Could a Dandadan x Jujutsu Kaisen Crossover Work?

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Summary

  • Dandadan and JJK share themes like cursed spirits and yokai, making a crossover appealing.
  • Even though there are differences in tone, a ‘What If?’ story could merge the two series.
  • A crossover as canon is impractical due to story conflicts, but a one-shot or OVA could work best.

As a long-time manga enthusiast who has spent countless hours poring over the intricate details of some of the most beloved stories in the genre, I must say that the prospect of a crossover between “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Dandadan” is nothing short of exhilarating. Having grown up with the rich tradition of manga and anime, I can’t help but be reminded of the epic crossovers that have graced our screens in the past, like the unforgettable fusion of “Dragon Ball Z” and “One Piece.

Two highly acclaimed mangas capturing readers’ attention today are “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Dandadan”. Interestingly, fans have been spotting similarities between Yukinobu Tatsu’s unique blend of sci-fi, horror, and comedy, and Gege Akutami’s gripping supernatural action storyline. The question arises: Is the connection between these two series substantial enough to warrant a crossover event, a “Dandadan x Jujutsu Kaisen” collaboration?

Dandadan and Jujutsu Kaisen have common themes, particularly involving cursed entities and yokai. Their creators also seem to share similar preferences, appreciating Tatsuki Fujimoto’s work on Chainsaw Man. However, it would be ideal for this collaboration to take the form of a standalone ‘What If?’ scenario to prevent potential plot inconsistencies.

Dandadan and Jujutsu Kaisen Have Compatible Themes

It’s understandable why numerous opinion pieces claim that Dandadan is the spiritual successor to Jujutsu Kaisen. Both series exhibit considerable likenesses. Yet, they differ sufficiently in tone and content to make a compelling pair.

In the narrative structures of both Dandadan and JJK, the theme of supernatural entities, particularly those labeled as ‘cursed spirits’, plays a significant role. Interestingly, the origins of these spirits in each series share some similarities. For instance, in Dandadan, yokai are manifested from unresolved traumas that prevent spirits from moving on to the afterlife. In JJK, cursed spirits aren’t ghosts but entities born from the dark emotions emitted by humans. This close link between their definitions could suggest a harmonious coexistence where Dandadan’s yokai draw energy from the negative energy that fuels JJK’s cursed spirits.

One similarity between Dandadan and JJK lies in the powers of their main characters. Momo Ayase’s psychic abilities bear a striking resemblance to the cursed techniques employed by Jujutsu sorcerers. Similarly, Okarun and Aira’s yokai forms echo the powers Yuji Itadori acquires upon becoming Sukuna’s vessel. Even Turbo Granny, a yokai trapped within a “beckoning cat” statue, shares some similarities with a cursed corpse like Panda.

In contrast to JJK, the tone of Dandadan is more humorous and light-hearted, as opposed to the comedic elements found in JJK which are predominantly present during its Juju Stroll segments and become darker, particularly during the Shibuya Incident arc. In contrast, Dandadan is quite explicit with its slapstick bathroom humor, a trait not commonly seen in other television shows.

In contrast to JJK, Dandadan includes aliens in its storylines. Given that the realms of Yokai and extraterrestrials often collide in Dandadan, it’s plausible that the extensive lore of JJK could be seamlessly incorporated. Why not imagine a peculiar alien technology resurrecting beloved characters such as Junpei and Nanami for an exciting episode or two?

Gege Akutami Is a Big Chainsaw Man Fan

Dandadan’s Creator Worked On Chainsaw Man as an Assistant

Although it’s clear that the stories of JJK and Dandadan blend well, a successful crossover demands not just compatibility but also strong synergy behind the scenes. Is there any link between the creative teams of JJK and Dandadan that might facilitate a crossover? Regrettably, there’s no definitive proof indicating collaboration between Gege Akutami, author of JJK, and Yukinobu Tatsu, creator of Dandadan. However, there are subtle signs that might suggest a connection.

A notable link between Akutami and Tatsu is the popular manga “Chainsaw Man,” created by Tatsuki Fujimoto. In “Jujutsu Kaisen: The Official Character Guidebook,” Akutami expresses his admiration for Fujimoto, acknowledging him in these words.

Each time I dive into one of their mangas, a pang of envy strikes me, as if to say, “Oh, darn, darn. They’re real, they’re real! There are individuals out there who weave captivating tales effortlessly.

Regarding Tatsu, he collaborated closely with Fujimoto on the project “Chainsaw Man” as his assistant. Notably, a significant milestone in Tatsu’s artistic career took place during a social gathering where alcohol was involved, involving Fujimoto and Shonen Jump Deputy Editor-In-Chief Shihei Lin. It was this conversation that sparked the inspiration for Tatsu to create “Dandadan”.

A JJK X Dandadan Crossover Cannot Exist as Canon

A One-Shot or OVA Makes More Sense

A Dandadan and Jujutsu Kaisen crossover could be an exciting fan service, but it’s unlikely that the storyline would continue as a full series due to several challenges that make a canonical merge improbable.

The main challenge lies in the fact that the story of Jujutsu Kaisen has already ended, whereas Dandadan’s story continues. Changing or rewriting the storyline of Jujutsu Kaisen, particularly given its numerous character deaths, is not feasible. Moreover, it’s hard to imagine jujutsu sorcery existing as it does today after an encounter with aliens. It seems unlikely that proactive jujutsu sorcerers would overlook an event like a Serpoian invasion.

A ‘What If?’ situation would be ideal for a crossover between Dandadan and Jujutsu Kaisen, as this setup allows for greater creative freedom since the established rules from both universals won’t restrict the story. The narrative can take place in any timeline that fits best within either series. Characters who have previously passed away could be revived or not die at all in the first place. Additionally, heroes and villains from each universe can interact without altering the other’s continuity significantly.

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2024-12-23 22:34