It is what is supposed to be a young guy’s dream—a guy and a girl alone with no parental vision. Bu then something worse happens.. a supernatural THIRD WHEEL!

Video Review

What Stands Out About This Episode?

Romantic Comedy WILL ALWAYS WORK

I have to start off with the most obvious trope that defines the word “ship” in anime: romance in shonen-type of animes. It works. It will always work and the first half of the episode is filled with tons of fun over-the-top banter and sassy womanly violence, while the poor bowl-cut turned fro-cut turned spiky-cut, just gets put through the ringer. All the while being possessed by this horny-turbo-granny that still wants to be milked well beyond her menopause days. Death. I believe that’s what it’s called.

When you are young or just looking for a relationship in general, these kinds of animes just fulfill your romanticized dreams of finding that special someone, building those dreamy kind of bonds that only happen in fiction. In Dan Da Dan, between MC Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura, there are two very likable and easily to relate to characters that will win you over in episode 1. And when you’ve got two characters that everyone (and their dirty, horny grandmas) knows are going to build this romantic bond over the course of the story, it’s really easy to balance out the slice-of-life moments and sassy banter that makes these two characters so damn endearing.

Dan Da Dan blends all kinds of comedic creativity into the characters, even conjuring up my favorite kind of comedy that is comedic irony, which is prevalent in various aspects within the story like the “Ken Takakura” situation and Momo’s grandmother being a fake, but real spiritual “woo-woo” person.

The TRUE HIGHLIGHT of Dan Da Dan

When it comes to anything comedy, it’s never just about the comedy. When it comes to slice-of-life, it’s never just slice-of-life that carries an exciting story. So, what exactly makes Dan Da Dan stand out in the first two episodes? The ACTION! And I’m not talking about your sick, nasty thoughts that caused all that internet controversy in episode 1. I’m talking about the ass-kicking kind.

What usually leads to action animation is plot-related. Some animes slack on the plot, which is almost always a mistake. Every time I watch one that leaves me wanting more from a CLEARLY exciting plot if explored, is just a missed opportunity. Amazing action can happen when it stems from a tense moment. A “comedic” anime can literally throw in something that makes the story that much more dynamic while keeping the integrity of the comedy. That’s Dan Da Dan so far in episode 2.

The first half of the episode kicks off with some solid romantic comedy and slice-of-life moments, but it quickly escalates into the real highlight: the action. Science Saru absolutely nails the fight scenes, making everything look so crisp and satisfying to watch. It’s basically the essence of what makes shonen what it is. You’ve got characters with unique powers being forced into situations where they have to fight off all sorts of supernatural forces that literally want to steal their “banana”—yeah, it’s wild.

But that’s exactly where the magic of Dan Da Dan shines. Ken and Momo are thrown into these bizarre, life-or-death encounters with Alien Diddies, and through those insane battles, their bond grows in a way that feels totally feels like they share the same body heat. You get all the classic shonen elements—battles fueled by wit, strength, and raw determination. For a show like Dan Da Dan, this is exactly the kind of storytelling that’s going to hook new fans. And honestly? After just two episodes, I’m totally one of them!

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