For those who keep up with anime buzz, “Dan Da Dan” has been making waves as an adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s highly esteemed manga. The debut episode of this anime series, now available on Crunchyroll and Netflix, truly lives up to the anticipation. Thanks to studio Science Saru’s innovative approach, viewers are treated to a quirky, stylish, and wildly anarchic introduction, establishing “Dan Da Dan” as a must-watch this Fall season.

The unique plot of “Dan Da Dan” immediately sets the tone for its bizarreness. After a tumultuous breakup, the spirited Momo crosses paths with the nerdy Okarun, who endures bullying. What follows is a misconstrued act of love stemming from pure interaction, leading both to discover their unique interests—Momo in ghosts and Okarun in alien conspiracies. The twist? Each dismisses the other’s beliefs, setting up a wonderful dynamic that is mirrored by the vibrant energy of the opening credits, propelling the story forward.

To prove their beliefs, Momo ventures into a haunted hospital known for UFO sightings, while Okarun explores a supposedly haunted tunnel. In a clever twist, Momo is abducted by aliens, while Okarun encounters a depraved spirit known as Turbo Granny.

The collision of supernatural and extraterrestrial realms culminates in the episode’s highlight—a brilliantly animated sequence where Okarun, cursed by Turbo Granny, invades the aliens’ ship through his smartphone. The Serpoians, alien captors from the planet Serpo, are promptly defeated. With their eerie smiles and sinister intentions, these are not characters anyone wishes to linger around.

However, this episode does not shy away from tackling controversial aspects, particularly the unsettling portrayal of female characters. Momo, a well-developed character, unfortunately, finds herself frequently restrained and vulnerable. Nevertheless, she retaliates brilliantly, discovering her telekinetic abilities and defeating the Serpoians.

As “dandadan episode 1” concludes, it lays the groundwork for future episodes. Momo alone possesses the power to prevent Okarun’s curse from taking over, an ingenious narrative tactic to keep the duo linked. Simultaneously, Okarun strives to break Turbo Granny’s curse, and amidst this chaos, a potential love story begins to unfold.

Despite the intensity with spirits and UFOs, it’s the charming connection between Momo and Okarun that will captivate audiences. Momo reveals her vulnerabilities to Okarun, such as being raised by her grandmother, a spiritual medium, rather than her parents. This protective and genuine side of Momo makes her a standout character in contrast to typical fiery protagonists.

While the initial episode may feel a touch overwhelming due to its rapid pace and sensory overload, it raises the question of whether “Dan Da Dan” tried too hard to secure a returning audience. Nonetheless, its vivid, imaginative visuals, meant for the big screen (indeed, it premiered in cinemas), make “Dan Da Dan” a standout from start to finish. Despite dealing with challenging topics such as sexuality and objectification, this premiere sets a high bar for exploring anime’s wilder territories.

“Dan Da Dan” is currently streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix. For further updates, you can check out the “Dan Da Dan” release schedule as well as our guides for “Jujutsu Kaisen” season 3 and “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War” part 3.