Dandadan

Reeling from her recent breakup, Momo Ayase, a popular high schooler, shows kindness to her socially awkward schoolmate, Ken Takakura, by standing up to his bullies. Ken misunderstands her intentions, believing he has made a new friend who shares his obsession with aliens and UFOs. However, Momo's own eccentric occult beliefs lie in the supernatural realm; she thinks aliens do not exist. A rivalry quickly brews as each becomes determined to prove the other wrong.

Despite their initial clash over their opposing beliefs, Momo and Ken form an unexpected but intimate friendship, a bond forged in a series of supernatural battles and bizarre encounters with urban legends and paranormal entities. As both develop unique superhuman abilities, they learn to supplement each other's weaknesses, leading them to wonder if their newfound partnership may be about more than just survival.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Ayase, Momo Main

Wakayama, Shion Japanese

Takakura, Ken Main

Hanae, Natsuki Japanese

Shiratori, Aira ing

Sakura, Ayane Japanese

Ayase, Seiko ing

Mizuki, Nana Japanese

Enjouji, Jin ing

Ishikawa, Kaito Japanese

Turbo Granny ing

Tanaka, Mayumi Japanese

Mr. Mantis Shrimp ing

Seki, Tomokazu Japanese

Rokuro ing

Nakai, Kazuya Japanese

Acrobatic Silky ing

Inoue, Kikuko Japanese

Chiquitita ing

Oozora, Naomi Japanese

Iwakami, Atsuhiro Producer

Kamei, Hiroshi Producer

Aoi, Hiroyuki Producer

Ishikawa, Tatsuya Producer

Reviews

Jun 7, 2025

Czj221

Recommended

Dandadan has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. Is this because I have a childish sense of humor? Definitely, but, putting the ball jokes aside, I'm one of the many who also got sucked in by the amazing soundtrack, vivid colors, and lovable characters.

I will say that this show is most certainly not everyone's cup of tea, especially if you don't like tea that has an overwhelming number of dirty jokes. So if the idea of a possessed young man searching for his family jewels with the help of a ragtag crew while simultaneously fighting off aliens and other spirits doesn't sound enticing ... to you, stop here.

Still, if you're looking for drop-dead gorgeous animation and absurdity, you may enjoy. As one of the best adaptations I've seen in years, I would also highly recommend reading the manga.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10

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Jun 3, 2025

Cajamanga

Mixed Feelings

Dandadan is an interesting anime. Personally, I really enjoyed the mix of themes that, while somewhat "generic," ended up having a unique flavor. I believe there was a clear intention to portray a teenage romance without relying on the typical clichés found in Japanese school anime, and that's definitely commendable. However, to be honest, the show ends up falling into a lot of those same clichés along the way and fails to fully stand as an alternative to a traditional romance anime.

One of the weakest aspects of this series is the lack of personal development, at least up to this point. None of the characters ... go through any significant change from the beginning to the end. Even after "tragic" events, they remain with the same personalities and mindsets, showing little to no internal conflict to work through (and when there is, it's mostly left unresolved). The only real character development is how the characters slowly realize they're in love and how they deal with those feelings, which is nice, at least there’s some kind of growth.

Another point that makes the anime feel a bit tiresome, especially from the second half onward, is the weird structure of the episodes. It’s hard to even explain, but most episodes are basically several action scenes against some alien or spirit that supposedly lead to some progress in the relationship between Okarun and Momo. While it technically does, the progress often feels so small that it’s hard not to feel like the conflict had a pointless resolution.

Along the same lines, it’s impossible not to mention how most action scenes end up with one of the female characters naked, half-naked, or in some sort of awkward situation. Honestly, it feels strange and uncomfortable at times, and there’s no clear purpose behind it besides pure fan service, the same goes for the constant questionable camera angles whenever Momo’s grandma appears on screen.

The arc that takes place in episodes 6–7 is definitely the highlight of the entire anime. I won’t give spoilers, but this specific part is the only real reason I would recommend Dandadan to someone. From the beginning of the conflict with the spirit to its resolution, everything is incredible and shows the true potential of both the author and the series.

So, to sum it up, this is a very “okay” show. It’s definitely not bad, it has an interesting concept and still holds a lot of potential but at this moment it’s not as good as it could be. If you’re a teenager, I think this show might resonate with you better than it would with an adult. Watch it, but don’t set your expectations too high.

Reviewer’s Rating: 7

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Jan 22, 2025

Panda_Roll

Not Recommended

DDD was the most hyped anime of the year. On first glance the reason why is obvious.

An amazing OP, Bright colors, great animation and loads of action.

It's a spectacle for sure... but that's all.

The format for the show is action scene, action scene, action scene, fan service, action scene.

The characters never get a proper introduction so even after a full season I don't feel like I know them.

... There is no plot either, just a series of action scenes with some prize at the end if they manage to clear the level, yes like in a game.

DDD is great on the surface but scratch that surface and there's nothing below it.

For example the show has two major side characters. One only gets introduced half way through the season while the other shows up in episode 11, literally just before the finale!

Also for an action anime that "finale" was so lame.

Personally, I did not like this show. I do value good characters and plot over everything else so this wasn't for me. I do think it was carefully calculated to appeal to a young demographic though. Just wish it actually had something to say... other than "BUY ME" that is.

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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