While people often look to classic anime series for great episodes, some of the more modern animes are already beginning to gain acclaim and a following, looking to gain that acclaimed status. One of these series is Dandadan, which balances humor, science fiction, fantasy, and plenty of action.
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PostsWhether you were drawn in by one of Science Saru's other anime, the dramatic art style, or just the promise of a humorous adventure, there are far worse anime out there to watch than Dandadan. But even with its heavy-hitter of a first season, certain episodes stand out above the rest.
12 First Love
Episode Eleven
A new "monster" appears but not quite as expected, as if anything could be expected in Dandadan towards the end of the season. First Love is one of the slower episodes, but it proves important to the narrative.
The love between the anatomical mannequins in comparison to Momo and Okarun's budding romance is a fun treat, especially after the tension and confusion between them in the previous two episodes. It's an emotionally poignant episode where everything feels like it's coming together for the better. That is before, in true Dandadan fashion, Jiji is introduced, causing new tension.
11 It's A Granny Vs. Granny Clash
Episode Three
There are a few things that make the third episode of Dandadan stand out, not the least of which is the titular Granny Vs. Granny fight that makes the end of the episode pop.
Dandadan is unique in anime for having a much faster pacing than some of the other heavy-weights in the genre. This is shown off well in the third episode with the end of Turbo Granny as the main villain (for a moment at least). It also shows Momo's grandma as a fully-fledged character with all the abilities and knowledge she has.
10 Like, Where Are Your Balls?
Episode Five
A humorous title, but an ominous one for anyone who has seen the series thus far. This is one of the episodes that best shows the range that Dandadan allows for as far as genre goes.
Turbo Granny has finally been defeated, for now at least, and is now inhabiting the body of a small cat toy. She reveals that Okarun still isn't quite whole. There are a lot of comedic moments in this episode, but it also involves quite a bit of background and setup for the occult powers that the show hinges on. Plus, you are introduced to Aira, who is soon to play a bigger part in the series.
9 I've Got This Funny Feeling
Episode Eight
After the previous two episodes, this one ramps down a bit and explores some of the existing characters and their goals. What would be a boring filler episode for some other series is anything but in Dandadan.
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Posts 2Okarun shows off some of his anxieties in relation to Momo and his new powers. Momo herself wonders what people think of her. Aira reveals more about herself as well, much to the annoyance of the protagonists. It seems like an episode focused more on romance, that is until the school surrounding them all goes dark. It's a great ending to an episode that feels nearly like a slice of life. It doesn't have some of the big fights, but some solid character building.
8 Kicking Turbo Granny's Ass
Episode Four
Turbo Granny is back, and she's not done giving Okarun and Momo a hard time yet. It's quite the episode to have a third of the way through the first season, especially considering Okarun's powers keep developing but he's also fighting the one who has given them to him.
This dichotomy reaches its end-point, which should be a devastating final fight for an antagonist that has hampered the duo from the beginning. Learning about Turbo Granny's backstory adds some impressive depth to the episode and the entire series too, not to mention it makes the final battle a more complex endeavor. Not to mention all the great animation in the fight scenes with Granny too.
7 Merge! Serpo Dover Demon Nessie
Episode Nine
The aliens are back, and they've brought with them some hired help. A creepy battle in an alternate-dimension-like school follows, and it has everything that the fans of Dandadan's more actionable points love.
Okarun and Momo's powers reach their peak for the first season in this episode, and romantically enough, they also show how much they can work together as a team to a single goal. The Nessie and Dover Demon characters are both interesting antagonists and the creators really experimented with color and movement in the art style this episode, which makes for a visual treat along with the action.
6 Let's Go To The Cursed House
Episode Twelve
The final episode of the first season, and an odd one for sure, but not in a bad way. Let's Go To The Cursed House takes the crew, with the new addition of Jiji, to a new location.
A new area, some of Jiji's backstory, a strange curse, and plenty of odd villagers all await the group. All of which makes for a fun change of pace, but it is a bit of a slow burn in comparison to some of the other episodes. It sort of works for a cliffhanger for season two, which works well, and builds up Okarun's relationships with Jiji and Momo.
5 Have You Ever Seen A Cattle Mutilation?
Episode Ten
The final part of the Nessie and Dover Demon fight, and also the final fight in the first season of the series. Have You Ever Seen A Cattle Mutilation is an odd name for an episode, but it all makes sense in the end.
The fight ending with the perfect usage of the trio's powers is a strong team-building moment, which is a great watch for Dandadan fans who may have been worried about Aira's inclusion. The ease of tension between the three is a breath of fresh air, only interrupted by Mr. Mantis Shrimp's (aka Dover Demon's) injured return. His own backstory and resolution rounds out a great episode with all the humor and emotion that fans had come to expect from the series as a whole.
4 A Dangerous Woman Arrives
Episode Six
Dandadan is back to full-speed with the sixth episode in the first season. Having defeated Turbo Granny, there is now a power vacuum in the series, and all that's left is for Okarun to find his missing parts before things go back to normal. Seemingly.
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PostsThis episode harkens back to the formula that Dandadan likes so much: lull the viewer into a false sense of normalcy, creep them out with some strange entity, and then let all hell break loose. This time, this comes in the form of the Silky. The fight is intense, Aira gets more screen time, Okarun and Momo explore their powers, and their relationship. This episode has everything Dandadan has to offer.
3 That's A Space Alien, Ain't It?
Episode Two
Another great episode, and one that better solidifies the powers that Momo and Okarun both find themselves with. It does great at balancing the overall larger plot points of the series, and some great action to boot.
Momo being captured by aliens, Turbo Granny back with some new things to say, and foiling the alien plot are just a few things that happen in this episode. It doesn't have all the power that other episodes have, but it's a great follow-up to the introduction, and it shows more of how Momo and Okarun defend themselves.
