Who would’ve thought we’d see a manga packed with manhood jokes getting serialized in Shonen Jump? Enter Dandadan, a truly eccentric series by Yukinobu Tatsu that has quickly made its mark. While Shonen Jump has long been home to household names like My Hero Academia and One Piece, the magazine has recently ventured into uncharted waters with series like Spy X Family and Undead Unluck. But even by these new standards, Dandadan stands out as delightfully weird.
It’s a wild ride from the start, mixing elements of the supernatural, sci-fi, and absurd humor. With a unique cast of characters and an outrageous plot, Dandadan is unlike anything else in the Shonen Jump lineup—and it’s an absolute blast.
“Weird” doesn’t quite capture the magic that makes Dandadan so special.
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What Dandadan Is All About
At the heart of Dandadan are two wildly different protagonists: Ken Takakura and Momo Ayase, unlikely friends brought together by their odd obsessions. Ayase is all about yokai and spirits, while Takakura is obsessed with aliens. They strike a deal: Ayase will search for aliens with Takakura, and in return, Takakura will hunt spirits with Ayase. Naturally, this leads to chaos when both supernatural worlds turn out to be very real.
Ayase unlocks her psychokinetic powers in the process, while Takakura ends up cursed by an evil spirit known as Turbo Granny, losing some… uh, important parts of himself. Their mission? Retrieve Takakura’s stolen manhood, of course.
A Quirky and Hilarious Journey
So far, the story has taken our oddball duo—and later trio—on a quest to recover the rest of Takakura’s body parts. Along the way, they’re joined by the fiery Aira Shiratori, a self-proclaimed “chosen one” who initially targets Ayase but later becomes part of their squad. Together, they battle everything from yokai like Acrobatic Silky to alien threats, each battle more outrageous than the last.
The charm of Dandadan lies in its balance between comedy and heartfelt moments. Silky, for instance, turns out to have a tragic backstory that adds surprising depth to the action-packed chaos. Even with all the madness, there’s an emotional core that keeps readers hooked.
Why Dandadan Is So Fun to Read
Yes, Takakura’s missing manhood is a running joke, but Dandadan uses it cleverly, never letting it dominate the story. The real magic comes from the interactions between the main characters. Takakura’s awkwardness pairs perfectly with Ayase’s boldness, creating a dynamic that’s both hilarious and heartwarming. Together, they make a surprisingly effective team, tackling supernatural threats while navigating their own personal growth.
The artwork is another huge draw. Every panel is crisp, the action is easy to follow, and the character designs bring their larger-than-life personalities to the forefront. From the comedic expressions to the intense battles, the art truly enhances the storytelling.
What’s Next for Dandadan?
With only 27 chapters out so far, Dandadan is still finding its footing in terms of its overarching plot. It hints at bigger mysteries surrounding the aliens and spirits, but for now, it keeps things fast-paced and full of surprises. The interactions between Takakura, Ayase, and Shiratori are becoming more complex, especially as Shiratori’s feelings for Takakura add a new layer of awkwardness.
For now, though, the gang is focused on retrieving the last missing piece of Takakura. How they’ll do it—and what bizarre creatures they’ll meet along the way—is anyone’s guess, but one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be an unforgettable ride.
Why Dandadan‘s Anime Adaptation Is a Big Deal
Since its debut, Dandadan has built a massive following thanks to its wild humor, over-the-top action, and unique characters. Even casual manga and anime fans have heard the buzz, with many eagerly anticipating what an anime adaptation might bring. The excitement surrounding this adaptation rivals the hype of Chainsaw Man, and there’s more of a connection here than one might expect.
Creator Yukinobu Tatsu was once an assistant to Tatsuki Fujimoto (the mind behind Chainsaw Man) and Yuji Kaku (Jigokuraku: Hell’s Paradise), both of whom have had their works adapted by MAPPA with tremendous success. This background gave Tatsu the creative tools to make a sensation of his own in Dandadan. Fans are now ready for the next big leap as the manga transitions into an anime.
The Perfect Studio for the Job: Science Saru
Instead of MAPPA, Dandadan is being adapted by Science Saru, and that has anime fans buzzing for all the right reasons. Despite co-founder Masaaki Yuasa stepping down, the studio has continued to release critically acclaimed projects like Heike Monogatari and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. Their announcement of Dandadan‘s adaptation was a flex, showcasing their ability to handle dynamic and weird series like this one.
The staff behind the anime adaptation is just as exciting, with Fūga Yamashiro making his directorial debut. Though it’s his first time in the director’s chair, Yamashiro has been the assistant director on some of Yuasa’s top projects, including Ride Your Wave and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken. Fans are curious to see how he tackles the absurd world of Dandadan, and if this will mark a major turning point in his career.
The Talent Behind the Design and Animation
One of the most exciting aspects of Dandadan‘s anime is the team handling the character and creature designs. Naoyuki Onda, who has worked on legendary series like Legend of the Galactic Heroes, the Berserk films, and Psycho-Pass, is responsible for the character design. Onda is known for adding subtle, unique details—like striking lips and lashes—that make his characters pop and feel deeply expressive.
Even more thrilling is the addition of Yoshimichi Kameda, a celebrated animator famous for his work on Fullmetal Alchemist and One Punch Man. Kameda brings a distinct, dynamic brushwork style, especially during action scenes, and his involvement in designing the ghosts, aliens, and other oddities in Dandadan is sure to deliver jaw-dropping visuals. Fans are wondering if he’ll also handle key animation, but it’s still too early to tell.
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The Psychedelic Soundtrack
Rounding out this impressive production team is Kensuke Ushio, the composer behind Chainsaw Man and Devilman Crybaby. Ushio’s music often feels psychedelic, an ideal fit for Dandadan‘s strange and energetic tone. The teaser trailer already hints that his score will push boundaries, further enhancing the bizarre atmosphere of the series.