Table of Contents
- Introduction to Dandadan
- Basic Information
- Plot Summary
- Main Characters
- Key Highlights of Dandadan
- How to Read Dandadan for Free
- Related Works
Introduction to Dandadan
Dandadan is an exhilarating occult battle manga that combines supernatural horror, science fiction, and high-energy action. Written and illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu, the story follows a high school girl who believes in ghosts and an otaku boy who believes in UFOs. Together, they encounter bizarre paranormal phenomena that force them into battles with ghosts, yokai, and extraterrestrials.
Basic Information
- Author: Yukinobu Tatsu
- Serialized in: Shonen Jump+
- Genre: Supernatural, Shonen, Occult
- First Published: April 6, 2021
- Anime Adaptation: Scheduled for Fall 2024
Dandadan has become a flagship series for Shonen Jump+, consistently surpassing one million views per chapter. As of May 2022, it has sold over 1.2 million copies, including digital editions.
Plot Summary
Momo Ayase, a tough high school girl from a family of spiritual mediums, crosses paths with Ken Takakura, an introverted otaku who is obsessed with aliens. Momo believes in ghosts but not in aliens, while Ken believes in aliens but not in ghosts. Their opposing beliefs lead them to make a wager: whoever proves the existence of their chosen phenomenon first wins, and the loser becomes their servant.
They each visit a haunted location and a known UFO hotspot, only to be proven horribly wrong. Both aliens and ghosts exist, and they are terrifying. As Momo and Ken barely escape their encounters, they become entangled in an ongoing supernatural conflict that will change their lives forever.
Main Characters
Momo Ayase
A strong-willed high school girl with a strikingly cool attitude, Momo comes from a lineage of spirit mediums. Despite her sharp tongue and rough exterior, she has a kind heart. She nicknames Ken “Okarun” to tease him. After a close encounter with the alien race Serpo Beings, Momo gains the ability to control spiritual energy, allowing her to manipulate auras and battle supernatural threats.
Ken Takakura (Okarun)
A nerdy high school boy fascinated by the occult, Ken is socially awkward and physically weak. His obsession with aliens stems from a lonely childhood where he hoped that extraterrestrials could be his friends. When cursed by the legendary yokai Turbo Granny, he develops superhuman speed and strength. However, his combat skills are lacking, and he struggles with his newfound powers. Despite his timid nature, he shows courage when it matters, especially when protecting Momo.
Aira Shiratori
A self-proclaimed beauty at their high school, Aira is a narcissistic and flirtatious girl who hides her true emotions. After losing her mother at a young age, she mistakenly believed a spirit known as Acrobatic Silky was her mother and was haunted by it. After defeating the entity, she inherits its abilities. She harbors feelings for Ken, leading to frequent clashes with Momo.
Key Highlights of Dandadan
Dandadan stands out due to its unique blend of horror, comedy, and high-energy battles. Some of the most notable aspects include:
- Unique Yokai and Aliens: The series introduces bizarre and original supernatural entities like Turbo Granny and Acrobatic Silky, blending urban legends with fresh designs.
- Unpredictable Encounters: The presence of both ghosts and aliens adds an unpredictable element to every chapter. Are they enemies? Could they be allies?
- Action-Packed Yet Comedic: The manga balances intense supernatural battles with hilarious moments, including risqué humor and absurd situations.
- A Fresh Take on the Supernatural Genre: While most stories focus on either aliens or ghosts, Dandadan combines both in a seamless and compelling way.
Related Works
If you love Dandadan, you may also enjoy:
- Chainsaw Man – Tatsuki Fujimoto: A supernatural battle manga with over-the-top action and dark humor.
- Jujutsu Kaisen – Gege Akutami: A high-stakes supernatural battle series featuring cursed spirits and exorcists.
- Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku – Yuji Kaku: A brutal supernatural adventure involving assassins on a mysterious island.
With an anime adaptation on the horizon, now is the perfect time to dive into Dandadan and experience its mind-bending mix of horror, action, and humor!
