DAN DA DAN
a review by H8ter
a review by H8ter
Maybe it's because I'm losing interest in the genre, or maybe it's that I've watched too many, but romance anime is getting very repetitive. I'm always looking for something with a twist- a change from boring student council arcs and thirsty harems. There are exceptions of course, but the consensus is that the same tropes are being exhausted.
Romance Shounen seems like a good idea!
Most Shounen romances suffer from the same thing- there is almost no room in the plot for the main leads to bond, as it is mostly fighting. There are two that I can think of as exceptions: Sword Art Online & Fate Stay Night: Unlimited Bladeworks. They both have good romance, but the tone of the story isn't funny and cheerful, the glue for a good romance.
And that's where DAN DA DAN comes in.
★ Okarun is a nerdy and socially awkward guy who loves to talk about aliens and UAPs (UFOS). He has always been bullied for his interests and awkwardness - resulting in an inferiority complex.
Okarun first meets Momo when she saves him from being bullied.
★ Momo is a feisty, bold, and aggressive "popular girl" who is intimidated by almost nothing. She has just broken up with her boyfriend, as she really only dated him because he looked like her favorite actor.
Momo believes in ghosts, and Okarun believes in aliens. Neither of them thinks the other is sane, and they want to prove each other wrong. So they both go to places where aliens and ghosts should be, proving that aliens and ghosts do in fact exist.
DAN DA DAN is about two kids fighting aliens and ghosts while falling in love.
DAN DA DAN isn't for everyone. And that's a fact. The first episode has Momo chained down in a chair while aliens try to take her genitals. Just by hearing that you can probably guess that the show will have many more things like this to come, and you'd be right. Nothing ever happens when the aliens chain Momo down, and I think that also speaks volumes about the story. There are crazy scenes that have outrageous things happening like a demon asking for Okaruns banana, but they are clearly there for lighthearted fun. The “plot” of the story is Okarun trying to get his balls back after an alien took them (plus the romance). And if that doesn't sound like your thing, then DAN DA DAN isn't for you.
I know a lot of people don't like fanservice, so I'll say this: There is almost no direct fanservice in the whole series except for weird alien moments like the one mentioned at the beginning. The only direct fanservice is Momo's grandma, and even that is rare. The author of the series doesn't add unnecessary sexual innuendoes and that earns a lot of respect.
The chemistry and pacing are some of the best I've seen, and not in the way you think.
DANDADAN is weird because the confession doesn't feel important. Most romances out there have the clear goal of confession, where weak points in the plot are the catalyst for entertainment, while Momo and Okaruns relationship thrives off of pure chemistry and learning what it means to understand. Now there are points in the story where problems in their relationship arise, but they aren't dragged on for countless episodes. The reason that this works so well is because of the characters, and how they view human connection. Okarun has obviously lacked connection all his life, so when something comes up, he understands the importance of making it right with the other person. Momo on the other hand, is a "popular girl" that doesn't really have trouble making friends- though these friends clearly dont value their relationship as much as Okarun. I love Momo as a character, because she's a likeable "half" Tsundere that can be harsh at times but realizes what shes doing is wrong, unlike every other female lead. (cough cough Taiga cough cough Alya cough cough Chitoge )
What I'm really trying to get at is that 70% of the reason this works is because of Okarun.
A lot of people praise Hachiman because hes "relatable" and a "loner" but I think that Okarun is a million times better. Comparing these two seems weird as these anime aren't similar at all, but I'm using it as a baseline to say this:
Okarun is the one of the most relatable and real male leads I have ever seen.
The fight scenes in DANDADAN are beautiful and full of color, thanks to Science Saru. Momo and Okarun work together as a team, patching together their weaknesses, and most importantly, adding comedic relief while sprinkling in some cute moments. There's nothing bad I can say about the action.
DANDADAN is MUCH different as it's structured more as a slice of life, with there not really being an end goal like One Piece for example (actually I guess Okarun getting his balls back could be it.) The balance between romance and fight scenes is awesome, as you'll get some episodes full of Okarun and Momo growing closer, beautiful fights, and incredible backstories that make you cry (9.7 on IMDB).
Though DANDADAN might not sound like its for everyone, I think it marks a turning point in romance.
If you have any feedback/thoughts, reply to this thread! Id love to talk about the show. https://anilist.co/activity/830705347
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