Dandadan
Dandadan — Quick Overview
Dandadan (ダンダダン) is a supernatural sci-fi action manga created by TATSU Yukinobu and published digitally by MANGA Plus / Shueisha. Follow high schoolers Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura as their clashing beliefs in spirits and extraterrestrials launch a chaotic crusade against curses and cosmic invaders. Read Dandadan online in English to experience high-octane battles, intricate cryptid lore, and rapid-fire comedic romance.
| Author / Story : TATSU Yukinobu | Artist / Art : TATSU Yukinobu | Original Publisher : MANGA Plus / Shueisha |
| Format & Status : Manga (Ongoing) | Release Year : 2021 | Demographic : Shounen |
| Country of Origin : Japan (Manga) | Primary Genres : Action, Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller | Core System / Theme : Yokai Possession, Alien Technology & Urban Legends |
Other Names & Verified AliasesView all
Full Synopsis & Narrative BreakdownRead story
Momo Ayase, a spirited high school girl raised by a medium grandmother, firmly believes in spirits and ghosts while utterly dismissing the existence of extraterrestrials. In contrast, her classmate Ken Takakura—an outcast nicknamed Okarun—obsesses over alien conspiracies while rejecting supernatural apparitions. Determined to prove each other wrong, the pair makes a wager to visit two notorious hotspots: an abandoned hospital notorious for UFO activity and a haunted tunnel known for malevolent phantoms.
Their mutual dare spiraled out of control when both unearthly threats proved horrifyingly real. Momo is abducted by extraterrestrial Serpoians seeking human reproductive organs, while Okarun is ambushed and cursed by the notorious spirit Turbo Granny, who steals his spiritual vitality and physical essence. Awakening dormant psychokinetic talents to rescue Okarun, Momo joins forces with her newly cursed classmate, who can now channel Turbo Granny's blazing speed and monstrous demonic strength.
Together with Momo's grandmother Seiko, the duo embarks on high-stakes missions across suburban Japan to reclaim Okarun's lost body parts, combat territorial alien syndicates, and pacify vengeful spirits. Along the way, their bizarre bond evolves through life-or-death battles, uncovering ancient cosmic secrets and deepening their mutual affection.
What to Expect
Expect an exhilarating collision of frenetic hand-to-hand martial arts, occult horror, and high-concept science fiction. The narrative moves at breakneck velocity, transitioning seamlessly from horrifying urban legend encounters like the Acrobatic Silky to massive subterranean battles against biomechanical alien invaders. Kinetic panel layouts, tactical use of spiritual wards, kinetic transformation forms, and a genuinely tender romantic tension between Momo and Okarun ground the series' wild, unpredictable escalation.
Who Will Enjoy This
Best suited to readers who appreciate hyper-dynamic action choreography, intricate folklore monsters, and comedic supernatural romances such as Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Mob Psycho 100. Readers seeking strategic, multi-layered magic and relentless action will also enjoy exploring Versatile Mage for its urban magical conflicts, as well as The Devil Butler for tactical mind games and supernatural schemes.
Key Early Characters (Momo Ayase, Ken "Okarun" Takakura, Turbo Granny, Seiko Ayase)View cast
| Character | Early Role | Abilities / Skills | Personality & Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Momo Ayase | Protagonist / Spirit Medium Descendant | Psychokinesis, aura grasping, spiritual barrier manipulation | Bold, loyal, and fiercely protective of her friends; strives to protect Okarun and master her spiritual heritage. |
| Ken Takakura (Okarun) | Protagonist / Occult Enthusiast | Turbo Granny curse transformation, superhuman acceleration, jaw-force attacks | Timid and awkward but relentlessly courageous when danger strikes; determined to recover his stolen vitality. |
| Turbo Granny | Early Antagonist & Spirit Relic | Supersonic locomotion, spiritual curses, doll vessel possession | Foul-mouthed, spiteful, yet begrudgingly cooperative after being sealed into a maneki-neko talisman. |
| Seiko Ayase (Santa Dodoria) | Mentor / Professional Medium | Purification rituals, spiritual barrier creation, martial arts | Youthful in appearance, tough, and experienced; guards her town from otherworldly incursions and trains Momo. |
Frequently Asked Questions3 Answers
Where can I read Dandadan online and what is its release schedule?
Dandadan is serialized digitally on Shueisha's Shonen Jump+ and MANGA Plus platforms. New chapters are published weekly on Tuesdays in Japan (Mondays internationally), allowing global readers to follow the newest releases officially in English alongside the Japanese schedule.
Who produces the Dandadan anime adaptation and where does it pick up?
Science SARU animates the Dandadan television series, directed by Fuga Yamashiro with music by Kensuke Ushio. Fans looking to continue the story after the anime can dive into the manga source material starting immediately after the animated arcs for complete uncensored artwork and storylines.
Is Dandadan completed or still ongoing?
Dandadan is an ongoing manga series that has been serialized since April 2021. Creator Yukinobu Tatsu actively releases new chapters, expanding the sprawling conflict between ancient Japanese yokai and aggressive extraterrestrial syndicates.