Summary
Yukinobu Tatsu’sDandadanis a shounen manga that tells the absurd story of two teenagers named Momo and Okarun. While the former believes in spirits, the latter is convinced about the existence of aliens. So, when they cross paths with each other, their conflicting worldviews lead to an epic adventure that pits them against mysterious alien beings, dangerous spirits, and bizarre supernatural forces.
The manga borrows ideas fromcryptid myths and alien conspiraciesto weave an intriguing premise that keeps readers engaged. Each arc introduces new and unexpected storylines by beautifully blending action, horror, and humor. While most of thebestDandadanarcsare exhilarating and silly, the following stand out as the most memorable.
5Turbo Granny Arc
Momo And Okarun Become Friends And Gain Supernatural Powers
AsDandadan’s first story arc, the Turbo Granny arc sets the tone for the manga with its imaginativeamalgamation of horror and comedy genres. The series starts off with Okarun and Momo’s unexpected first meeting at school, which soon escalates into a bet against each other’s supernatural beliefs. When the duo volunteers to visit haunted locations to prove their points, they are shocked to discover that both of them are right about their absurd claims.
While Okarun gets cursed bya dangerous yokai named Turbo Granny, Momo is abducted by the Serpo aliens. As panic ensues, the two friends are rescued by the supernatural powers that have been lingering in them until now. Unfortunately, awakening such abilities comes at a cost, and the duo soon find themselves up against frightening foes that threaten not only their lives but the existence of the entire planet.
4Kaiju Arc
Momo And Okarun Fight A Kaiju
After making a pact with the Evil Eye, Okarun and Momo breathe a sigh of relief as their lives appear to return to normalcy. But the peace is short-lived as Momo learns that there have been reports of mysterious golden ball sightings at a haunted apartment complex. This excites Ayase, who is quick to inform Okarun about the latest findings, and the two decide to visit the place to investigate.
As Momo and Okarun reach the apartment complex, the duo is confronted by an invisible supernatural foe who is guarding a golden ball that appears to be similar to Okarun’s kintama. As the two friends fight to reclaim what they think is Ken’s missing testicle, they are shocked by the sudden appearance of a gigantic space kaiju. The Kaiju arc primarily revolves around the epic battle between Okarun, Momo, Kinta, Aira, Jiji, and their intergalactic nemesis.Filled with action-packed fight scenes, the story arc sets the stage for a conflict that includes several alien races.
3Danmanra Arc
The Hunt For Okarun’s Second Kintama
In the Space Globalists arc, Okarun and his friends manage to defeat the Kur and stop a full-scale alien invasion. They also reclaim Ken’s stolen kintama and deactivate the warp gate. However, Okarun’s second kintama is still missing, and their desperate efforts eventually lead them on a hunt for a young man named Unji Zuma.
Little do Okarun and Momo know at the time that Zuma is himself in the middle of a crisis. As they manage to track his friends down, they learn that Unji has been teleported inside a cursed diorama known as Danmanra. The exciting arc follows Momo, who tries to reclaim the second kintama andhelp Zuma beat the gameso that he can return to the real world.
2Cursed House Arc
Momo Sets Out To Exorcise Evil Spirits At Jiji’s House
After the Serpo aliens were defeated, Okarun and his friends bid farewell to the Dover Demon. Soon afterwards, Momo is shocked by Jiji’s unexpected arrival. Seiko informs Okarun that he used to be Momo’s childhood friend and crush. It turns out that his house is haunted, and for some inexplicable reason, Jiji has gained the power to see the evil spirits with his own eyes. Unfortunately, Seiko’s power works within Kamikoshi city, so she cannot visit Jiji’s haunted house in the village to exorcise the spirits.
Since he is in desperate need of help, Seiko eventually entrusts Momo and Okarun with the dangerous responsibility. As the trio sets out to visit the haunted house, they fail to comprehend the true nature of the supernatural forces haunting Jiji’s house. The Cursed House arc is packed withunexpected twists and turnsthat keep readers engaged and on edge.
1Space Globalists Arc
Okarun And His Friends Fight To Stop A Full-Blown Alien Invasion
In the Kaiju arc, Momo and Okarun befriend the alien girl Bamora after she is revealed to be the one controlling the kaiju that attacked them. Although she does not speak their language, it is eventually disclosed that she is the sole surviving child of an alien race hailing from a planet known as Sumer. It turns out that Bamora’s people were almost completely wiped out by Kur, the space globalists—a militaristic alien race from the farthest reaches of spacethat conquers and subjugates every lifeform that they encounter in the galactic system.
Following the brutal invasion of Sumer, Bamora manages to flee withher adoptive mother’s help, with the desire to find a husband and preserve her bloodline. Unfortunately, the space globalists are able to track her down, and after subjugating the planet of Sumer, they turn their attention to planet Earth. As the advanced unit arrives on the planet, they confront Momo, Okarun, Bamora, Jiji, and Aira. After the brutal beatdown, they steal Okarun’s kintama to power up the warp gate and start a full-scale invasion. This marks the beginning of a countdown for Okarun and his friends, who realize that Earth’s future is now in their hands. The Space Globalists Arc recounts the drama that unfolds as confused and injured teenagers with supernatural powers prepare to face a ruthless alien race that enjoys subjugating entire worlds for their amusement and power.
