Could Dan Da Dan be anime’s next Chainsaw Man?

As a seasoned anime enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, let me tell ya, I’ve seen some wild things in this world of pixels and emotions. But nothing quite prepared me for the mind-bending, heart-stopping rollercoaster that is “Dan Da Dan.

Dan Da Dan episodes 1-3 spoilers follow, but they’re minor.

In 2018, when the action-packed manga “Chainsaw Man” burst onto the scenes of Weekly Shonen Jump, it was unforeseen that two groundbreaking anime series would emerge from the same year.

Four years after I started reading Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga “Chainsaw Man”, it exploded as the sensation of the season in 2022. Now, two years later, the same excitement surrounds the release of “Dan Da Dan”, the long-awaited adaptation by Yukinobu Tatsu, who was once Fujimoto’s assistant. As a gamer and manga enthusiast, I can hardly wait to immerse myself in this new world!

While both shows share similarities such as intense violence, genre blending, and troubled teen protagonists with unusual abilities fighting evil, Dan Da Dan is far from being a carbon copy.

Indeed, the narratives of Ayase (Shion Wakayama), a bold and occult-steeped tomboy, and Okarun (Natsuki Hanae), a timid alien enthusiast, contrast starkly with the protagonist of Chainsaw Man, who is a horny demon slayer.

As a gamer, I’ve found that “Chainsaw Man” has this unique blend of silliness and brutality, but it shares similarities with recent favorites like “Jujutsu Kaisen.” However, “Dan Da Dan” stands out as something entirely different. It masterfully combines sci-fi and the supernatural in a way that feels fresh and original.

At their school, we encounter Ayase and Okarun, and within moments, the unusual partnership between these two becomes apparent. Ayase’s intense fondness for actor Ken Takakura and Okarun’s longing for extraterrestrial companions are swiftly unveiled. Their interaction is instantaneously confrontational, yet this dynamic effectively paints a vivid picture of both characters without slowing the narrative through excessive explanation.

Indeed, the storyline of Dan Da Dan often immerses us deeply into the turmoil, a fitting representation considering the malicious intentions of the ghouls and aliens towards the young characters that we meet early on.

In an attempt to debunk the existence of ghosts, Okarun bravely explores a rumored haunted tunnel. However, he stumbles upon a rather amorous spectral grandmother who goes by the name Turbo Granny. She makes suggestive comments towards Okarun, proposing to “nibble on his sausage,” and hinting at a “feast from her breasts” as compensation. It’s important to note that she didn’t extend an invitation for dinner beforehand.

In the meantime, Ayase encounters a serious setback as her mission to debunk extraterrestrial existence unwittingly leads her straight into an invasion by aliens from Serpo.

In a supposedly peaceful species, reproduction occurs through cloning, eliminating conflict and emotions. However, their natural curiosity about human physiology is insatiable, leading them to manipulate Ayase’s emotions using psychokinetic abilities.

In a more casual and straightforward manner:

If it sounds truly terrifying to you, watching it animated might be even more chilling. The series Dan Da Dan delights in creating an unsettling atmosphere, reinterpreting traditional Japanese folklore in a way that’s genuinely unnerving. There’s a gaming-like quality to the character design, similar to shows like Persona, but the series manages to carve out its own unique space, making viewers genuinely afraid for their young, troubled protagonists.

Due to the immediate threat they face, Ayase and Okarun form a strong bond swiftly despite their contrasting personalities. This rapid connection captivates us, and we find ourselves falling in love with them even more quickly. The show’s narrative is propelled by the intriguing mix of their frequent arguments and mutual fascination with otherworldly events. This unique blend of conflict and camaraderie, combined with their tumultuous journey through each terrifying ordeal, gives the series an endearing dysfunction that feels strikingly real.

This point is crucial because the visuals are far from earthly, captivating you with otherworldly animation in every imaginable aspect. To be honest, what Science SARU (Inu-Oh, Devilman Crybaby, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off) has achieved here is nothing less than a magnificent masterpiece.

The unique blend of light, color, camera movements, and meticulous framing in Dan Da Dan creates an extraordinary kaleidoscopic effect that sets it apart from most TV shows currently airing, whether anime or otherwise. It’s almost as if the creators of Dan Da Dan had some divine or alien assistance to produce such intricate and thoughtful work.

In a subtle yet powerful manner, even seemingly ordinary moments – such as casual chats or poignant flashbacks – brim with liveliness that sets them apart from many other anime, even during intense battles. The blend of 2D and CG animation imbues every visual aspect and movement with an extraordinary level of vitality. Remarkably, this energy is neither exhausting nor overpowering to the viewer.

The crucial aspect here lies in the equilibrium, not only between the main characters and their separate realms, but also in the emotional depth of every confrontation. This intensity contrasts significantly with the weighty emotional baggage each character carries in their past.

In any given scene, the music by Kensuke Ushio enhances the atmosphere, adding even more intensity. As Ushio is also known for his work on Chainsaw Man, this collaboration strengthens the associations with that series. However, if we had to find an anime similar in tone, one could argue for Dorohedoro or Mob Psycho 100 as well.

Regardless of the specific circumstances, we’re extremely thankful that Tatsu, the creator of Dan Da Dan, had the opportunity to work with Tatsuki Fujimoto, as it might not have led to the creation of a potential blockbuster series, perhaps even surpassing the acclaimed impact and popularity of Chainsaw Man. This groundbreaking anime demonstrates the immense talent and potential within the medium.

Dan Da Dan is available on Netflix

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2024-10-03 11:19