English Dub Review: DAN DA DAN: EVIL EYE

From co-directors, Fuga Yamashiro and Abel Gongora. The “DAN DA DAN: EVIL EYE” theatrical event screens a recap of last season’s start of the EVIL EYE arc, along with the first three episodes of the new second season

At its core, Dandadan is a masterclass in controlled chaos. For those that don’t know about the series Momo Ayase, a high school girl who believes in ghosts but not aliens, and Okarun, a classmate obsessed with aliens but dismissive of spirits, make a fateful bet. To prove each other wrong, they visit a haunted tunnel and a UFO hotspot respectively. Naturally, both turn out to be terrifyingly real.

What follows is the franchise’s now classic relentless barrage of bizarre encounters, from curses and demonic possessions to full-blown alien abductions and intergalactic turf wars. Season 2 dives even deeper into the established lore while introducing a host of new, and even stranger, allies and antagonists The animation, handled by the returning Science SARU, perfectly captures the manga’s distinctive art style and kinetic energy. Action sequences are fluid and impactful, while the comedic timing, often relying on exaggerated expressions and slapstick, lands consistently.

Beneath the ectoplasmic slime and extraterrestrial hardware lies a burgeoning and genuinely sweet romance between Momo and Okarun. The bond between Momo and Okarun looks to continue to evolve, facing new relationships hurdles amidst the supernatural chaos.  The series continues to balance its over-the-top elements with moments of genuine character development and emotional resonance as we see our heroes confront their fears, rely on each other, and grow in unexpected ways.

Dandadan Season 1 was a triumph. It was a breath of fresh, bizarre air in the anime landscape, successfully translating the manga’s unique charm and energy to the screen. It’s a series that revels in its own absurdity while never losing sight of its endearing characters and their growing relationships. Having just watched the first three episodes of Dandadan season two, the future looks brighter (and probably very stranger) for Dandadan. If you haven’t jumped on this ghost-and-alien-hunting bandwagon yet, now is the perfect time to catch up before the next wave of delightful madness hits. This is one supernatural romantic comedy you don’t want to miss.