Is ‘Dandadan’ Horror & Why Is It Rated TV-M?

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As the first season ends and the second one set for July 2025, the animated series Dandadan, which is also known as DAN DA DAN, has generated a lot of excitement and recognition, placing it among the most-watched anime series in 2024. It reached the fourth spot on Netflix’s Top 10 list for non-English TV shows worldwide and garnered more than 9.3 million hours of viewing in just one week. However, with an abundance of excellent anime available on Netflix, not everyone has had a chance to explore this series or even know what it entails.

This TV show, rated TV-M, seems frighteningly connected to the realms of supernatural fears and science fiction chills. However, upon a closer examination, let’s uncover its true identity, its genre, and the reasons why it’s considered mature.

The TV series, marked as TV-M, appears scary because of its ties to ghostly terrors and futuristic frights. But by taking a closer look, we can figure out its type, its category, and understand why it’s deemed suitable for mature audiences.

‘Dandadan’ from Manga to Anime

Written by Yukinobu Tatsu and first published in April 2021, the popular manga “Dandadan” is expected to sell more than 5 million copies. In fact, each volume has been selling between 100,000 and 130,000 copies a month after its release. Before creating this successful debut work, Tatsu had honed his skills working alongside Tatsuki Fujimoto, the manga artist behind the popular series “Fire Punch” and “Chainsaw Man”.

By October 3, 2024 (a day later in Japan), it was virtually certain that the anime would make its debut, produced by Science Saru studio and penned by Hiroshi Seko. The team collaborated closely with Yukinobu Tatsu to ensure a faithful adaptation of the source material, earning acclaim as one of the top anime series in 2024.

In the manga and anime titled “Dandadan“, we follow the story of Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura, often referred to as “Okarun”, who hold opposing views on supernatural phenomena and extraterrestrial life. As their beliefs clash, they engage in a wager: Momo is tasked with investigating alleged alien invasions on Earth, while Okarun delves into unexplained supernatural events. Their adventures eventually spark the awakening of hidden powers within each character and forge an alliance. Together, they join forces with other characters to battle yokai, yurei, and extraterrestrial beings.

Is ‘Dandadan’ Horror?

In contrast to its supernatural elements, such as ghosts, monsters, and aliens, one might assume that Dandadan falls into the horror anime category. However, the show cleverly blends these ‘spooky’ aspects with other genres, catering more to thrill and excitement rather than instilling fear. It shares similarities with well-known series like Tokyo Ghoul, Jujutsu Kaisen, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, and Chainsaw Man, primarily appealing to the Shōnen audience (aged 12 to 18). Although this demographic extends beyond and attracts older fans, the emphasis lies on action-packed adventures and extraordinary abilities rather than creating a scary atmosphere.

In contrast to the horror genre, Dandadan is not a horror series despite its eerie elements and chilling creatures. The horror anime genre tends to be less explored compared to Shōnen titles. Notable horror OVAs from the 80s and 90s include L.I.L.Y. Cat, Demon City Shinjuku, and Genocyber. In recent times, Junji Ito has been a dominant figure in both manga and anime, with Yami-Shibai offering consistent bite-sized horror. These titles primarily aim to scare rather than create an adventure or fantasy setting like Dandadan. If you’re looking for one horror anime that resembles live-action stories, Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue would be the most fitting choice.

Why Is “Dandadan” Rated TV-M?

Given that the anime series “Dandadan” is primarily targeted towards a younger adolescent demographic and excludes horror elements, one might wonder why it still bears the TV-M rating label. This rating seems to be due to the series’ recurring themes involving yonic and phallic imagery, which can influence the plot significantly, making most shows liable for such ratings regardless of their approach. However, it’s important to note that “Dandadan” does not feature explicit nudity, but its narrative often relies on these elements, as evidenced early in the series when Momo Ayase’s powers are activated following her encounter with an alien spacecraft and an implied examination.

In contrast, the anime “Dandadan” predominantly explores themes related to its characters’ lower bodies, particularly Okarun, whose abilities and journeys often revolve around his personal areas. For instance, a significant event in the storyline involves Turbo Granny stealing his member, causing him to lose his powers. This sets off a quest to find his penis, as his testicles are the source of his power. Although he manages to retrieve his shaft and regain some abilities, a large part of the first season revolves around his search for his testicles to regain full power. It’s fair to say that the mature content in “Dadadan” might be considered immature by some viewers.

Despite its focus on supernatural powers related to genitals, the main appeal of Dandadan lies in its captivating action, stunning visuals, and fast-paced storytelling. It’s a genre known as Shōnen, which often explores themes of adolescence and sexuality, even if it can be quite crass at times. Don’t let the explicit content dissuade you; Dandadan has earned its popularity among anime fans for valid reasons and is definitely worth watching. You can catch this popular series on Netflix, Crunchyroll, or Hulu.

Or, in a more conversational tone:

Although the unusual powers connected to genitals might be a bit off-putting, it’s the action, eye-catching visuals, and rapid plot progression that truly make Dandadan a must-watch. This is typical of the Shōnen genre, which frequently tackles themes of growing up and understanding sexuality, even if it can get a bit crass. Don’t let the racy elements discourage you; with good reason, Dandadan has become a favorite among anime fans and is definitely worth checking out. You can stream this popular series on Netflix, Crunchyroll, or Hulu.

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2025-01-06 01:33