Dan Da Dan: The Fall Anime You Didn’t Know You Needed
Image Credit: Dan Da Dan | GKIDS Films | Crunchyroll
Let's Dive Deep into Dan Da Dan!
Alright, folks, let’s talk about Dan Da Dan—the show that’s part sci-fi, part supernatural, and entirely chaotic in the best way possible. If you only caught a glimpse of it in our fall anime rundown, you’re missing out.
A reader pointed out we barely scratched the surface of this mind-bending series, and honestly, they’re right. This is an anime that deserves the spotlight. So, buckle up, because it’s time to dive deep into the funsies and madness that is – Dan Da Dan.
Video Credit: Crunchyroll | YouTube
Overall Plot: Aliens, Ghosts, and Chaos - Oh My!
Let’s set the scene: Dan Da Dan follows two high schoolers, Ken Takakura (aka Okarun) and Momo Ayase. Okarun is a nerd who’s obsessed with aliens, while Momo is all about the supernatural and ghosts.
A skeptic of each other’s beliefs, they make a bet to prove their own convictions, sending Okarun to a haunted location and Momo to a suspected UFO site. And, of course, things go wildly, hilariously wrong. They both end up proving each other right in the most literal (and insane) ways possible, sparking a series of ghostly and extraterrestrial encounters that only get weirder with each episode.
The plot, while built on classic paranormal anime tropes, subverts expectations left and right. Ghosts and aliens are treated like rival factions, and Momo and Okarun are caught in the crossfire of bizarre incidents that blend horror and humor in unexpected ways. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and straight-up funsies—and yeah, the stakes are high, but the show never takes itself too seriously.
Image Credit: Dan Da Dan | GKIDS Films | Crunchyroll
Reception: Critics, Fans, and the Hype Train
So, how has Dan Da Dan been received? In short, this anime’s blowing up faster than we expected. Fans are raving about its unapologetically weird tone, and even critics have to admit: there’s nothing quite like it on air right now.
Many anime review sites are applauding the show’s fresh take on paranormal battles, with Anime News Network calling it “a perfect blend of horror and comedy that doesn’t pull punches.”
However, some mainstream reviewers initially found the blend of ghostly horror and sci-fi absurdity a bit jarring, though the show has won most over by embracing its…eccentricity with confidence. Social media is buzzing, with fans sharing their favorite out-of-context moments that prove Dan Da Dan isn’t interested in fitting into any single genre.
Critics also appreciate the art style—unique, gritty, and perfectly suited for the unhinged tone of the show. More on that later. But overall? The response is overwhelmingly positive. Dan Da Dan has a magnetic pull that’s got everyone coming back for more, and it’s one of the rare series that both hardcore fans and casual watchers can agree is worth the ride.
Why We Love It: A Breakdown of Dan Da Dan's Beautiful Madness
Alright, now let’s get into the meat of this review: why Dan Da Dan is an absolute blast to watch:
Art Style That Slaps Hard
First off, the art. Dan Da Dan doesn’t do “pretty.” It does gritty, wild, and intense—perfectly matching the frenetic energy of the story. The character designs are wonderfully expressive, and the animation quality doesn’t drop, even in the most chaotic sequences.
Image Credit: Dan Da Dan | GKIDS Films | Crunchyroll
There’s an almost comic-book-like quality to it that reminds me a bit of the stellar animation in Demon Slayer, with exaggerated lines and a sense of movement that’s dynamic and energetic.
The ghosts? Terrifying.
The aliens? Unsettlingly weird.
Every creature and character looks like they were designed with as much personality as the main cast, and that’s just not something you see in every anime.
Characters Who Are Lovable Weirdos
Okarun and Momo are two of the most endearingly odd protagonists in recent anime memory. Okarun’s alien obsession and earnest personality make him an underdog you can’t help but root for, while Momo’s tough-as-hell attitude and belief in ghosts make her the perfect contrasting character.
Image Credit: Dan Da Dan | GKIDS Films | Crunchyroll
Together, they’re a dynamic duo with a refreshing, platonic chemistry. And let’s not forget the side characters who add even more spice to the mix—each one bringing their own quirks that push the narrative in bizarre, often hilarious directions.
Genre-Bending Madness
If Dan Da Dan has one major strength, it’s that it refuses to stick to a single genre. It’s horror, it’s sci-fi, it’s comedy, it’s a buddy story—and it all blends in a way that just works.
We’ve all seen paranormal anime before, but Dan Da Dan takes it to another level.
Image Credit: Dan Da Dan | GKIDS Films | Crunchyroll
By mixing urban legends, ghost stories, and sci-fi horror, it creates a world where anything feels possible, and every episode leaves you guessing. Expect ghosts popping up in mundane locations, UFO chases through city streets, and battles that feel both high-stakes and knee-slappin hilarious.
Breaking Tropes Like a Pro
In a sea of isekai and cookie-cutter supernatural shows, Dan Da Dan is a breath of fresh air. Instead of falling back on overused tropes, it plays with them, subverting expectations at every turn.
Image Credit: Dan Da Dan | GKIDS Films | Crunchyroll
The main characters aren’t trying to save the world—they’re just two kids in way over their heads, doing their best to survive the paranormal chaos.
And while there’s no grand destiny or chosen-one narrative, the show is all the better for it. This isn’t about saving the world; it’s about dealing with bizarre, otherworldly chaos and having each other’s backs while doing it.
Dan Da Dan Drops the Mic
So, is Dan Da Dan worth watching? Absolutely. If you’re in the mood for an anime that breaks the mold, keeps you laughing, and serves up genuine scares, this is the show to dive into.
It’s a blast, it’s bonkers, and it’s honestly unlike anything else out there right now. The Dan Da Dan experience isn’t just about watching ghost and alien battles—it’s about embracing the absurdity and unpredictability of anime in all its funderful glory.
Give Dan Da Dan a watch this fall if you’re looking for something that’s high-energy, fresh, and unapologetically weird. Just don’t blame us when you start questioning every shadow and every light in the night sky.
Image Credit: Dan Da Dan | GKIDS Films | Crunchyroll
And hey, if you’re already a fan, spread the word—because Dan Da Dan is an anime that deserves all the love it can get.
Watch Dan Da Dan on Crunchyroll
Got your fill and looking for something new?
Make sure to check out our list of the best Fall anime for 2024!
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