Sep 16, 2024

Dan Da Dan: First Encounter Of the multiple mystery-thriller-horror anime shows and movies that unsettle the audience with their imagery – for instance, Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue, Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira or Chiaki J. Konaka’s Serial Experiments Lain – the show Dandadan stands out for its ability to disturb viewers while being playful and humorous about it. A compilation of the first three episodes of the series – titled Dan Da Dan: First Encounter – was screened in India by Muse Communication, at PVR Maison, Jio World Drive in Mumbai on 15 September. This special screening was part of Muse’s marketing strategy to promote the upcoming release of the anime show Dandadan. The anime is carried by its lead characters Ken “Okarun” Takakura (played by Natsuki Hanae) – a boy who believes in aliens – and Momo Ayase (played by Shion Wakayama)  – a girl who believes in ghosts. The socially awkward Okarun struggles to make friends while Momo is a confident and a kind hearted individual. After Momo is dumped by her boyfriend and has to go through the day in a slump, she comes across the introverted Okarun who is being bullied by his classmates. She stands up against the bullies to save him. Following a series of events, Momo and Okarun bet to prove wrong, the other person’s belief (ghosts in Momo’s case and aliens in Okarun’s case), with the loser having to be the winner’s gofer. Without spoiling much, we can say that the chemistry between the two protagonists is bang on! The moments of love and warmth, the cheeky and heated arguments, the understanding of and support for each other, and the exaggerated quippy banters between these two incredibly fleshed-out characters are the strength of this show. The lead pair’s shenanigans are not the only thing the show offers. Dan Da Dan dives into occult phenomena, urban legends, monstrosities that are obsessed with “banana” organs – the imagery of which is terrifically surreal and dreadful at the same time. While supernatural beings aren’t the focus of the show, the challenges they pose advance the bond between Momo and Okarun forward, something that every viewer roots for. Combined with spectacular fast-paced action and great character designs of occult monsters, Dan Da Dan: First Encounter delivers a thrilling experience. The art style of the show, while staying true to traditional anime, feels vibrant and full of life, adding a fresh twist to the visuals. This inventive yet familiar approach allows the fast-paced sequences and energetic character performances to flow effortlessly, capturing the same dynamic energy as its manga. The show is faithful to its source material – the manga by writer and illustrator Yukinobi Tatsu – and truly expands the reach of the manga to a worldwide audience. The well-executed first three episodes have positively reinforced the entire show’s anticipation, and if Dandadan meets the expectations, Otakus are in for a treat. Directed by Fûga Yamashiro (Tatami Time Machine Blues, Super Shiro) and produced by Science Saru (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off!, Devilman Crybaby), the show Dandadan is distributed in India by Muse Communication and will be released on streaming platforms Netflix and Crunchyroll worldwide on 3 October 2024.