Introduction
There are manga series that scare you, ones that make you laugh, and some that tug at your heartstrings. And then there’s Dandadan by Yukinobu Tatsu—a bonkers combination of all the above that kicks off with one of the most hilariously absurd setups in recent manga memory. Ghosts? Check. Aliens? Double check. A nerd who believed in UFOs because he wanted to have a friend? Definitely. Oh, and don’t forget about the one thing that Okarun, our geeky protagonist, will always remember: the tragic and literal loss of his genitals.
Yep, Dandadan is exactly that kind of story.
Aliens, Ghosts, and… Missing ‘Jewels’?
Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura (Okarun), the main duo of the series.
In Dandadan, you’ve got Momo Ayase, a feisty, straight-talking girl on the lookout for love, who believes that ghosts are real. Then there’s Ken Takakura, affectionately known as “Okarun,” a socially awkward UFO enthusiast who thinks aliens exist. Neither believes in the other’s worldview, so they make a bet—Momo will go to a supposed alien hotspot, and Okarun will check out a haunted house. The one who finds nothing has to admit they’re wrong.
Okarun meets Turbo Granny face-to-face, with the latter asking for his weenie.
Of course, the bet backfires in a way neither of them could have imagined. Okarun’s experience doesn’t just stop at meeting a ghost; he has a run-in with the infamously creepy “Turbo Granny,” who is more than happy to scare the daylights out of him. But that’s not even the worst part. In a show of paranormal absurdity, Turbo Granny decides to steal one thing that no young man wants to lose: his genitals. This literally cursed twist sparks the beginning of a supernatural journey that will throw Momo and Okarun into an endless whirlwind of aliens, spirits, and creatures straight out of a fever dream.
Finding Friends in Freaky Places
While Momo defended Okarun from being bullied at first, they bicker a lot especially after Okarun revealed his love for the occult.
Despite the rocky start (and Okarun’s missing family jewels), Momo and Okarun are forced to team up to survive the strange world they’ve stepped into. Their relationship is one of the funniest parts of Dandadan—the chemistry between them is spot-on. Okarun is quiet and a bit of a dork, while Momo is fiery and fearless, and they balance each other out in a way that’s both endearing and hilarious. There’s an awkward charm to how their friendship develops, especially since Okarun’s trauma over his vanished anatomy becomes an ongoing source of comedy and character growth.
This bizarre incident, however, also adds depth to Okarun’s character. His obsession with finding a way to reverse Turbo Granny’s “curse” pushes him into a series of ridiculous yet strangely heroic situations. Watching Okarun muster up courage despite his embarrassment and newfound supernatural status makes him more than just the awkward UFO nerd—he’s someone you root for. Even if he’s partly motivated by the hope of reuniting with his, uh, prized possession.
A Whirlwind of Paranormal Mayhem
Momo uses her psychic powers.
This is Momo’s grandma. Yes, she does look young, and she’s kicking Turbo Granny’s ass.
Dandadan’s appeal goes far beyond its bizarre premise. The pacing is relentless, and it never stops to explain itself. One minute, you’re laughing at Momo’s reactions to Okarun’s alien theories, and the next, you’re in the middle of a high-stakes showdown between aliens, ghosts, and whatever monster decides to show up. The story thrives on its chaos, throwing Okarun and Momo into one unpredictable situation after another. And the comedy? It’s out there, often involving the sheer absurdity of Okarun’s missing parts.
There’s a refreshing freedom in how Dandadan handles its supernatural elements. Rather than delivering the usual “monster of the week” or following a strict formula, the story embraces spontaneity. The randomness of Okarun and Momo’s encounters makes every episode a surprise, and that unpredictability keeps you tuning up for more, eager to see what wild scenario they’ll stumble into next.
A Unique Mix of Horror and Heart
Okarun’s transformation using Turbo Granny’s powers.
What’s truly special about Dandadan is how it manages to balance horror, comedy, and even a bit of romance without losing its identity. The horror elements—whether it’s the eerie ghost designs or the visceral alien encounters—give the story an edge that keeps it from being a simple gag manga. Turbo Granny herself is the perfect blend of creepy and ridiculous, serving as both a major antagonist and a source of dark comedy.
Despite the over-the-top humor, Dandadan isn’t afraid to dig into its characters’ emotional journeys. Beneath the absurdity, there’s a real story of friendship and growth. Momo and Okarun’s bond is tested by every strange encounter they face, and watching them lean on each other brings a surprising warmth to the story. Even as they’re battling supernatural forces or searching for a way to break Okarun’s, er, curse, their interactions feel genuine and grounded.
The Anime Brings the Madness to Life
It’s safe to say that Dandadan definitely got one of the best animation this season.
As if the manga’s wild premise wasn’t enough, Dandadan now has an anime adaptation that brings its surreal, supernatural world to life. Science SARU, known for their distinctive animation style, captures the manga’s chaotic spirit with vibrant visuals and incredible action sequences. From the grotesque expression of Turbo Granny to the elaborate alien designs, the anime elevates the bizarre and intense moments, all while preserving the humor and heart of the original.
Voiced by Shion Wakayama as Momo and Natsuki Hanae as Okarun, the characters burst off the screen with personality. Wakayama nails Momo’s brash energy, while Hanae’s portrayal of Okarun’s awkward sincerity brings extra charm. With its striking visuals, edgy color palette, and pulsing soundtrack, the anime pulls viewers right into the fast-paced world of Dandadan, making the absurdly fantastic premise even more captivating.
Why You Should Dive Into the Madness
The main cast of Dandadan.
Simply put, Dandadan is one of the most unpredictable and entertaining series out there. It combines horror, comedy, and action in a way that feels completely unique. The characters are as endearing as they are hilarious, and the story keeps you guessing with every twist and turn. The romance between Okarun and Momo adds an extra layer to the story, and the fact that their relationship began with a bet over aliens and ghosts is just the cherry on top. It’s refreshing to see two characters who don’t fit the typical shonen mold. Momo’s strong, Okarun’s awkward, and their chemistry feels real, even as they’re thrown into a world of bizarre supernatural chaos.
In the end, Dandadan is about more than just ghosts, aliens, or even Okarun’s “missing” parts. It’s a story of two people finding a friend in each other as they tackle the most bizarre situations imaginable. So, if you’re ready for a ride that’s equal parts terrifying and hilarious, jump into Dandadan. Just don’t be surprised if you end up rooting for Okarun to get his, uh, assets back.
If you want to see more of Dandadan, you can check out our catalog here at ZenPlus, shipped to you straight from Japan!
DAN DA DAN OP | Otonoke by Creepy Nuts | Netflix Anime
DAN DA DAN | Official Trailer | Netflix Anime
DAN DA DAN | OFFICIAL TRAILER 2
DAN DA DAN | Official Trailer 3 | Netflix
What do you think?
Will Momo and Okarun end up together?
Will Okarun ever get his jewels back?
What will happen to Turbo Granny once Okarun gets his genitals back?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook! We’d love to hear from you!
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You can watch Dandadan on Netflix, Bilibili, Prime Video, Muse Asia and Crunchyroll.
About the Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
