Bandung, Indonesia Sentinel — Anime studio Science Saru has once again captivated audiences with their latest anime project, Dan Da Dan, following their successful work on Star Wars: Visions and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. While previous projects hinted at the studio’s immense potential, Dan Da Dan fully unleashes their storytelling and animation prowess, proving that Science Saru has reached new creative heights.
Dan Da Dan is an adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s manga, a hit that has sold millions of copies. With its vibrant visuals, unique style, and a story that’s as strange as it is endearing, Dan Da Dan has quickly become a must-watch anime for this fall season.
The anime’s opening sets a dynamic tone right from the start. While many series take an episode or two to build character backgrounds and establish plot motivations, Dan Da Dan skips the slow burn. Instead, it launches viewers directly into the action, showcasing the core conflict with breathtaking animation and a fast-paced narrative.
The story centers on two high school students: Momo, a girl raised by a spirit medium who believes in ghosts but not aliens, and Okarun, a socially awkward boy obsessed with aliens who doubts the existence of ghosts. Their paths cross when Momo defends Okarun from bullies, sparking a friendship based on contrasting beliefs. They enter into a dare—Momo agrees to visit an alien hotspot while Okarun explores a tunnel haunted by a ghost. But things spiral out of control: Okarun gets possessed by a bawdy ghost called Turbo Granny, while Momo is abducted by terrifying aliens, only to discover she has awakened psychokinetic abilities.
This quick setup immediately invests the viewer in both protagonists, defining their personalities and motivations within mere minutes. Science Saru’s animation complements this fast pacing with a stylish approach, pulling the viewer into the story with an intensity rarely seen in anime.
Dan Da Dan is not for the faint-hearted. In one of the earliest scenes, Momo faces a troubling encounter with a toxic ex-boyfriend, and later, she narrowly escapes a dark fate at the hands of monstrous aliens. This anime tackles heavy themes unflinchingly, creating powerful, raw scenes that linger long after the episode ends.
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Yet, amid the intense moments, Dan Da Dan interjects dark humor, delivered with razor-sharp comedic timing. Each joke lands at just the right moment, breaking the tension before it overstays its welcome and keeping the narrative dynamic and engaging.
Visually, Dan Da Dan is stunning. Science Saru’s expertise in movement and scene design is matched only by their imaginative use of color. One memorable episode is presented almost entirely in greyscale, punctuated by a vivid burst of red at a crucial moment. This meticulous art direction not only sets the tone but also accentuates the story’s emotional depth.
With unforgettable characters, a solid storyline, and some of the most captivating art direction in recent anime, Dan Da Dan has set a high standard for the industry. It’s a show that’s as daring as it is beautiful, cementing Science Saru’s reputation as a powerhouse in animation.
(Raidi/Agung)
