Review of Season 1 of 'Dan Da Dan' on Blu-Ray: Unbridled, Mischievous Chaos Unleashed
In the captivating world of anime, the series "Dandadan" stands out as a unique blend of action, supernatural horror, romance, and humour. The story revolves around two unlikely heroes, Momo Ayase and Ken "Okarun" Takekura, who find themselves entangled in a web of supernatural encounters and alien phenomena.
Momo Ayase, a strong-willed schoolgirl with a deep belief in the supernatural, is the polar opposite of Ken Takekura, a sceptic who denies the existence of UFOs and aliens. Despite their contrasting beliefs, they form an unlikely alliance, complementing each other's strengths as they face a myriad of supernatural threats.
Their adventures lead them to confront a variety of spiritual powers, from yōkai (Japanese supernatural creatures) to possession. Momo even uses her spiritual powers in fights, such as when she injures a student who mocks Okarun after a misunderstanding, and when she pulls out a spirit from Okarun that then possesses a maneki-neko doll connected to a character called Turbo Granny.
The duo also investigates curses and haunted locations, such as Jiji's house in Byakuja Village, where they encounter the eerie Kito Family, hidden cursed rooms, and the underground domain of an ancient god. The anime seamlessly merges supernatural urban fantasy with science fiction, creating a vibrant world where the impossible seems possible, with ghosts, yokai, alien cryptids, and extraterrestrial threats coexisting.
As the series unfolds, Momo and Okarun develop both their supernatural abilities and their romantic feelings. The romance is a significant element that grows alongside the action and character development. The show also focuses on female characters like Momo, giving them strong roles beyond typical shōnen anime archetypes.
Momo affectionately calls Okarun, who shares the name with her heartthrob actor, "Okarun" due to his nerdy otaku persona. The anime adaptation of "Dandadan" is a school-based anime that is characterised by its unhinged nature. Its approach to supernatural and alien themes is irreverent and humorous, making it a refreshing addition to the anime genre.
For those who wish to delve deeper into the world of "Dandadan", the first season is now available on Blu-ray as the Collector's Edition. The set includes interviews, a 32-page booklet, art cards, a sticker, and comes in a solid box with nice artwork. It can be purchased from the GKIDS online store for $49.99.
The series has received praise for its impressive animation, particularly in the action sequences, courtesy of Science Saru. A reviewer, who can be followed on X, Facebook, and YouTube, received the Dan Da Dan Blu-ray set for the purposes of this review. The reviewer is also featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.
In conclusion, "Dandadan" offers a thrilling journey into a chaotic and eclectic world of the paranormal, where Momo and Okarun's evolving partnership and romance unfolds amidst supernatural investigations and battles involving spirits, curses, alien entities, and ancient gods.
In the realm of entertainment, the school-based anime "Dandadan" is a captivating blend of genres such as action, supernatural horror, romance, and humor, standing out within the world of anime. This collector's edition, available on Blu-ray from GKIDS, offers interviews, art cards, and a 32-page booklet, providing fans with a deeper dive into the series.
