Dan Da Dan Anime: Ultraman Homages, Tokusatsu Influences, and Hilarious Horror!

Get ready for a wild ride with Dan Da Dan, the new Anime that's taking the world by storm! This show brings together ghosts and aliens in a way that's both hilarious and terrifying, and there are a few very special Easter eggs that will thrill you!

Dan Da Dan's Unique Premise

The first episode alone was enough to create lots of buzz and for good reason, too! Fans of paranormal series will be hooked by the wild blend of supernatural and science fiction, as well as a fun shonen-inspired story, but to really understand why Dan Da Dan is so amazing! You need to realize it takes its inspiration from a few very special areas, making its impact larger than it might initially seem.

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The Influence of Tokusatsu

Dan Da Dan Natsuki Hanae interview Image

Tokusatsu, which comes from Japan has become iconic to those who appreciate its very distinct blend of action-packed entertainment with super special effects, but what's most compelling, it has the greatest influence on many worldwide franchises. From these, viewers may notice something incredibly cool and it all begins with how Dan Da Dan paid its tributes to another massive entertainment hit. One of Japan's most legendary creations!

The MonsterVerse
The Power Rangers franchise

Both of those took cues from Tokusatsu, so Dan Da Dan is no exception.

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Ultraman's Impact

Ultraman, is iconic to those in Japan. and the impact that this series and its characters made worldwide, and this character in Dan Da Dan took some clear inspiration.

The eerie, scary characters are a testament to Ultraman’s universe. Some of the scariest beings take on a special character.

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The Serpoians

The most compelling parts of this awesome show were revealed when Momo decided to check out what appears to be an abandoned building. In the building we learn the building was frequented by those who are looking to experience an otherworldly adventure. To get into the scene Momo goes into the building with her friend Okarun and is taken by Serpo Aliens.

In this moment, audiences might see a very familiar figure that shows up. And even if you don't recognize it at first it seems clear this alien race is a tribute to Ultraman’s special universe!

The Serpo Aliens multiply using cloning! Their scary appearance takes cues from another iconic character.
The Dada is a race that has shown up before! The first sighting is all the way back in 1966, from an Ultraman episode.
The designs are even similar, featuring monotone colors with various stripes that run all the way down the body! There's this really creepy big mouth for this monster too!
There's another monster called Alien Pegassa from Ultraseven (from 1967) is very familiar to the Serpo Alien’s head shape
There's an incredible show where you even get to see just what the arms of the Serpo Alien look like as they're launching their scary attacks, very familiar to Alien Hipporit. It’s very cool!
What made this series stand out even further? The show used a classic pose, just like what the team does for Storium Ray, another Ultraman legend!
They take this power and go for this hypnotic power. That might seem a bit intense but these monsters also made their presence felt, which audiences might remember is what Alien Baltan was known for doing.

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Behind-The-Scenes Creativity

It may seem to you that Dan Da Dan has paid its homage, but the creator of this series Yukinobu Tatsu came out in an interview with Comicbook. Tatsu explained his creativity and where he got his inspiration.

Tatsu openly declared his fascination and the use of Ultraman for many elements!

That is only a small part of what makes this series so fun!

The use of these classic characters adds depth to the characters, showing viewers where Tatsu gets his vision.
The Alien Baltan was cited as inspiration for the manga.
Gomora also gave inspiration.
Narita Toru’s artwork also has inspired Tatsu.

Studio Science Saru's Impact

Studio Science Saru is another team that put in its creativity to this series! They aren't just animators! What makes it unique, the studio showed even further tribute! There's a deep sense of gratitude for Ultraman and these great tokusatsu.

You won't just find it with the special monsters that are present! You will see plenty more such as:

The series took on some of the visuals from the original Ultraman opening and uses similar imagery!
There's even the incredible glowing effect of Momo’s earrings! These give her a really Ultraman-inspired effect, and looks fantastic in animated format!
Even more special effects add this extra Ultraman-like charm, and as you are watching the opening scene there's another epic Ultraman inspired scene as well. Fans get really excited to see Okarun doing this legendary pose just like Ultraman Rise!

For those that want an amazing new anime to watch! Get your popcorn ready! Dan Da Dan gives fans more than an exciting blend of sci-fi and horror. Studio Science Saru added to this incredible anime which is really designed to bring an unforgettable, action packed and supernatural journey! What was made, might just give people plenty to talk about for years to come!