The release of Dan Da Dan has been turbulent, to say the least (you can Google to find out why), but it’s finally approaching, with the show set to debut in October. However, on 13thSeptember, audiences got a sneak peek of what to expect as the first three episodes were shown in cinemas as Dan Da Dan: First Encounter, along with some bonus behind-the-scenes clips. The first three episodes have me hooked, and I’m desperate for more.
Dan Da Dan follows Momo (Shion Wakayama) and Okarun (Natsuki Hanae). Momo is a gyaru who believes in ghosts but not aliens, while Okarun is a lonely nerd who believes in aliens but not ghosts. While this wouldn’t normally be an issue, both are adamant that they’re right, leading to a clash. They make a bet: whoever is wrong must serve as the other’s gofer. However, they couldn’t predict what happens next—both ghosts and aliens are proven to exist. Chaos ensues as Okarun is cursed by a ghost, and Momo is captured by aliens.
Science Saru is at the top of their game with the first three episodes of Dan Da Dan. Animation-wise, these episodes are gorgeous, featuring detailed character designs that are fluidly animated and express so much emotion through movement and facial expressions. This is perfectly exemplified during the comedic moments. Science Saru has the characters switch from their normal appearance to a more heightened and exaggerated look, which leads to huge laughs. The argument in episode one between Momo and Okarun had me bawling with laughter because of how they use animation to amplify the humor in the dialogue.
Even when the occult antics begin, the animation never disappoints. The action is frantic and intense, with explosions of color. And that’s not even mentioning the weenies that get crushed. Every frame has some movement or stunning visual that makes for a visually engaging show. Dan Da Dan is brimming with texture; every moment feels kinetic.
The pacing is just as energetic. Once the behind-the-scenes clips were over and the show began, I was shocked when episode three ended—I thought I had only watched two episodes. The show never wastes a second. One moment, you’re learning about a character’s backstory; the next, the narrative and character development are progressing. The show is impressively well-edited and paced, with no unnecessary moments left untrimmed.
However, I was mainly invested because I loved the two leads. Momo and Okarun, played by Shion Wakayama and Natsuki Hanae respectively, bring so much life to these characters, unmatched by any anime I’ve seen recently. The voice acting is simply top-notch. But their performances wouldn’t have been as good if the characters weren’t well-written. In the first three episodes, I truly believe in and buy into every encounter and conversation they have, and I understand why they’re gradually becoming friends—and potentially more. They feel like real people just living in a chaotic world.
My only issue is that I wish I could have seen more. When it ended, I was truly devastated and wanted to watch all the episodes. I hope Dan Da Dan continues on this trajectory, because if it does, it could go down as one of the best anime in recent memory—a must-watch show.
★★★★
Airing on Netflix and Crunchyroll from 3rd October / Shion Wakayama, Natsuki Hanae, Mayumi Tanaka, Tomokazu Seki, Ayane Sakura / Dir: FÅ«ga Yamashiro / Anime Limited / 15
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