SPOILER WARNING: This article contains detailed spoilers for Dandadan Episode 1. Read at your own risk!
Science fiction fans, supernatural enthusiasts, and anime lovers alike have been eagerly anticipating the adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s wildly popular manga, Dandadan. The wait is finally over as Episode 1 delivers a rollercoaster introduction to this genre-bending series that somehow manages to blend UFOs, ghosts, high school drama, and offbeat humor into one coherent (and utterly chaotic) package.
What makes Dandadan stand out in the crowded anime landscape isn’t just its bizarre premise—it’s the execution. Episode 1 wastes no time throwing viewers into a world where aliens and spirits coexist, challenging beliefs and expectations while delivering heart-pounding action sequences and genuinely hilarious moments.
Let’s dive into this unconventional supernatural adventure that’s already capturing the attention of anime fans worldwide.
Dandadan Episode 1 Recap: A Breakdown of the Plot
Episode 1 opens with an unlikely confrontation between our two protagonists: the tough, no-nonsense Momo Ayase and the UFO-obsessed Ken Takakura, nicknamed “Okarun” by his classmates. Their introduction immediately establishes the central conflict and theme of the series—Momo firmly believes in ghosts but dismisses aliens as nonsense, while Okarun is convinced of extraterrestrial life but thinks ghost stories are ridiculous.
Their passionate debate escalates quickly, leading to a wild bet that will change both their lives forever: Momo challenges Okarun to visit an abandoned hospital rumored to be haunted, while Okarun dares Momo to go to Tokio Bridge, a supposed alien hotspot. The loser must completely accept the winner’s supernatural beliefs.
What follows is a perfectly paced sequence of events showcasing exactly what makes Dandadan such a unique viewing experience. Okarun’s visit to the abandoned hospital quickly becomes a nightmare as he encounters a genuinely terrifying spirit—Turbo Granny—a wrinkled old woman who glides through the air at incredible speeds. The animation during this chase sequence is nothing short of spectacular, blending horror and comedy as Okarun’s fearful expressions contrast with the absurdity of being pursued by a flying elderly woman.
Meanwhile, Momo’s adventure at Tokio Bridge takes an equally bizarre turn when she’s suddenly abducted by a UFO. The scene shifts dramatically from skepticism to bewilderment as Momo finds herself surrounded by classic “gray” aliens who proceed to strip her naked for examination. The series handles this potentially problematic scene with surprising tact while maintaining its comedic edge through Momo’s defiant personality even in the face of alien abduction.
The episode reaches its climax when their paths converge—Okarun, fleeing from Turbo Granny, ends up at Tokio Bridge just as Momo escapes from the alien craft. In a stunning demonstration of her hidden powers, Momo unleashes her spiritual abilities to battle the aliens, revealing that her belief in ghosts is backed by genuine supernatural talent.
The final moments deliver a shocking twist as Okarun, in his desperation to help Momo, unwittingly makes a devil’s bargain with Turbo Granny, allowing the spirit to possess his body in exchange for power. This transformation sequence is both disturbing and exhilarating, setting up the core dynamic for the series moving forward.
The episode ends on a perfect cliffhanger, with both protagonists forced to acknowledge the existence of the supernatural phenomena they previously denied and now dealing with life-altering consequences of their encounter.
Character Analysis in Dandadan Ep 1
Momo Ayase: The Ghost-Believing Powerhouse
Momo immediately establishes herself as one of the most compelling female leads in recent anime. From her first appearance, she defies typical tropes—she’s physically imposing, confident, and doesn’t hesitate to stand her ground. Episode 1 gives us glimpses beneath her tough exterior, particularly during the alien abduction sequence where vulnerability and determination create a complex character portrait.
What makes Momo fascinating is how the episode gradually reveals her connection to the supernatural world. Her grandmother is mentioned as an exorcist, explaining Momo’s familiarity with spiritual matters. When she finally unleashes her latent spiritual powers against the aliens, it’s not played as a shocking twist but rather as an organic revelation of abilities she’s been suppressing or controlling.
Her reaction to Okarun’s predicament at the episode’s end—a mix of concern, irritation, and pragmatism—perfectly encapsulates what makes her character instantly likable despite (or perhaps because of) her gruff exterior.
Okarun: The Reluctant Occult Hero
Ken “Okarun” Takakura presents as Momo’s perfect foil. Where she’s physically imposing, he’s lanky and awkward. Where she’s confident, he’s socially anxious. Yet the episode cleverly establishes that beneath these differences, they share a core stubbornness and conviction in their beliefs.
Okarun’s obsession with UFOs is played both for laughs and for character development. The episode suggests his fascination stems from a deeper need to believe in something beyond the ordinary, perhaps as an escape from his social isolation. His willingness to venture into a supposedly haunted hospital—despite his fear—demonstrates unexpected courage that becomes central to his character arc.
The possession by Turbo Granny at the episode’s climax establishes the central conflict of his character moving forward: a boy whose passion for the extraterrestrial has ironically bound him to a spiritual entity he previously didn’t believe existed.
The Dynamic Duo
What’s most impressive about Dandadan episode 1 is how quickly it establishes the chemistry between these two unlikely allies. Their initial antagonism feels authentic, as does their gradual shift toward mutual respect. By the episode’s conclusion, we’re fully invested in their partnership, even though neither character would willingly call it that yet.
The series uses their opposing beliefs as more than just a plot device—it becomes a metaphor for different worldviews colliding and the growth that comes from challenging one’s own firmly held convictions.
Themes: Science vs Supernatural in Episode 1
Dandadan’s first episode masterfully establishes its central thematic conflict: the tension between scientific and supernatural explanations for the unknown. This isn’t just represented by the aliens versus ghosts premise—it permeates the entire episode’s structure.
Okarun approaches the supernatural with skepticism informed by scientific curiosity. His interest in UFOs stems from a belief in extraterrestrial life as a scientific possibility, not a spiritual one. He collects evidence, investigates sightings, and approaches the unknown methodically, despite his enthusiasm.
Momo, conversely, has an intuitive understanding of the spiritual world. Her knowledge comes from tradition, personal experience, and her family heritage as spiritual practitioners. She doesn’t need evidence or proof—she knows what she knows.
The brilliance of Dandadan’s first episode is that it validates both perspectives while simultaneously challenging them. Both characters discover that their understanding of the unknown was simultaneously correct and woefully incomplete. This creates a thematic foundation that suggests the series will explore how different types of knowledge—scientific, spiritual, emotional—can complement rather than contradict each other.
This theme resonates with the show’s target audience, many of whom navigate their own relationships with scientific skepticism and spiritual or cultural beliefs. By refusing to definitively claim either perspective as superior, Dandadan episode 1 invites viewers to consider how different frameworks for understanding reality can coexist.
Animation & Art Style Review
Studio Science SARU (known for their work on Devilman Crybaby and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!) delivers a visual feast that perfectly captures the manic energy of Yukinobu Tatsu’s original manga. The animation quality in Dandadan episode 1 is exceptional, with fluid movement during action sequences and expressive character animation during dialogue scenes.
What stands out most is the studio’s commitment to visual contrast. Scenes featuring aliens embrace a cool color palette with sleek, metallic environments, while ghost encounters lean into traditional Japanese horror aesthetics with distorted perspectives and unsettling imagery. This visual distinction reinforces the thematic divide between the scientific and supernatural elements of the story.
The character designs remain faithful to the manga while taking advantage of animation’s unique strengths. Momo’s expressions of incredulity and determination are heightened through subtle animation touches, and Okarun’s terror during the hospital sequence is palpably conveyed through exaggerated facial reactions that never break the emotional reality of the scene.
Special mention must go to the animation of Turbo Granny, whose unnatural movements straddle the line between humorous and horrifying—a balance that defines the series as a whole. Her pursuit of Okarun through the abandoned hospital corridors is a masterclass in building tension through animation, with dynamic camera movements and strategic pacing.
The action sequences—particularly Momo’s confrontation with the aliens—showcase the studio’s ability to create impactful moments through clever staging and dynamic motion. Rather than relying solely on spectacular effects, these scenes derive their power from character movement and reaction shots that keep the emotional stakes front and center.
Easter Eggs & Hidden Details You Might Have Missed
Dandadan episode 1 is brimming with subtle details and foreshadowing that might escape first-time viewers. The abandoned hospital’s architecture contains several traditional Japanese spiritual wards that hint at previous attempts to contain Turbo Granny—a detail only briefly glimpsed but suggesting a deeper history to the location.
When Okarun researches UFO sightings at Tokio Bridge, attentive viewers will notice newspaper clippings that mention other supernatural phenomena from later in the manga, including subtle references to the “Serpoians” who become significant in future storylines.
The aliens’ ship interior contains hieroglyph-like symbols that recur throughout the episode in unexpected places—including, very briefly, on Momo’s skin during her display of spiritual power. This visual motif hints at connections between the extraterrestrial and spiritual worlds that the characters haven’t yet discovered.
Perhaps most importantly, the episode contains several quick cuts to an unknown observer watching both Momo and Okarun, suggesting a third party aware of both supernatural forces who may be manipulating events from behind the scenes.
How Does Dandadan Episode 1 Adapt the Manga?
The anime adaptation’s first episode covers roughly the first three chapters of the manga, and does so with remarkable faithfulness while still taking advantage of the animated medium. The pacing feels slightly accelerated compared to the manga, but this works in the episode’s favor, creating a breathless energy that mirrors the characters’ experiences.
Some of the more explicit content from the manga—particularly during Momo’s alien abduction—has been tastefully toned down while maintaining the scene’s impact and humor. This change feels appropriate for the anime format and broader audience without compromising the original work’s intention.
The most significant adaptation choices involve sound design and voice acting, elements unavailable in the manga format. The voice actors for both Momo and Okarun perfectly capture their personalities—Momo’s voice carrying authority beyond her years while Okarun’s performance conveys both his nervousness and underlying determination.
Manga readers will appreciate how faithfully the adaptation recreates specific panels, particularly during the possession sequence, where several iconic images are reproduced almost exactly. However, the animation adds new dimensions to these moments through movement, color, and sound that enhance rather than merely translate the source material.
Dandadan Episode 1: First Impressions from Fans
The online response to Dandadan’s premiere has been overwhelmingly positive, with social media buzz reflecting the episode’s ability to surprise even those familiar with the manga. Reddit discussions have particularly focused on the animation quality, with many users expressing pleasant surprise at how well Science SARU captured the manga’s unique visual style.
Anime-only viewers have responded enthusiastically to the genre-blending approach, with many commenting on how refreshing it feels to watch a series that doesn’t fit neatly into established categories. The balance of horror, comedy, action, and even slight romantic tension has been widely praised.
Some of the most positive reactions have centered around Momo’s character, with viewers appreciating her deviation from typical female protagonist tropes. Her competence, strength, and no-nonsense attitude have already earned her a devoted following online.
The cliffhanger ending has done exactly what it intended—generated significant anticipation for episode 2, with prediction threads and theories already proliferating across fan communities.
FAQs
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What happens in Dandadan Episode 1?
Dandadan episode 1 introduces high schoolers Momo Ayase and Ken “Okarun” Takakura, who disagree about the existence of ghosts and aliens. They make a bet where each must visit a supposedly supernatural location—Okarun goes to a haunted hospital while Momo visits an alien hotspot. Both encounters prove real: Okarun is chased by a ghost called Turbo Granny, while Momo is abducted by aliens. When their paths cross, Momo reveals her spiritual powers to fight the aliens, and Okarun allows himself to be possessed by Turbo Granny to gain power. The episode ends with both teens forced to acknowledge both supernatural phenomena exist.
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Who are the main characters in Dandadan anime ep 1?
The two main characters introduced in Dandadan ep 1 are Momo Ayase, a tough high school girl who believes in ghosts and comes from a family of spiritual practitioners, and Ken Takakura (nicknamed “Okarun”), a socially awkward boy obsessed with UFOs and extraterrestrial life. The episode also introduces Turbo Granny, a powerful spirit who possesses Okarun, and briefly shows a group of gray aliens who abduct Momo.
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How many episodes are in Dandadan season 1?
While the exact episode count for Dandadan season 1 hasn’t been officially confirmed at the time of this writing, industry sources suggest it will likely follow the standard seasonal format of either 12 or 13 episodes. The manga has plenty of material to adapt, potentially setting up future seasons if the show proves successful.
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Where can I watch Dandadan episode 1?
Dandadan anime episode 1 is available for streaming on Crunchyroll and other major anime streaming platforms. Some regions may have different availability, so check your local anime streaming services. The series is simulcast with Japanese broadcast, meaning new episodes become available shortly after they air in Japan.
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Does Dandadan ep 1 cover the manga’s first chapter?
Dandadan episode 1 adapts approximately the first three chapters of the manga, covering the initial meeting between Momo and Okarun, their supernatural encounters, and concluding with Okarun’s possession by Turbo Granny. The adaptation is quite faithful to the source material while making minor adjustments for pacing and television broadcast standards.
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Is Dandadan anime episode 1 worth watching?
Absolutely! Dandadan episode 1 delivers an impressive blend of horror, comedy, action, and supernatural elements with outstanding animation quality. The episode establishes unique main characters, an intriguing premise, and ends on a compelling cliffhanger. It’s especially worth watching for fans of genre-bending anime that don’t follow conventional formulas.
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What genre is Dandadan?
Dandadan defies simple genre classification, which is part of its appeal. It combines elements of supernatural horror, science fiction, action, comedy, and coming-of-age drama. The series weaves these disparate genres together seamlessly, creating a unique viewing experience that appeals to fans of multiple anime categories while feeling fresh and original.
Final Thoughts: Is Dandadan Episode 1 a Strong Start?
Dandadan episode 1 accomplishes everything a premiere should do and more. It efficiently establishes its core characters, the central conflict, and the unique tone that sets it apart from other anime series. The episode’s greatest strength is its confidence—it doesn’t waste time explaining its bizarre premise or apologizing for its genre-bending approach. Instead, it trusts viewers to keep up with its frenetic pace and unusual concept.
The animation quality from Science SARU demonstrates a clear love and understanding of the source material. Action sequences flow beautifully, comedy lands with perfect timing, and horror elements are genuinely unsettling when they need to be. The character designs stay true to the manga’s distinctive style while taking full advantage of the animation medium.
If there’s any criticism to be made, it might be that the episode moves almost too quickly through its setup, potentially overwhelming viewers unfamiliar with the manga. However, this rapid pace also contributes to the episode’s chaotic energy, mirroring the characters’ own whirlwind introduction to supernatural phenomena.
For its perfect balance of humor and horror, exceptional animation, compelling character introductions, and successful adaptation of the source material, Dandadan Episode 1 earns a strong 9/10 rating. It sets a high bar for the episodes to follow and announces itself as one of the season’s must-watch series.
Join the Conversation!
Have you watched Dandadan episode 1 yet? What did you think of the unusual premise combining aliens and ghosts? Are you Team Momo or Team Okarun when it comes to their supernatural beliefs?
Share your thoughts in the comments below! Did you spot any Easter eggs or foreshadowing we missed? What are your predictions for episode 2?
Don’t forget to bookmark our site and check back next week for our detailed recap of Dandadan Episode 2 as we continue following Momo and Okarun’s supernatural adventures!
If you haven’t watched the episode yet, you can stream it now on Crunchyroll and join the discussion about this exciting new series that’s already making waves in the anime community.
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