Imagine trying to explain Dandadan to someone new – you’d probably sound a bit unhinged yourself! ‘Okay, so there’s this teenager, and a vengeful granny’s spirit, and… well, his testicles get stolen.’ Most people would politely exit the conversation right there. But Science SARU’s second season of the popular manga adaptation by Yokinobu Tatsu leans even further into its glorious weirdness. This time, we’re treated to everything from demonic childcare duties and a sandworm that could rival Dune‘s, to unsettling landlords, a Slipknot-themed exorcism at a shrine, a parade of murderous classical musicians, and even Godzilla makes an appearance. Seriously, try recounting that over dinner and see how long it takes before someone recommends therapy.
Dandadan Season 2 (Japanese)
The amazing thing is, none of this is satire. Dandadan’s unique charm lies in its utter sincerity amidst the absurdity. It takes all these bizarre elements and not only makes them work but elevates them into something truly special. This sophomore season firmly establishes Science SARU as one of those rare animation studios capable of creating genuine art from pure, unadulterated madness.
A still from ‘Dandadan’ Season 2
Continuing directly from last year’s thrilling cliffhanger, we once again meet Momo Ayase and Ken ‘Okarun’ Takakura. Their endearingly awkward budding romance acts as a grounding force amidst the swirling vortex of pandemonium surrounding them. This improbable love story serves as the core around which the series constructs a fantastical hall of mirrors, where traditional Japanese yokai legends, classic pulp sci-fi, and the boisterous energy of shounen anime collide in ever-more outlandish ways. Watching Dandadan is a continuous affirmation that Science SARU has absolutely no reservations about joyfully smashing every genre boundary imaginable.
Science SARU has earned its acclaim through this incredible flexibility, showcasing characters and animation that fluidly stretch, snap, and reconfigure with a delightfully rubbery, almost illogical grace. Directors Fuga Yamashiro and Abel Gongora seamlessly pass the baton, each contributing episodes that either delve into a rich, gothic intensity or embrace vibrant, slapstick absurdity. Yet, despite these stylistic shifts, the overall chaos maintains a remarkable coherence. This isn’t just random bizarre stuff; it’s a meticulously crafted, high-energy carnival of imagination.
The ‘Evil Eye’ storyline takes center stage this season, bringing unexpected depth to Jiji, who was initially a brash rival in Momo and Okarun’s relationship. His possession by the Evil Eye yokai is portrayed with genuine tragedy, and the animation for these sequences shifts into a raw, anxious, and jagged style, reminiscent of Masaaki Yuasa’s most impactful work.
A still from ‘Dandadan’ Season 2
Naturally, Dandadan never stays somber for long. Moments later, you’re plunged into thrilling action sequences that push the boundaries of what television animation can achieve, propelled by an intoxicating surge of creative ideas. Every battle is given its own distinct color palette: alien skirmishes glow with murky greens, yokai hauntings pulse with deep reds and blacks, while the Evil Eye radiates a majestic, electric purple. Even the season’s ultimate kaiju showdown is delivered with the unbridled, maximalist energy of a Gurren Lagann or Pacific Rim, all infused with the hilarious visual comedy of Kung Fu Hustle.
While Dandadan’s visuals constantly twist and morph, its soundtrack is equally dynamic and unpredictable. Kensuke Ushio’s score for the season is masterfully eclectic, like a DJ who loves to surprise his audience. We get hyper-energetic electronica for moments of teenage anxiety, raw buzzsaw guitar riffs for intense fights, and sudden, poignant silences when emotions run high. He cleverly sprinkles in recurring musical themes too – bells chime like a darkly humorous funeral dirge whenever the Evil Eye appears, and a deep, unsettling drone announces the presence of the Mongolian Death Worm. These subtle sonic cues add a rich layer for attentive viewers.
Often mischaracterized as simply pandering to the male gaze, Dandadan actually delivers a biting satire of Japan’s gender politics. Its grotesque aliens and yokai are more than just fantastical creatures; they represent real-world issues like incel anger, corporate greed, and the daily harassment young women endure. Beneath the vibrant, technicolor chaos, Dandadan brilliantly explores the conflict between tradition and modernity, revealing how both can fester into aggression, and empowers its young heroine to boldly defy and redefine the established norms.
Despite the constant barrage of bizarre horrors, the series also masterfully fosters moments of profound intimacy. Whether depicting gruesome battles or the awkwardness of teenage hormones, Science SARU approaches every emotional beat with equal respect. A fierce yokai showdown is given the same narrative importance as a quiet car ride where two teenagers are unsure how to hold hands. Both are significant ‘crises’ in their own right, and both are handled with care.
This season also truly embraces and refines the ‘found-family’ trope. Seiko Ayase’s dining table, initially a symbol of her solitary life, transforms into a recurring visual motif. It gradually fills with a motley crew of strays, former rivals, and even cursed houseguests, eventually resonating with a heartwarming sense of unexpected kinship. Against a backdrop of interdimensional terror, the simple image of these adolescents sharing a meal of curry becomes surprisingly touching. Dandadan beautifully captures the slow, meaningful process of building these connections.
A still from ‘Dandadan’ Season 2
Perhaps this is why the series feels so vibrantly, defiantly alive. In an era where the animation industry often grapples with the impersonal touch of automation, Dandadan proudly showcases its human craftsmanship. Its creators share storyboards on social media like heartfelt letters, and its promotional teases playfully mirror sensational tabloid headlines. Each frame seems to declare, with a hint of playful defiance: ‘This was made by passionate human hands.’
Season 2 concludes, predictably, with another tantalizing cliffhanger, and Science SARU has already teased the arrival of a third season. However, even if this were to be the final chapter for Momo, Okarun, and their ever-growing cast of eccentric companions, it would undeniably stand as an exceptional example of source material adaptation.
Just how much absurdity can a story handle before unraveling? Dandadan brilliantly demonstrates that the limit lies somewhere between ‘far too much’ and ‘seriously, somebody call an exorcist.’ To experience this show is to embrace a unique narrative flow where genuine emotion and outright silliness are impossible to tell apart. And it’s hilariously, perfectly fitting that one of today’s most imaginative anime series kicks off with the bizarre premise of stolen testicles.
You can stream Dandadan exclusively on Crunchyroll.
A trailer for Dandadan Season 2 is also available.