The summer 2025 anime season is in full swing, and it’s hard to name a returning series that is as anticipated or popular as Dan Da Dan. Science Saru’s adaptation of the manga of the same name, created by Yukinobu Tatsu, is the epitome of anime with unconventional or weird premises. Forget being reincarnated as a vending machine in a fantasy world — imagine one of the main characters missing two very important spherical parts of his male anatomy, and the only way of getting them back is by investigating and fighting all things occult, paranormal, and out of this world. That’s just the Cliff Notes version of Dan Da Dan’s central premise, which only gets weird (and more heartfelt) with each subsequent episode.
After the phenomenal first season finished airing in September of last year, anticipation for the second season began to build. Fast-forward to 2025, and Dan Da Dan Season 2 is finally here, and should absolutely be on anyone’s list of anime to watch this season. The bombastic first episode already premiered on both Crunchyroll and Netflix, and is just a small taste of what to expect in Momo Ayase and Okarun’s fantastical adventures. With incredible character work and backstories, visually breathtaking Shōnen fights, and fantastic opening and ending sequences, Dan Da Dan is the must-watch anime of the season.
Release Date
September 13, 2024
-
Natsuki Hanae
Ken Okarun Takakura
-
Shion Wakayama
Momo Ayase
‘Dan Da Dan’ Is as Heartfelt as It Is Outlandish
Netflix / Crunchyroll
While the first season did an excellent job of establishing the endearing relationship between Momo and Okarun as well as introducing some supporting cast members with Aira and Jiji, fans should expect Season 2 to lean into all the excellent character dynamics even more. The only reason the Shōnen battles at the heart of Dan Da Dan work so well is because of the camaraderie and friendship between the characters. What starts as misunderstandings and tension soon transforms into believable and authentic relationships, something that can mainly be expected between Okarun and Jiji, as the former’s jealousy of his friendship with Momo softens and turns into something else entirely.
Of course, brand-new science fiction and supernatural elements will be on the way as well. Fans who were lucky enough to attend the theatrical screening of the first three episodes of the new season, titled Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye, will have received a small (but beautiful) glimpse into one of the next big threats that Momo and Okarun will be going up against. As with Acrobatic Silky (one of the supernatural threats from the previous season), Evil Eye will undoubtedly come with a tragic backstory, adding depth to what could have easily been a one-dimensional villain.
Related
The Greatest Anime Series of the Last 25 Years
These anime have left an indelible mark on television with their stunning visuals, excellent storytelling, and thought-provoking themes.
There are also the new alien threats that will be unveiled later on in the season, as Science Saru’s talented production team blends various animation styles to bring the manga to life in vivid and stunning detail. For those who thought the first season of Dan Da Dan was the peak of the series, it’s only just beginning. Momo and Okarun’s group of lovable misfits is only going to grow to help deal with the incoming threats. It’s a perfect blend of high-concept Shōnen action and a heartfelt rom-com, as you can expect plenty of cute and awkward moments between Momo and Okarun.
‘Dan Da Dan’ Season 2 Is a Technical Achievement With a Directorial Dream Team
There is also the impressive production team behind Dan Da Dan Season 2, which has evolved since the first season aired. Look no further than the directorial team of Fuga Yamashiro and Abel Gongora, who will be helming this newest batch of episodes. Abel Gongora is being given much more of an involved role this time around, and it’s easy to see why — the director storyboarded and directed the opening sequence for the first season, set to the tune of “Otonoke” by Creepy Nuts. It became the most talked-about opening of the summer 2024 season, and both the animated sequence and the song won awards at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. The rest is history.
Gongora’s visual flair, paired with Yamashiro’s knack for framing and creating complex sequences, means that fans can expect that Dan Da Dan will translate from the page to screen seamlessly. Unlike some other adaptations, Season 2 continues to take Yukinobu Tatsu’s incredibly detailed art style and transform it into a colorful palette of action, romance, and comedy. Viewers can also expect more implementation of 3D animation, as Gongora revealed in an interview with Collider.
Related
Netflix’s Hit Anime With 100% RT Score Unveils Wild Season 2 Trailer
It’s time to say goodbye to Season 1’s incredible OP.
And of course, there are new opening and ending sequences that need to be seen to be believed. If nothing else, check out the opening minutes of the new season on Netflix or Crunchyroll to see if Dan Da Dan is something for you. Science Saru’s series is on the cutting edge of animation, implementing a variety of animation styles that are used to bring the manga to life, while also adding their own flourishes as a homage to a variety of movies and genres, making it even more worthy of a watch for fans of the medium in general.
‘Dan Da Dan’ Is the Future of Shōnen Anime
Netflix / Crunchyroll
Dan Da Dan is a series with a bright future ahead of it, especially as Tatsu’s manga is still ongoing, and recently celebrated the publication of its 200th chapter. The story shows no signs of slowing down, and it’s hard to imagine a world in which this series doesn’t get renewed for a third season to continue adapting the manga. The Evil Eye is only the tip of the iceberg for the story of Season 2, with more otherworldly obstacles that will lead to some of the craziest (and more than likely beautifully animated) scenes in the entire series.
In a summer anime season filled with highly anticipated continuations of other popular series, Dan Da Dan stands out with its unique blend of genres, stunning animation, and a dream team of directors, creating an exciting second season. It’s easy to see that the future of Shōnen anime and manga will be led by series like these. With new episodes dropping on two different streaming services every Thursday, Dan Da Dan is a series that is difficult to miss and should be watched on a weekly basis. Dan Da Dan is streaming on Netflix and Crunchyroll.
You can view the original article HERE.
