Intro
It is undeniable that the appeal of DanDaDan lies in the absurdity of its scenarios. Sure, there are heartfelt moments that touch the heart and even bring tears to viewers—such as the infamous episode 7—but the majority of its highlights come from how bizarre this anime truly is. From the premise alone, you can already tell this will be a wild ride, and the anime trusts you to keep sticking with it as it spirals further into whacky surrealism. It delivers plenty of laughs, but also treats you to visuals that feel original and stand out from the rest. This is further elevated by the talented team at Science SARU, whose vibrantly loud and chaotic animation is complemented by hype-inducing music, all stitched together with meticulously tight direction.
Overall, Season 1 proved to be one of the best new shounen series out right now. And with a second season immediately following, the question is: can it keep the hype cogs running that Season 1 so brilliantly set in motion? ***
Season 2
Yes. Absolutely. Not even a hint of doubt about it. The second season of DanDaDan takes the surreal energy of the first season—the comedy, the diverse personalities, and most importantly, the absurdity of the situations these characters constantly find themselves in—and carries it through Season 2 with the same respect and even more flair. From the very first episode, we’re immediately dropped into the middle of an arc (set up in the first season) and it wastes no time picking up steam.
The opening arc is action-packed, with jaw-dropping moments piling one after another, each brimming with immense hype, balanced by comedic quips that land even in their subtlest form. What truly makes this season (and the series as a whole) shine, however, is how it delivers action sequences unlike anything seen before. While it boasts the style and spectacle you’d expect from other shounen juggernauts, DanDaDan goes a step further—especially in Season 2—by presenting action that keeps you hooked precisely because it feels so fresh and unpredictable.
One standout highlight is the exorcism episode featuring Jin (voiced by Makoto Koichi), as well as Episode 8, where characters battle famous musical prodigies using pianos and music as their weapons—a chaotic, overwhelming, and exhilarating sequence that feels impossible to imagine in any show other than DanDaDan.
This is all thanks to the consistent direction of the team at Science SARU, who manage to juggle sharp comedy, surreal action, and genuine human moments with finesse—no easy feat, yet executed to absolute satisfaction. Once again, Science SARU proves they are the perfect studio to handle DanDaDan’s surreal and refreshing take on the shounen formula.
As for the characters, they’ve remained just as entertaining—if not even funnier and more dynamically warm—than in the first season. Momo Ayase (Shion Wakayama) and Okarun (Natsuki Hanae) continue to be a joy to watch, and every scene that shows their romance gradually blooming remains undeniably sweet. Turbo Granny (Mayumi Tanaka), Seiko Ayase (Nana Mizuki), and Aira Shiratori (Ayane Sakura) are along for the ride as well, adding their own unique flair to the group dynamic.
When it comes to the new characters, I was initially worried about how they would handle Jin, given the already crowded cast. However, from the first arc onward, Jin was given a firm role within their dynamics, which keeps us invested in the ensemble. Though Jin didn’t get the same kind of standout spotlight that Aira had in Season 1, his emotional journey serves as the heart of the entire second season. And that, in itself, is more than enough to keep viewers emotionally engaged amidst the series’ chaotic energy. ***
Conclusion
The second season of DanDaDan carries over the strengths of the first season and continues to deliver sequences and moments unlike anything seen before in the shounen landscape. Its comedic quips keep you lighthearted, its surreal action sequences leave you in awe, and the adrenaline it provides keeps you energized episode after episode. Overall, this stands as my preferred season in DanDaDan’s catalogue of episodes. ***