Dandadan

Dandadan: A Wild Ride That Divides But Never Disappoints

If you’ve scrolled through anime forums lately, you’ve probably seen the hype: Dandadan is everywhere. Based on Yukinobu Tatsu’s hit Shōnen Jump+ manga, this supernatural comedy follows Momo Ayase, a ghost-obsessed high schooler, and Okarun, her UFO-obsessed classmate, as they stumble into a world of aliens, spirits, and chaotic interdimensional battles. Since its Netflix premiere, the show has sparked fiery debates—some call it the “best new anime of the year,” while others argue it’s overhyped. Let’s break down why Dandadan is both a breath of fresh air and a source of contention.

First, the visuals. Fans can’t stop raving about the animation. “Exceptional new animation style and extraordinary CG work,” gushes one MyAnimeList user, calling it “one of the best CG works ever seen.” The blend of 2D and 3D is seamless, especially in action sequences where otherworldly creatures come to life with vibrant, fluid movements. A standout moment? The “big alien fight” in Episode 7, where CGI enhances the chaos without overshadowing the hand-drawn charm. Even critics admit the art direction is bold—“next season would be 🔥,” predicts another fan, already craving more.

Then there’s Momo, the show’s secret weapon. “Momo is easily the best main character I’ve seen in new anime,” declares a viewer. Unlike typical shonen protagonists, she’s not a power-hungry hero but a relatable teen navigating fear, curiosity, and growing feelings for Okarun. Her arc—from skeptical ghost-hunter to reluctant supernatural warrior—feels genuine, making her the heart of the series. As one fan puts it, “That is the single most impressive thing in all of Dandadan.”

But not everyone is sold. “I set HxH-level expectations since everybody was hyping it up,” admits a user, “and was left underwhelmed.” The criticism often centers on pacing: “There’s room for improvement in many aspects of the story such as developing a cohesive narrative that makes the pacing feel less episodic,” notes another. Season 1’s cliffhanger ending also divided fans—“If only the season 1 would have ended on a better spot rather than leaving us on that vague cliffhanger,” laments a reviewer, “it would have been easy 9/10 show for me.”

Yet even the skeptics can’t deny the fun. “It exceeded my expectations because I didn’t have any!” laughs a viewer, “Still, best show for its season. Can’t say anything that hasn’t been said already, but just WOW!” The show’s humor, a mix of slapstick and witty banter, keeps episodes light, while the supernatural elements add unpredictability. “It’s a decent show to say the least,” concedes a more reserved fan, but the consensus leans positive: “A high 8/10,” says one, “great show nonetheless.”

The production team seems thrilled with the response. “It has exceeded the production team’s expectations,” shared a producer, noting its global streaming success. Blu-ray sales might be modest (2,176 copies in the first week), but the buzz is undeniable—Dandadan has become a cult hit, with fans dissecting every episode online.

So, is Dandadan worth the hype? It depends on your expectations. If you go in expecting a masterpiece like Hunter x Hunter, you might be let down. But if you’re after a wild, visually stunning ride with a charismatic lead and enough chaos to keep you hooked, this is your show. As one fan sums it up: “I’ll just keep my current levels of enjoyment and stay happy, thanks!”

Dandadan isn’t perfect, but it’s unapologetically itself—a messy, vibrant, and utterly entertaining addition to modern anime. Whether you’re here for the CG battles, Momo’s charm, or just a good laugh, it’s a series that sticks with you. And with Season 2 already in the works, the best might be yet to come.

Final Verdict: 8/10—flawed but fantastic, and definitely worth a watch. Just don’t forget to brace yourself for that cliffhanger. 👽👻