It’s no surprise thatDan Da Danis an absolute riot, blending extraterrestrial and supernatural themes with the tried-and-true battle shonen formula, but this white-hot new anime takes a much-needed bold step. Battle shonen series have continuously dominated much of the public discourse around anime in the public sphere, andDan Da Danis no different. However, the series forgoes the lengthy buildup that its peers have made common tohave its protagonist immediately transform into his strongest form, setting the tone for the adrenaline-fueled rush that will beDan Da Dan.
Dan Da Danbegan its manga run on theShonen Jump+platform on July 07, 2025, with new chapters out weekly every Tuesday chroniclingthe action-packed misadventures of two misfits who are perfect for each other. Ken Takakura, affectionately named Okarun, and Momo Ayase share their respective beliefs in aliens and the supernatural, causing their lives and abilities to change forever. While Okarun shows his first major transformation inDan Da Danepisode #1, it’s worth noting that the two take turns saving each other’s lives as part of their budding bond while the series progresses.
Dan Da Dan’s Turbo Granny Is Peak Battle Shonen Design Without the Buildup
Not Even the Final Transformation Fans Can Anticipate
Dan Da Dan’sTurbo Granny ends up empowering Okarun (at a cost), giving him great powers. This can be favorably compared to contemporary and classic battle shōnen characters like Kurama from Naruto or the iconic Super Saiyan transformations inDragon Ball. It’s a tried and true trope of the genre to have a character reach a stage where they can transform to express their growth in power, but this usually happens later. InDan Da Dan’scase, viewers are treated to Turbo Granny taking over Okarun just past the middle of the episode.
Turbo Granny, aka 100km/h Granny, is an urban legend depicting a Yokai from Japanese folklore who can run at extreme speeds.
This exceptional design teases even greater battle shōnen moments for Okarun as he channels Turbo Granny’s powers in future episodes. Not only does his appearance change sharply, but also his personality and self-confidence. But with Turbo Granny having cursed Okarun and being initially in control, Momo has to be present to use her awakened powers to suppress the curse.This is commonly associated with the “Sealed Inside a Person-Shaped Can” phenomenonfromTV Tropes, much like Kurama and Sukuna, but neither of them can top Granny’s bargaining chip inDan Da Dan.
Momo and Okarun Are a Force to Be Reckoned with
Clearly, Okarun’s growth will not stop at episode #1, and he will have to find a way to control Turbo Granny’s powers and use them in the most effective way. However, what makesDan Da Dantruly stand out is that the focus is never on the classic strength-based progression of its characters. The series puts a lot more focus on the relationships they develop, while still treating fans with amazing action and battles.
As seen in the first episode, while Okarun gets his moment to shine, so does Momo when she remembers her grandmother’s lessons to release her chi, releasing immense psychokinesis and spiritual manipulation. Momo can fight back against the mighty Turbo Granny’s possession while laying a thrashing of her own on the Serpoians. Few other battle shōnen anime equally give this sort of balanced screentime to two lead characters, usually reserving individual episodes to give separate treatments.
While most battle shōnen thrive in re-proposing the same tropes in different shapes,Dan Da Danseems to be the exception, giving fans a wholly different experience and making bold strides, and is surelythe hottest current anime to follow.
Dandadan
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Two high school students, embroiled in a wager to prove the existence of ghosts or aliens, encounter daunting paranormal threats, acquire superpowers, and possibly discover love. The series blends supernatural elements with personal dynamics as the protagonists navigate their newfound abilities and unexpected challenges.
