Dandadan S1.E1: "That's How Love Starts, Ya Know!"

Episode OverviewDandadan makes its anime debut with the thrilling first episode, "That's How Love Starts, Ya Know!", which aired on September 13, 2024. With an IMDb rating of 8.7, this episode introduces viewers to a chaotic yet hilarious story of belief, skepticism, and the supernatural.

The Premise

The episode centers on two unlikely companions:

• Momo Ayase: A high school girl who firmly believes in the existence of ghosts but dismisses the idea of aliens as nonsense.

• Okarun (Ken Takakura): A nerdy boy who is convinced that aliens are real but is equally skeptical about ghosts.

To settle their argument, the duo embarks on separate quests to prove each other wrong. What starts as a lighthearted challenge quickly spirals into an extraordinary adventure when they discover the shocking truth: both aliens and ghosts exist, and they aren’t exactly friendly.

Cast and Crew

• Directors:

  • Fûga Yamashiro: Known for his work in dynamic and action-packed sequences.

  • Abel Gongora: A veteran of high-quality animation with unique visual styles.

• Writers:

  • Hiroshi Seko: Renowned for adapting complex manga into compelling anime scripts (Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen).

  • Yukinobu Tatsu: Creator of the Dandadan manga, ensuring the anime stays true to its source material.

• Stars:

  • Shion Wakayama as Momo Ayase

  • Natsuki Hanae as Okarun

  • Nana Mizuki as a supporting character, bringing depth to the supernatural elements.

Highlights of the Episode

1. The Chemistry Between Momo and OkarunThe comedic clash of their beliefs forms the backbone of the episode. Their banter is both hilarious and endearing, laying the groundwork for a strong character-driven story.

2. Supernatural Meets Sci-FiThe episode masterfully blends the paranormal with extraterrestrial themes. From eerie ghostly encounters to bizarre alien abductions, the balance between horror and humor keeps viewers hooked.

3. Visual and Animation ExcellenceThe animation by a talented team, under the direction of Abel Gongora, elevates the story. The detailed character expressions, fluid action scenes, and imaginative depictions of aliens and ghosts are a visual treat.

4. Unexpected TwistsJust when you think the story might stick to one genre, it throws a curveball. The realization that ghosts and aliens coexist adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the narrative.

   
   

User ReviewsFans have praised the premiere for staying faithful to the manga while bringing its unique charm to life. Reviews highlight the fantastic voice acting, particularly Shion Wakayama’s portrayal of Momo, and the witty dialogue that keeps the tone lighthearted despite the darker themes.

Trivia

• Dandadan was one of the most anticipated anime adaptations of 2024, owing to the manga’s cult following.

• The episode features subtle references to classic horror and sci-fi tropes, cleverly blending nostalgia with originality.

• Directors Fûga Yamashiro and Abel Gongora collaborated for the first time, resulting in a fusion of their distinct creative styles.

Final Thoughts"That's How Love Starts, Ya Know!" sets a strong foundation for Dandadan, delivering an entertaining mix of supernatural chaos and heartfelt moments. With its unique premise, well-crafted characters, and high-quality production, the episode leaves viewers eager for more.