Fall 2024 Anime: DAN DA DAN

Synopsis

Momo Ayase is a high school girl who believes in ghosts but not in aliens, while her classmate Ken Takakura believes in aliens but not in ghosts. In a bet to see who is right, the two decide to separately visit locations associated with the occult and supernatural. Ayase is kidnapped by a group of aliens who accidentally activate her latent psychic abilities. Meanwhile, Takakura is possessed by a spirit that takes over his body. Using Ayase’s and Takakura’s possessed abilities, they defeat the aliens together.

Comments

Affandi99 (The Indonesian Anime Times)

The long-awaited anime of this season is finally here! As DAN DA DAN first aired on 4 October 2024, I am surprised by how this anime combines supernatural, action, and comedy in such an approach like never seen before, giving a fresh and unique way for anime fans. The manga, which is made by Yukinobu Tatsu, is unique when it comes to the art style, characters, settings, and plot. His style reminds me of Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man. The unique approach of the manga makes this anime adaptation, feel more alive, colourful, and real. The anime brings you plenty of surprises as the two main characters face chaotic situations with ghosts and aliens.

For the story, this is the best aspect of this anime. At first, the story is focused on two characters trying to solve their differences, in terms of what they believe, their way of life, and how to solve the problems ahead. However as the story progressed with each episode, things started to unravel, from new enemy encounters to the backstory behind each encounter, further exploring the characters and settings. The story feels complex and makes the viewers curious about what will the anime bring in the next episode.

When it comes to animation, hats off to Science Saru, as their style brings a popular manga adaptation into an unexpected masterclass. I think the animation staff did a good job on this anime. Its visuals are very colourful and expressive, and the action, comedy, and supernatural scenes all blend well. Many people did not expect the anime adaptation, especially for manga readers who might find the anime’s visuals “unusual”, due to the animation by Science Saru feeling so “fluid” compared to anime animation in general which looks “static”. Perhaps, their unusual anime visual complements the story, which in turn feels more believable and real.

I love both the opening and closing songs of this anime. The opening song by Creepy Nuts, titled Otonoke is my favourite song of the two, as their music style and the accompanying animation bring hype and a unique charm; a perfect start before the anime begins. The same goes for its closing song, titled TAIDADA by ZUTOMAYO as their song introduces a fun and simple way to enjoy, in terms of visual and music style. I highly recommend it to feel fresh and unique. DAN DA DAN anime is now available on Netflix and both Muse Indonesia and Muse Asia YouTube channels.

Facts and Figures

Screenshots and Trailer