Warning: Contains Spoilers for Dandadan Episode #8
Dandadan’s anime adaptation has been a wild ride, presenting absurd, deranged, and emotional characters and developments that have given the series a distinct identity. While the author, Yukinobu Tatsu, has been open aboutDandadan’s biggest inspirations, the production team also pays homage to these works by overloading the adaptation with Easter eggs, like a recent cameo that contains the biggest reference to a cult film of theMonsterVerse.
The series' very own premise was drawn thanks toThe Ring Vs. The Grudgeand the creepy banana-stealingSerpo Aliens are a nod towardsUltraman, and while these could be subtle references; the ones featured inDandadan’s episode 8 are much easier to spot. InDandadan’s new episode, the Serpoians are back, along with two new alien antagonists, a sea-creature-like monster, Nessie, and the boxer Dover Demon, who deliver a big shoutout toShin Godzillaand an iconic song fromMamma Mia!
Nessie Is Based on Shin Godzilla
Dandadan’s Anime Elevates Nessie' Blast Thanks to Hideaki Anno’s Movie Influence
While Nessie is an obvious reference to the Loch Ness Monster, just likeSeiko’s metal bat, it’s also based onGodzilla, specificallyShin Godzilla,the 2016 film byEvangelion’s creator, Hideaki Anno. This can be seen both in its design and its attack, asNessie’s blast is clearly inspired by Shin Godzilla’s Atomic Breath, but instead of radioactive black ashes ignited by firing a beam, this one uses water. AlthoughDandadan’s manga only features a panel of Nessie launching a high-compression water blast, the anime adaptation takes it to the next level.
The anime includes an original well-executed sequence of Nessie swallowing the surrounding water and covering his eyes in a membrane, like Shin Godzilla, before shooting a green beam while his body starts to emit a green glow appering like a dorsal fin. This is very similar to Toho’s film, where the glow of Godzilla acts as a sign of him preparing to launch his atomic breath.
Dover Demon Makes a Reference to the Music Group ABBA
DandadanShowcases a Parody Version of “Chiquitita”
Additionally, when the alien Dover Demon starts attacking Okarun and Aira, he is singing aparody version of “Chiquitita,” the iconic single by the Swedish musical group ABBA, whose songs were featured in the movieMamma Mia!.While the alien didn’t sing the exact lyrics of the song, probably due to copyright issues, he did say a part of the chorus, “Chiquitita, you and I cry,” before repeating the word Chiquitita (that means little girl in Spanish) mixed with a chant song about gig workers. This is tied to the Dover Demon’s background, which is yet to be revealed in the anime.
Dandadan Debuts a New Transformation That Rivals Okarun’s Epic Power
Dandadan kicked off another big story arc in episode #8, and it ended with one character getting a brand-new transformation on par with Okarun’s.
Although it may be a weird song decision for an anime,the group ABBA is well-known in Japan, not only because ofMamma Mia’s international success, but also because their hit songs from the 70s decade were well received in the country, as it was the location for the group’s last tour in 1979. Also,the song Chiquitita reached platinum in Japanand is worldwide known as ABBA donated its royalties to UNICEF’s child protection work.
Dover Demon’s Fighting Style Is a Reference toHajime No Ippo
Hajime No IppoIs Known as One of the Best Sports Anime of All Time
Another reference from the Dover Demon is his unique fighting style, as he is a combat-type alien who delivers powerful punches with his red gloves using the same boxing technique as Ippo Makenouchi, the protagonist of the sports animeHajime no Ippo. InHajime no Ippo’s story,Ippo was inspired by Mike Tysonand uses his same technique, the peek-a-boo, where the boxer maintains his gloves close to his face to increase his defense. The Dover Demon also balances to the side as if he were to do the Dempsey’s roll.
All these different references prove what makes Dandadan so unique, as it features a random combination of different pop culture elements rarely seen outside parody animes, mixed with an absurd yet engaging plot that always takes viewers by surprise. Certainly, no one could anticipate Okarun and Momo confronting an alien boxer who sings ABBA hits or a Kaiju version of the Loch Ness Monster who shoots lightning water beams from his mouth and still be an incredibly exciting battle shōnen.
Dandadan
Cast
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.
