Studio Science SARU Delivers The Perfect Adaptation Of ‘Dan Da Dan’ For Netflix
by Tito W. James
In Dan Da Dan, Momo Ayase believes in ghosts but not aliens and starts an unlikely friendship with Okarun who believes in aliens but not ghosts. As it turns out, both ghosts and aliens are real and it’s up to these two teens to stop them from destroying Japan.
I’ve been voraciously reading the Dan Da Dan manga and I was curious as to how well the story would translate into an Anime. I caught the premier of the first three episodes in theaters and can safely say that this is the adaptation fans of Dan Da Dan deserve. Studio Science SARU has already made some legendary anime with Devilman Crybaby and Scott Pilgrim: Takes Off. Dan Da Dan’s bizarre genre-blend of action, horror, and romantic comedy is a perfect fit for the studio.
The subtleties of the manga are captured and expanded upon for each iconic scene. The voice actors embody each character and the chemistry between Momo and Okarun is dynamite. Dan Da Dan is a much needed shot in the arm to the shonen genre, which too often relies on the stock protagonist of “spunky boy who wants to be the strongest in the world.” Momo and Okarun are equal protagonists and the series makes great use of the action of a shonen series and the romantic drama of a shoujo series. The result is an anime that will create new fans and surprise veteran otaku.
Dan Da Dan will be streaming on Netflix October 3rd.
