DAN DA DAN started as a manga sequence on the favored Shounen Leap+ platform again in early 2021. Partially because of a simulpub launch on Manga Plus, the sequence has discovered nice success each right here within the West and at residence in Japan. With over 3.2 million copies in circulation as of November 2023 and 360 million views on Shounen Leap+, this can be a sizzling property. So, I’m certain it comes as no shock that off the again of that, DAN DA DAN is being made into an anime! Immediately I’m right here to take a look at DAN DA DAN: First Encounter, which is a theatrical launch of the primary three episodes on this upcoming mission. Will it impress? Let’s discover out!
Our story follows Momo Ayase, who once we first meet her has been dumped by her newest good-for-nothing boyfriend. Wandering the varsity as she laments about by no means discovering real love, she occurs to cross a classroom the place pupil Ken Takakura (henceforth identified by his nickname Okarun) is being bullied by his classmates.
Grateful for Ayase stepping in, Okarun tries to strike up a dialog along with her about his favorite topic – aliens. There’s only one drawback: whereas Ayase is a good believer within the supernatural she doesn’t consider in aliens and refutes all of Okarun’s information. In the meantime, he may consider within the thought of life in outer house, however not in ghosts and spirits like Ayase.
Getting nowhere arguing forwards and backwards, the 2 determine to interact in a guess the place they’ll individually go to a hotspot for aliens and spirits. They’re each assured that nothing will occur to them, however sadly, destiny has different concepts and Ayase quickly finds herself kidnapped by aliens whereas Okarun will get processed by the Turbo-Granny haunting the deserted tunnel he was exploring. Even when they make it out of those encounters alive, will their lives ever be the identical once more?
DAN DA DAN as a piece is a heavy combination of motion, comedy, romance and supernatural. It flips between all these genres at a fast tempo, pulled alongside by Ayase and Okarun who might be arguing one second and defending each other from hurt the subsequent. It’s very energetic and this pacing is without doubt one of the issues that charmed followers of the manga. So, what higher studio to deliver it to life than Science Saru, greatest identified for eccentric works like The Night time is Brief, Stroll on Woman and Tatami Time Machine Blues?
First Encounter treats us to a compilation of the primary three episodes of the upcoming TV sequence, which is ready to start airing in October (and can be obtainable to stream on Crunchyroll and Netflix). The mission is helmed by director Fūga Yamashiro, who has spoken passionately about what makes DAN DA DAN so particular in interviews main as much as this launch. Watching the included interviews with the forged and crew right here (together with Yamashiro) leaves you with the sense that he and the others perceive the significance of the pacing in addition to the connection between Okarun and Ayase.
We’re being handled to a vibrant, action-packed, and extremely well-directed visible spectacle. Somewhat than a TV sequence, this feels ready-made for the large display. Particularly when mixed with some great music by Kensuke Ushio (Chainsaw Man, The Risks in My Coronary heart), the crew at Science Saru has nailed the ambiance of the unique work. As somebody who is kind of keen on the manga, I loved watching this an incredible deal.
The draw back of releasing these episodes like that is that the pacing doesn’t fairly work for a theatrical minimize because the final ~25 minutes are spent on exposition and establishing for a face-off that we don’t get to see earlier than the tip. The third episode ends abruptly and unsatisfyingly due to this too. In some methods I believe simply the primary two episodes would have been higher by way of having that delicate stability between set-up and pay-off.
One other level I’d like to boost is that this isn’t family-friendly work, regardless of operating on Shounen Leap+. When the aliens abduct Ayase there’s an uncomfortable scene the place they threaten to sexually assault her, and Okarun has his reproductive organs stolen by Turbo-Granny. This, after all, results in a number of sexually charged humour all through the movie, which is ok throughout the setting of the story and doesn’t really feel compelled (and the near-assault scene is handled critically somewhat than as a gag), however this understandably goes to be off-putting to some and price being conscious of getting into.
In fact, I couldn’t end this assessment with out speaking concerning the great Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro in Demon Slayer) and Shion Wakayama (Takina Inoue in Lycoris Recoil) who play Okarun and Ayase respectively. Each of those actors give it their all and seize their characters splendidly, proving that they’ll deal with each the emotionally charged scenes and people the place the 2 are merely bickering about their beliefs. Like the remainder of the crew, you possibly can inform from the forged interviews that they each love DAN DA DAN as nicely, which solely makes listening to their performances all the higher.
DAN DA DAN: First Encounter is being launched throughout the UK and Eire because of Anime Restricted. Though an English dub is in manufacturing for the streaming launch, First Encounter is simply obtainable in Japanese with English subtitles. The showings embrace forged interviews, which had been proven firstly for press screenings nevertheless it’s unclear at the moment in the event that they’ll be firstly or finish for the precise launch. Price being conscious of in case you’re operating late! This launch additionally doesn’t embrace the opening or tending themes. The TV broadcast begins in Japan on 4th October 2024, so not too lengthy to attend earlier than we’ll get to hold on the story.
Total, DAN DA DAN: First Encounter is an actual deal with for followers of the manga as Science Saru brings it to life with all of the adore it deserves. Whereas this theatrical minimize is a bit unsatisfying given the place it ends, it’s nonetheless nicely value seeing on the large display for the battle scenes in addition to the included interviews.
DAN DA DAN: First Encounter is in cinemas throughout the UK & Eire from Friday thirteenth September. Discover your nearest screening at https://dandadan.alltheanime.com/
