuals in Dandadan set up a promising series.

Title	Dandadan
Director	Fuga Yamashiro
Studio	Science Saru
Episode Air Date	10/3/2024

As a lifelong anime enthusiast who’s seen my fair share of peculiar tales, I must say that Dandadan has certainly caught my attention from the get-go! The intriguing blend of chaos and calm, action and sentimentality, is something that resonates deeply with me – it’s like a well-crafted symphony where each note complements the other, creating an engaging and immersive experience.

Attention: The information below may reveal small details from the first episode of Dandadan, titled “That’s How Love Starts, Ya Know!”, which is currently available on Crunchyroll. Proceed with caution if you prefer not to be spoiled.

The wait is finally over and Science Saru’s adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s Dandadan has begun – and with one of the most frenetic, fun, and stylish season premieres in ages to boot. From the standout performances of its two leads to a methodical command of pacing, this eclectic blend of the supernatural and sci-fi will be the easiest series to become addicted to all year.

Dandadan is an action-packed romantic comedy filled with supernatural elements, focusing on a boy who trusts in extraterrestrial life but not spirits, and a girl who believes in ghosts but dismisses aliens. As they both come to understand that their beliefs are validated, their lives take a dramatic turn as regular encounters with the supernatural become more frequent. Growing closer, they uncover hidden powers within themselves, learning how to combat these otherworldly occurrences together.

Dandadan Wastes Zero Time

Dandadan and How to Make a Great Premiere

It’s often said that the ending is paramount, but this can be just as true for the beginning. After all, the journey might be what’s truly important, but one has to be compelled to take the journey in the first place. Crafting a good season premiere is an art and there’s no one right way to do it, but Dandadan certainly nails it more than most, and it’s not just because of how much is crammed into it. Granted, that is a part of it, but it’s more that the episode feels like a standalone short film.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at how ingeniously and endearingly the narrative unfolds, offering just the right amount of insight into these captivating characters. Before we even get started, though, the opening theme, “Otonoke” by Creepy Nuts, sets the stage with a tantalizing smorgasbord of the madness that awaits. This show doesn’t waste a single moment for cold openings – it’s here to make an immediate impact and win you over with its compelling storyline.

Looking for Love in All the Wrong Faces

Swiftly, the main melody strikes with intensity, and in an equally swift manner, the narrative introduces Momo Ayase (Shion Wakayama), who finds herself being broken up with at that moment. Momo yearns for a rugged man similar to renowned Japanese actor Ken Takakura, yet her friends hastily point out that such men are no longer around. Although her ex-boyfriend may have fit the image, he was still an unkind individual. Now, Momo laments her fruitless quest for genuine affection.

Her sullen demeanor inadvertently brings her into a situation where she witnesses a boy being bullied. After stepping in to help him, the grateful boy (Natsuki Hanae) initiates a chat about extraterrestrial life. Their conversation soon turns contentious as their previously held beliefs about aliens versus spirits lead to an argument. This dispute leads them to challenge each other to explore different supernatural locations to settle their disagreement. The narrative progresses swiftly, and the lively dialogue never disappoints, setting the stage for what makes the opening episode truly extraordinary.

It Started with a Dare

In my gaming world, I’ve learned that a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility keeps me hooked. If the wild action, like the thrilling climax of the premiere, was isolated without the time spent connecting with characters, such as Momo and the boy who later became known as “Okarun”, the story wouldn’t be half as captivating.

Momo exhibits an enthralling charm from the very start, and within just five minutes, her character reveals multiple layers. She’s bold and unapologetic in expressing her thoughts, but there’s also a tender romantic side to her. Beneath her sometimes intimidating demeanor lies a genuine kindness. Okarun, on the other hand, initially appears shy, but as he interacts more with Momo, his personality blossoms, revealing a rather energetic and occasionally wild character. He too has moments of savagery at times.

Instead of describing their chemistry as “good,” it understates the depth of their connection. Just like how they chat on the phone to comfort each other during stressful times, their uneasy environment is likewise made less intimidating. They share stories about their ghost or alien beliefs and these tales are endearing, even a tad melancholic. Kensuke Ushio’s score enhances the emotional resonance of this scene just as effectively as it does with the subsequent action.

When Spirits and Aliens Clash

Beginning an analysis of the visuals can be challenging, as it often involves more than just mentioning the trailers. Science Saru’s animation in this adaptation surpasses all previous expectations, showcasing a level of expressiveness and diversity that they are known for. Fuga Yamashiro may be new to his role as the main director in this project, but he has worked closely with studio founder Masaaki Yuasa for years on many of their most significant productions, serving as an assistant director.

In essence, the series titled “Dandadan” is anticipated to be visually stunning, with its cinematography and character animation standing out notably. A notable instance of this harmony can be seen in the scene where Momo investigates the deserted hospital, enhancing the vocal performances, setting the mood, and generating numerous striking visuals. This balance effectively complements the original manga’s style and fast-paced drama, a concern emphasized by Yamashiro during its creation.

Episode 1 Ends on a High Note

Despite the turmoil, there’s a sincerity in the character development that makes Momo and Okarun seem more connected by the close of only one episode.

At the height of their debut, Momo and Okarun’s seemingly unrelated encounters with the mysterious collide spectacularly in a vibrant, over-the-top fight scene. The action intensifies further as we navigate through a world that strangely obsesses over Okarun’s unique attribute and aliens equally fascinated by Momo. The absurdity reaches its zenith. Despite the oddness, humor lightens the mood, although it struggles to keep pace with the rapid introduction of numerous elements.

Despite the turmoil, there’s a sincerity in the character development that makes Momo and Okarun seem incredibly relatable by the close of just one episode. They’ve had their core values questioned yet confirmed, unexpected powers unleashed, and a journey thrust upon them. Adding to this, a final humorous twist ties everything together, creating a captivating opening for one of the most eagerly awaited anime series of 2024. Thus far, Dandadan has been worth the anticipation.

2024-10-03 22:33