This review contains very minor spoilers.

Dandadan is a wacky, charming, and beautiful show about the unlikely meeting of two vastly different characters (or so we are led to believe at first). Momo, a sharp-tongued, pretty, and plucky fan of the occult, crosses paths with Ken—or Okarun—a quiet, mousy guy obsessed with aliens and UFOs. Their lives are turned upside down when they discover that both aliens and ghosts exist. However, the show isn’t just about its wild premise; at its core, it’s about their evolving relationship.

Momo and Okarun’s dynamic is the tether grounding the show amidst the chaos that unfolds around them. Their budding romance is delicately interwoven with the chaos around them, offering moments of genuine saccharin sweetness that feels raw and heartfelt. This here lies the heart of the show, the evolution of their bond. Watching their mutual care, friendship, and teenage awkwardness blossom into a meaningful connection are of this shows greatest moments.

The animation is nothing to scoff at either. It can easily rival some of the best tv series in terms of visuals. While not every episode is a visual masterpiece, there’s a great consistency in quality. From the fluidity of the battle sequences to the vibrant and almost surreal color palette, Dandadan is a visual feast. A testament to this shows visual prowess is seen in episode 7, which is a more character focused episode but is easily the most striking, gorgeously storyboarded, the "show, don't tell" directing and color palette blending to create a gorgeous spectacle. Science Saru is able to convey intense emotions and sakuga without relying on action sequences or fight scenes.

The supporting cast deserves mention, though not all characters shine equally. Turbo Baba, for instance, is an intriguing and fun character whose motivations feel layered and authentic. On the other hand, characters like Jiji and Aira feel underdeveloped in some aspects. Their potential is sidelined to keep the focus on the main duo—a decision that makes sense as this is only the beginning, but still. Aira, in particular, stands out for her role in delivering the most compelling and visually stunning episode of the season. However, her motivations feel a little bit lacking in depth. Seiko is another with a background that could be much more than it was, but the narrative seems to want to axe her potential due to her powerful nature.

I cannot end this review without discussing my favourite character in more depth. Momo is an amazing standout modern day shounen heroine. Unlike many female characters relegated to supporting roles or stereotypical arcs, Momo's portrayal as an equal if not stronger character than her male counterpart is genuinely groundbreaking for this genre. I don't want to box her into the 'strong female lead' role as her strength as a character is not just confined to her physical strength but extends to her personality too. We see this in her quick-witted thinking in high-pressure situations during battle as she usually takes the charge to lead Okarun. Simultaneously, she has a lot of empathy which we can see in her interactions with Okarun where she softens and allows herself to be vulnerable. Her complexity has cemented her as one of the most compelling female leads in contemporary shounen.

Despite its minor shortcomings, Dandadan’s unapologetic zaniness and unique setting make it a blast to watch. The blend of alien conspiracies, ghostly antics, and adolescent awkwardness creates a crazy concoction that somehow all works. If you’re looking for a show thats equal parts heartfelt romance, great visuals, and just plain weirdness, Dandadan delivers on all fronts and it's definitely a ball of a time!