Get ready for a wild ride with Dan Da Dan, one of the most talked about anime series of Fall 2024! This show blends romantic comedy, paranormal mysteries, and aliens in a totally unexpected way. But there's something that may surprise you even more- it has a serious nod to some of the most famous Japanese tokusatsu!
Dan Da Dan's Creepy Villains
The first episode throws us right into the action with some really bizarre characters, two villains right from the start! But if you look deeper you might discover something incredibly awesome! The creators took serious inspiration from Ultraman!
The Serpoians And Ultraman
In the first episode, the character Momo is looking to show off her skills to her rival Okarun, visits a famous site to check out evidence of aliens, a spooky spot known for attracting aliens and in the middle of things, gets captured by some really freaky aliens, the Serpoians!
- These aliens can clone themselves and want more human DNA to increase their population. This part really leaves viewers wondering, what's to come.
- The aliens may appear as humans, too! They try to take over bodies.
These villains, are not entirely unique, what might make them more interesting for Ultraman fans, is that their appearance is a total tribute. They're based on the Dada aliens, one of those characters who shows up in the original 1966 Ultraman series. Fans will love this nod. Not just the designs but names and design came from the Dadaism art movement. So we get to see an evolution with these super freaky, awesome looking aliens, having stripes all over, a look that can't be beat! The designs even get even cooler, mimicking Alien Pegassa from the 1967 series, Ultraseven. This includes things like the Serpoians' hands, which may even look like Alien Hipporit from Ultraman Ace.
Ultraman-Inspired Designs
This amazing connection that goes between Dan Da Dan and Ultraman might not just be something that appears from thin air! In an interview on Comicbook, Yukinobu Tatsu the creator, confirms it!
Tatsu mentions his interest in the art styles. This included work from Narita Toru! If this name is familiar to you, it may be from the Ultraman work. Tatsu explains this early work's importance! This goes even further than just being inspired.
His work wasn't just appreciated, and he became part of how other characters came to life. So now these amazing tributes appear.
Science Saru's Tribute
But what about those involved with bringing Dan Da Dan to life! You can see the efforts from Science Saru as this is their take! You won't be able to miss it! Right away they've brought in those who will never forget Ultraman, by bringing a totally Ultraman-esque style to the show. Science Saru did a really great homage in their show with this opening sequence. It even makes it so much easier to recall classic Ultraman scenes! There was an even greater tribute when you see the "rise pose" done by Okarun. The end of the sequence seems like a loving homage.
An Anime For Everyone
What's most interesting about Dan Da Dan is its versatility! It's an awesome anime. That blends elements of tokusatsu which has resonated so widely, both in Japan and even with Western fans. The best part? These two worlds coming together bring the biggest surprise for tokusatsu and anime lovers!
The creators went above and beyond by bringing these elements into the mix for a perfect mash-up. These elements create this uniquely special Anime that not only brings a completely new kind of adventure but one that should continue to capture attention with an expanding cast and interesting plot! That is to say that it is filled with the quirky teenage drama! There will always be reasons to get this audience coming back for more.
Dan Da Dan continues to delight audiences and for those who are Ultraman fans be sure to catch all of the awesome details. If you haven't had a chance to watch this awesome show, this is an awesome show that will surely be a must-see!
