As the Fall of 2024 anime season is here, new anime are coming out rapidly, including highly anticipated titles adapted from the popularShōnen Jumpmagazine. Known for its recurring themes, these anime typically follows the familiar trope of a protagonist embarking on an adventure to pursue their dreams, forming deep friendships, fierce rivalries, and gaining extraordinary powers along the way. While these traits have become the hallmark of the genre, they can sometimes make new anime feel formulaic, as each series tends to follow a similar blueprint.
However, one ofShōnen Jump’s latest anime,Dan Da Dan,stands out from the crowd with a trait that is rarely seen in other popular titles likeOne Piece,My Hero Academia, orJujutsu Kaisen. What setsDan Da Danapart is its bold decision to place aromantic bond between its two main charactersat the center of the story—a theme almost unheard of in the genre’s traditional framework. In a genre where the focus on romance is typically secondary (if present at all), the decision to make it a core theme is both surprising and refreshing.
Dan Da Dan’s Romance Element Will Be the Key to Its Success
Dan Da Dan Will Shatter the Stereotypes of How Shōnen Anime Are Perceived
The pilot episode ofDan Da Danhas already demonstrated how effectively this unique element can be woven into the story, hinting that the romantic bond will be a driving force in the narrative. This bold move positionsDan Da Danto potentially redefine the shōnen genre, showing thatit can evolve beyond its classic tropeswhile still delivering the high-energy action and adventure fans love.
From the beginning,Dan Da Dansubtly introduces its love theme, with Momo Ayase longing for a boyfriend who resembles her favorite actor, Ken Takakura. After a breakup, a dejected Momo crosses paths with a peculiar occult fan. By the end of the first episode, it’s revealed that this alien fanatic shares the same name as Momo’s idol, Ken Takakura. This coincidence sparks a budding romantic tension between them, suggesting that Momo may have unknowingly fallen for the alien-obsessed Ken.
Now, as Momo embarks on a bizarre mission to help retrieve Ken’s “family jewels”, stolen bythe malevolent Turbo Granny ghost, it becomes clear that their relationship will deepen, with the romance becoming a key driving force in the series. Takakura exclaims that he won’t let any harm come to Momo as she didn’t make fun of his interest and his belief and even stood up for him, who had been bullied most of his liefe. At this moment, Ken briefly gains control over Turbo Granny’s curse, demonstrating the strength of their unique bond.
Dan Da Dan Interview: Natsuki Hanae and Hiroyuki Aoi Discuss Okarun’s Performance and the First Season
Natsuki Hanae, the voice of Ken Takakura, aka “Okarun” sits down in an interview with Dan Da Dan’s producer, Hiroyuki Aoi, and Screen Rant.
What makesDan Da Danso captivating is hownaturally it weaves this relationship into the story, skillfully setting up Momo and Ken’s intertwined fates. Despite their differing worldviews, they are united by a shared desire to protect each other. All these factors from the very first episode ofDan Da Danare a testament thatthis anime will stand out for its romantic connection between its central characters. If, for some reason, the romantic aspect ofDan Da Dandoesn’t ensure its success, the first episode has proven that it has many other elements that make it great.
Dan Da Dan’s Stellar Animation and Mature, Dark Humor Will Keep Viewers Hooked Week After Week
Unlike Other Shonen Anime,Dan Da DanAppeals to a Broader Audience Beyond Just Youth
One common criticism of the shōnen genre is that many series seem primarily tailored for younger audiences, typically early teens, which can limit their appeal across different age groups. However,Dan Da Danbreaks this mold by being rated for mature audiences while still embracing the essence of a classic shōnen anime. From the very first episode, it becomes clear that one of the series' standout qualities is its unique blend of dark humor—a feature that sets it apart from many of its peers.
Even darker shōnenseries likeJujutsu Kaisen, known for not shying away from killing off characters, tend to lack the twisted humor thatDan Da Dandelivers. The absurdity kicks off early on, with the malevolent Turbo Granny stealing Ken Takakura’s private parts, and a band of Ultraman-inspired aliens who want to reproduce using human females. This moment signals thatdark humor, along with the brutal realitiesthat shōnen series often shy away from depicting, will be a recurring element in the narrative.
Despite its wild premise,Dan Da Danbalances its dark humor with other themes like romance. Therefore, with a stellar adaptation by Science Saru,Dan Da Danis poised to be a major success for several reasons, bydemonstrating that a shōnen series can still thrivewhile incorporating mature elements like dark humor, brutal realities, and romance, potentially reshaping the genre’s boundaries and broadening its appeal to a more diverse audience.
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Two high school students, embroiled in a wager to prove the existence of ghosts or aliens, encounter daunting paranormal threats, acquire superpowers, and possibly discover love. The series blends supernatural elements with personal dynamics as the protagonists navigate their newfound abilities and unexpected challenges.
