The Problem With Dandadan’s First Season

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Summary

  • Brilliant adaptation of the manga into anime with remarkable visuals and character dynamics.
  • Episode 12’s cliffhanger feels unnecessary, causing pacing issues and frustration for viewers.
  • Introduction of Jiji’s character and postponement of his arc leaves season 1 in an awkward place.

The animated version of Yukinobu Tatsu’s popular manga titled “Dandadan” was one of the most eagerly awaited anime releases in 2024, often topping anticipation lists. Despite facing potential spoilers before its debut, the series managed to meet and even surpass audience expectations. The animation production by Science SARU was particularly praised for skillfully adapting the manga’s content into an animated format.

Although the series has garnered a stellar reputation and had an impressive start from its debut episode, there’s a significant issue with the first season that could potentially disrupt its captivating progression to date: the final episode. Here’s my take on why Dandadan episode 12 has been the series’ least satisfying thus far and poses a potential threat to the otherwise enjoyable ride we’ve been on.

The Success of Dandadan’s First Season

Moments of Profound Brilliance With Each Subsequent Mini Arc

In simpler terms, the anime series “Dandadan” was exceptionally well-received due to its exceptional adaptation by Science SARU’s team, led by Director Fūga Yamashiro and Series Composer Hiroshi Seko. Naoyuki Onda handled character designs, while Kensuke Ushio provided the music. The visual style of the series was impressively executed, and the dynamic between its main characters added layers to already appealing characters set in a unique and ambitious world that blends the supernatural with the paranormal. It also delivered some of the most impactful emotional scenes in 2024 anime. The first season of “Dandadan” was a model of successful adaptation, with each story development strengthening its identity even more. Episode 7, titled “To a Kinder World”, stood out as a significant highlight during the first season’s run.

Let’s Recap Dandadan Episode 12

Jiji Is Introduced and The Crew Goes to His Haunted House

In episode 11’s finale, Granny Seiko discloses that she will temporarily accommodate a person needing shelter as his parents are hospitalized. This individual happens to be Jin “Jiji” Enjoji, a childhood friend and early crush of Momo Ayase. As Jiji settles in with Momo and her grandmother, he shares chilling tales about his house, suspecting the presence he sees, which causes him sleepless nights, may have caused his parents’ hospitalization. This mysterious arrival stirs tension in Momo’s relationship with Okarun, ultimately leading Okarun to realize his feelings for her. Granny Seiko invites Momo and Okarun to accompany Jiji, as she believes his house might be haunted and since her powers only work within Kamigoe City, she is unable to help him in Daija Town.

In the neighborhood surrounding Jiji’s house, an unnerving stillness prevails, with not a soul in sight. Upon inspecting Jiji’s ultra-modern abode, Momo and Okarun are disheartened to find no traces of supernatural or extraterrestrial activity. In an effort to unwind, Momo decides to visit the local hot springs (onsen) in Daija Town, where she crosses paths with a sinister group of men whose complexion is unusually grey and whose eyes possess an otherworldly quality. The anime concludes on a suspenseful note, leaving viewers hanging as Momo is submerged underwater by the malevolent men, while Okarun and Jiji stumble upon a mysterious secret room hidden within the house’s walls. The finale of season 1 of Dandadan feels abrupt, particularly for those who have read ahead in the manga and know what transpires next.

The Problem With Dandadan Episode 12

Awful Cliffhanger Placement Heralds Disaster For Pacing

The last episode of season 1 in Dandadan, despite the building narrative, seems excessively dramatic. Momo’s predicament, potentially disturbing for some viewers, appears to serve primarily as a means to elicit suspense and discomfort, rather than being organically tied into the plot. Conversely, Okarun and Jiji’s discovery provides a much more engaging source of suspense, echoing the shocking revelation at the end of season 1 in Attack on Titan, where the fall of Wall Maria unveiled a Titan’s face, which fits perfectly with the haunted/cursed house theme of this arc. Even without prior knowledge of the Dandadan manga, it is evident that episode 12 leaves season 1 on an uneasy note, halfway introducing a new character and subtly hinting at aspects to flesh out his backstory.

In simpler terms, the character Jiji’s background is deeply rooted in a tale of prolonged suffering and isolation, which might be the most captivating storyline among the main characters in Dandadan (if we count Turbo Granny as well, it becomes a quintet). Delaying the unfolding of what could be the most intriguing early series plot feels questionable, leaving viewers wishing that either the series had a more flexible episode count to wrap up the Cursed House arc effectively, or ended at the point where Jiji is introduced, making his entire backstory the main focus in the early seasons of season 2. Given our familiarity with the manga and enjoyment of the anime up to episode 11, the way episode 12 of Dandadan ends is surprising because the series has been paced well so far, and the high regard for the series ensures continued interest when season 2 eventually airs, not to mention that this part of the story in the original manga deserves a continuous exploration.

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2025-01-14 23:49