Dandadan is currently one of the biggest anime hits of this year. With Science Saru involved, the program is set to appeal to a completely new audience with its unique blend of horror and comedy. From extraterrestrial beings to supernatural threats, Dandadan seamlessly combines thrilling storytelling with humor. In a recent interview, the manga’s creator, Yukinobu Tatsu, shared that his work was inspired by the narratives of Junji Ito and Ultraman.
Inspiration Behind Dandadan
In a recent interview, Yukinobu Tatsu revealed the sources of inspiration that shaped his work: “I often reference the works of Junji Ito. I thought to myself, ‘Why are these illustrations so striking?’ I see that his illustrations are very detailed and have many emotional layers. However, there are scenes that make me stop and think, ‘Isn’t this a bit too much?’. I believe humor and horror coexist with one another.”
Later, Tatsu mentioned that he looked to Ultraman when developing the extraterrestrial elements and monsters in Dandadan. “I truly admire Toru Narita, the most famous designer of Ultraman. When I was still in elementary school and watched Ultraman during summer vacation, I thought it was just a superhero story. But as I observed Toru’s designs when I grew older, I realized… there’s a deep and intricate emotional element that I genuinely appreciate.”
The storyline of Dandadan seems to have emerged almost spontaneously, influenced by both Ultraman and Junji Ito. Tatsu reflects on the successes that preceded him and strives to create his unique narrative.
If you are not familiar with the title Dandadan, take the time to explore the manga before the anime is released this Fall.
Content of Dandadan:
“Momo Ayase starts a friendship unlike any other with a UFO enthusiast at school, a guy who goes by the name ‘Okarun’ because he has a name that he isn’t allowed to disclose. While Momo believes in spirits, she thinks that aliens are just nonsense, but her new friend believes the opposite. To resolve the ongoing debate, they both begin to gather evidence that the other is wrong. Momo goes to a UFO hot spot, and Okarun takes her to a haunted underground! What unfolds next is a captivating story about youthful romance… along with alien encounters and supernatural beings.”
Dandadan is a shonen manga that combines science fiction elements with supernatural themes. With its unique charm, Dandadan has quickly become a phenomenon since its debut. Currently, the series continues to gain popularity and is set to expand its reach even further.
