Dandadan (ダンダダン), created by Yukinobu Tatsu, is one of the most creatively unhinged, visually vibrant, and emotionally engaging shōnen series to emerge in recent years. Blending supernatural folklore, alien conspiracy, adolescent awkwardness, and intense romance into one narrative, this manga and anime series has quickly grown into a cult phenomenon.
Serialized on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ since April 2021, the manga has received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. An anime adaptation by Science SARU premiered in October 2024, followed by a second season in July 2025.
Dandadan – Official Trailer
What Is Dandadan About?
At its core, Dandadan is a story about belief and the unknown. Momo Ayase, a high school girl who believes in ghosts but not aliens, and Ken “Okarun” Takakura, who believes in aliens but not ghosts, challenge each other’s beliefs by visiting haunted and alien-related locations. Their experiments backfire catastrophically: Momo is abducted by aliens and gains psychic powers, while Okarun is possessed by a yōkai spirit.
What begins as a supernatural standoff quickly spirals into a globe-spanning battle between otherworldly forces, with Momo and Okarun navigating their powers, high school life, and growing romantic tension—all while fighting ghosts, demons, aliens, curses, and yōkai.
Is Dandadan Worth Watching?
Absolutely. Dandadan is not just worth watching—it’s one of the most unique and energetic anime in recent memory. Here’s why:
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- Dazzling animation by Science SARU with striking color design and kinetic action
- Romance and comedy delivered with genuine warmth and charm
- A mix of genres—sci-fi, horror, slice of life, and romance—all working in harmony
- Eccentric characters with heartfelt backstories and great chemistry
If you enjoyed Chainsaw Man or Jujutsu Kaisen but are looking for a more playful, bizarre, and heartfelt experience, Dandadan is your next obsession.
Watch Order for Dandadan
Season 1 (2024) – 12 Episodes
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- Air Dates: October 4 – December 20, 2024
- Studio: Science SARU
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, Muse Asia (regional), ADN (Europe)
- Theatrical Release: Dan Da Dan: First Encounter (Episodes 1–3)
Season 2 (2025) – 12 Episodes
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- Premiere: July 4, 2025 (ongoing)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll and Netflix (global), Hulu and ADN (regional)
- Theatrical Compilation: Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye (Episodes 1–3), released May–June 2025 internationally
Special Broadcasts
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- Adult Swim Toonami: English dub premiere of Season 1 began on July 27, 2025
- Theatrical Dubs: Prior to broadcast, episodes were premiered at Anime NYC and in select international theaters
Dandadan – Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Watch Dandadan?
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- Worldwide Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
- US-specific: Hulu, Toonami (English dub)
- Europe: ADN (Animation Digital Network)
- Asia-Pacific: Muse Communication on YouTube
Is the Manga Still Ongoing?
Yes, as of July 2025, the manga has reached 20 volumes with more on the way. It is serialized on Shonen Jump+, and published in English by Viz Media and Manga Plus.
What Makes Dandadan Stand Out?
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- Unpredictable storytelling that never stays in one genre for long
- Romantic subplots handled with sincerity and emotional weight
- Visually imaginative action scenes featuring bizarre ghosts and grotesque aliens
- Deep character development with clear emotional stakes
How Popular Is the Series?
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- Over 10 million copies in circulation by March 2025
- Top 10 New Manga lists and multiple award nominations
- Holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for Season 1
- Consistently ranks on BookScan and New York Times Bestseller lists for manga
Critical Reception and Accolades
Manga Awards:
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- Next Manga Award (2021): 2nd place, Best Web Manga
- Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2022: Ranked 4th, Best Manga for Male Readers
- Manga Taisho 2022: Nominated, finished 7th
- Bookstore & Publisher Comics of 2022: Ranked 1st
- Manga Barcelona Awards 2024: Nominated, Best Shōnen
Anime Reviews:
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- Anime News Network: Called it “gorgeously animated and emotionally resonant”
- IGN: Praised its visuals, characters, humor, and supernatural worldbuilding
- Polygon & Vulture: Listed among Best Anime of 2024
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100% approval rating (average score 8.8/10)
While a few viewers, such as reviewer Rebecca Silverman, criticized the show for some jarring moments and tone shifts, most reviewers agreed the anime’s energy, animation, and chemistry between Momo and Okarun far outweigh any missteps.
Conclusion: A Psychedelic Romance of the Paranormal and Extraterrestrial
Dandadan is a chaotic cocktail of genres that somehow pulls everything together with exceptional grace. Its absurdity is balanced by emotional storytelling, and its characters feel genuinely alive—even when surrounded by ghosts or aliens. Whether you’re in it for the crazy action, the quirky humor, or the slow-burning romance, Dandadan delivers something that feels fresh and unpredictable.
If you’re tired of formulaic shōnen stories, Dandadan is the supernatural sucker punch you didn’t know you needed. Season 2 has just released and it’s the best possible moment to catch up on this Anime!
Dandadan Season 2 – Official Trailer
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