As one of the most exhilarating premieres of the Fall 2024 anime season, Dandadan is already solidifying its place among AnimeKing’s Latest Popular Anime and a top contender for anime of the year. With just two episodes, Science Saru’s manga-accurate adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s hit shonen manga has exceeded even the wildest fan expectations. Between its thrilling mix of romance, character-driven comedy, and some of the medium’s most dynamic action sequences, Dandadan has captivated both seasoned fans and those seeking an anime recommendation for beginner.
Yet, the anime only scratches the surface of Dandadan’s vast, occult-filled narrative. The manga dives much deeper into Momo and Okarun’s bizarre adventures with aliens, spirits, and countless supernatural oddities. Recently, the series marked a major milestone by completing its first large-scale arc, the “Kintama Hunt Saga,” and unveiling a new, grander chapter. With AnimeKing’s Anime Ranking 2024 in mind, there’s no better time to look back at each unforgettable arc. From spine-chilling encounters to high-stakes battles, here’s a complete ranking of Dandadan‘s most gripping arcs, each packed with humor, heart, and action that makes the manga a must-read for fans.
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9. Serpo Arc Masterfully Mixes Relationship Drama with High-Stake Alien Combat (Chapters 18-27)
The Serpo Arc unfolds as Momo and Okarun’s relationship undergoes its first serious test, compounded by the introduction of Aira Shiratori as a pivotal ally. This arc is where Aira transitions from Momo’s comical romantic rival into a reliable teammate, showing her slow shift toward valuing friendship over her superficial crush on Okarun. Aira’s development adds depth, enhancing the emotional landscape of Dandadan and creating a unique team dynamic among the three main characters, forced to rely on one another as they face the Serpo aliens. Momo, Okarun, and Aira’s different perspectives create frequent, often humorous tension that enriches the character interactions.
The arc’s heart, however, is its intense battle with the Serpo species, which gives readers their first glimpse of the raw power and tactical ingenuity of these extraterrestrials. This arc uses the setting masterfully, with combat unfolding across a flooded school, blending horror and high-energy action. The thrilling fights with Serpo aliens showcase the series’ ability to balance pulse-pounding action and character-driven drama. This arc also introduces fan-favorite Jiji, whose presence brings in fresh complications, stirring both the plot and the ongoing love triangle between Momo, Okarun, and Aira.
8. Turbo Granny Arc Is an Excellent Introduction to Dandadan’s Bizarre Universe (Chapters 1-8)
The Turbo Granny Arc opens the series with an exhilarating introduction to Dandadan’s quirky supernatural universe. This arc brilliantly establishes the foundations of the series, from the unique alien and yokai mythology to the wild, free-flowing humor that characterizes Dandadan. Momo and Okarun’s chemistry sparks instantly as they collide in an unexpectedly deep friendship-turned-partnership. Turbo Granny, the arc’s titular spirit, adds an unusual mix of terror and charm, leaving a strong impression on the audience with her cursed backstory and surprisingly touching motivations.
This introductory arc doesn’t hold back on character development, giving readers glimpses into Momo and Okarun’s individual quirks and insecurities. Their teamwork against Turbo Granny showcases how their friendship will be a cornerstone of the story, strengthened by their mutual respect and playful rapport. This arc’s success in balancing its absurdity with genuine emotional weight has cemented Dandadan as a unique addition to the shonen genre, appealing to fans looking for an unorthodox mix of supernatural thrills and heartfelt character moments.
7. Acrobatic Silky Arc Combines High-Octane Action with Soul-Stirring Tragedy (Chapters 9-17)
The Acrobatic Silky Arc is the emotional cornerstone of Dandadan, elevating the series with its powerful blend of tragedy and action. Aira Shiratori, the heroine introduced in this arc, starts as an entitled rival but soon evolves into a central character with layers of depth. Her past and personality bring her closer to Momo and Okarun, culminating in a tragic clash with the Acrobatic Silky yokai. This arc takes the theme of humanizing spirits to new heights, revealing Silky’s regrets and sorrow, ultimately making it one of the series’ most heart-wrenching storylines.
Beyond the adrenaline of Silky’s chaotic fights, this arc is notable for the psychological depth it lends to its characters. Silky’s tragic history resonates with Aira’s internal grief, creating a poignant parallel that leaves readers reflecting on themes of loss and healing. The sorrowful flashbacks add a narrative signature to Dandadan, solidifying the series’ reputation for mixing supernatural action with emotional realism.
6. Onbusuman Arc Is a Short Yet Surprisingly Heartfelt Side Story (Chapters 121-128)
After the monumental Space Globalists Arc, the Onbusuman Arc offers a refreshing yet impactful breather. This arc introduces Rin Sawaki, the disciplined class president, who quickly becomes a valued team member despite her initial vampire-obsessed eccentricity. The story’s pace slows as the protagonists investigate a yokai haunting Rin, diving into her backstory and the dreams she lost after a tragedy involving her best friend. It’s a testament to Dandadan’s ability to create multi-dimensional characters, bringing weight to the arc’s action and suspense.
This arc encapsulates Dandadan’s blend of heartfelt character arcs with supernatural storytelling. Rin’s idol dreams add emotional depth to her character, underscoring the arc’s themes of friendship and resilience. Even amidst playful banter and thrilling chase sequences, Rin’s story shines through, reaffirming Dandadan’s strength in blending humor and tragedy. Though brief, the Onbusuman Arc offers a perfectly balanced mix of tension and sentiment, capturing the essence of Dandadan in an engaging side story.
5. Kaiju Arc Wholeheartedly Indulges in the Rule of Cool Principle (Chapters 63-73)
The Kaiju Arc takes Dandadan to new heights, pushing the series beyond localized hauntings and small-scale conflicts. As Momo and Okarun search for Okarun’s missing “banana,” they stumble upon a monstrous kaiju, whose raw strength and sheer size introduce a new level of danger. This arc doubles down on over-the-top action and introduces key characters, Vamola and Kinta, each bringing distinct personalities and skills to the team. Vamola’s alien background will later play a central role, adding layers to the ongoing conflict with the Space Globalists.
The Kaiju Arc’s climactic battle between a giant mech and a kaiju taps into the thrill of classic monster fights, an indulgent spectacle that fans of all ages can enjoy. Dandadan fully commits to this battle’s high-stakes excitement, balancing it with its signature witty banter. This arc exemplifies Dandadan’s commitment to embracing genre tropes while making them uniquely its own, delivering one of the most visually stunning and ambitious fights in the manga.
4. Danmanra Arc Is the Grand Finale of Dandadan’s First Saga (Chapters 129-165)
The Danmanra Arc serves as a thrilling conclusion to Dandadan’s Kintama Hunt Saga, presenting Momo and Okarun with a twisted, game-like world within a cursed diorama. Their adventure here is surreal, forcing Momo to team up with Unji Zuma, an enigmatic delinquent. Together, they navigate a strange fantasy world filled with surreal dangers, culminating in an intense showdown with the Fairy-Tale Card, a spirit deeply intertwined with the cursed diorama’s dark lore.
In this arc, Dandadan deftly explores its characters’ emotional vulnerabilities, reaching a climax when Okarun and Momo’s love is finally voiced amidst the chaos of battle. Zuma’s tragic backstory adds emotional weight, making him one of the manga’s most complex and beloved characters. Through intense battles and poignant farewells, the Danmanra Arc concludes the first saga on a high note, offering readers both the exhilaration of victory and the bittersweet reflections of loss.
3. Space Globalists Arc Is Unmatched in Scale and Intensity (Chapters 74-120)
Spanning nearly fifty chapters, the Space Globalists Arc is Dandadan’s most ambitious and visually captivating storyline. Here, the heroes face the apocalyptic threat of the Kur, a group of intergalactic invaders whose technology and firepower far exceed anything the team has encountered before. This arc delivers a relentless barrage of jaw-dropping battles, unexpected plot twists, and intense character growth, especially for Vamola. Her heart-wrenching backstory becomes a focal point, grounding the large-scale conflict in personal stakes.
Artist Yukinobu Tatsu’s talents shine in the breathtaking panels and iconic imagery of this arc. Every character steps up, with epic training sequences and battles that push each member to their limits. In retrospect, the Space Globalists Arc holds up as one of the series’ finest achievements, setting a high bar for both story pacing and action-packed intensity that Dandadan will undoubtedly strive to surpass in the future.
2. Cursed House Arc Is Eerie, Hilarious, and Uniquely Touching (Chapters 28-50)
The Cursed House Arc is a fan-favorite storyline that introduces Jiji, a childhood friend of Momo’s, who brings new emotional layers to the narrative. Tasked with exorcising spirits in Jiji’s cursed family home, Momo and Okarun uncover a terrifying conspiracy, with vengeful spirits and hidden dangers at every turn. The antagonist, Evil Eye, is one of Dandadan’s most frightening spirits, adding a chilling layer of horror to the story’s already tense atmosphere.
The arc is notable for developing Okarun and Jiji’s friendship, transcending their romantic rivalry to become a strong, mutually supportive bond. The final fight against the Evil Eye is visually and narratively powerful, blending suspense with deeply personal stakes. As the arc closes, Momo and Okarun’s growing bond becomes even clearer, their partnership strengthened by the terrifying ordeal.
1. Evil Eye Arc Perfectly Encapsulates Everything Fans Adore About Dandadan (Chapters 51-62)
The Evil Eye Arc showcases Dandadan’s blend of heartfelt character development and intense action, encapsulating everything fans love about the series. After the Evil Eye gets sealed within Jiji’s body, the issue of dealing with the evil spirit becomes a pressing matter for every member of the makeshift Family. To aid Jiji, everyone has to keep a close eye on him while simultaneously looking for ways to get stronger. The Evil Eye narrative is devoted to developing the found family dynamic the protagonists of Dandadan have been unconsciously establishing up to this point – while their personalities and worldviews often clash, each character is set on sticking by one another in happiness and sorrow, regardless of the sacrifices they have to make.
This tender development is depicted in the Evil Eye arc in a multitude of ways – from unusual team-ups like Okarun and Aira’s fight against the Music Room Portraits to Jiji’s reconciliation with the titular spirit. The arc’s thematic focus manifests most clearly in the short yet cathartic fight between Okarun and the Evil Eye, which ends with the protagonist making a deal with the spirit instead of forcing him away. Touching, exciting, and stellarly deliberate in its motifs, the Evil Eye arc is the peak of everything that makes up Dandadan’s core.
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Conclusion:
The Dandadan manga offers a thrilling journey through its various arcs, each filled with unique challenges, character developments, and unexpected twists. This ranking of every Dandadan arc highlights the most impactful and engaging storylines, from the initial introduction of its bizarre world to the escalating conflicts that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Each arc not only showcases the creativity of the author but also deepens our understanding of the characters and their relationships.
As Dandadan continues to capture the attention of fans and climb in popularity among the latest popular anime, these arcs are essential in defining the series’ identity and contributing to its growing legacy in the anime rankings of 2024. The blend of horror, comedy, and supernatural elements ensures that there’s something for everyone, making it a must-read. For more insights, arc analyses, and updates on Dandadan and other trending series, stay connected with Animeking for the latest content!