DAN DA DAN Episode 2 Review

After an incredible series premiere last week, DAN DA DAN is back for their second episode and it looks like the chaos isn’t slowing down any time soon. This anime is quickly shaping up to be the standout of the season, and considering Fall 2024 is already shaping up to be the best of the year, that’s high praise for this first season. 

In this review, we’ll be talking all things DAN DA DAN Episode 2. Unlike last week’s review, I will be going into some spoilers for this week’s episode, so be sure to watch this week’s installment before checking out this review! Be sure to come back and let us know your thoughts though! We’ve got a lot to talk about!

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The Review

Image by Science SARU

Our episode begins with Momo and Okarun regrouping after the events of last week which, if I’m honest, might just have scarred me for life. The absolute highlight of the show so far is looking to be the dynamic between our two protagonists. I’m almost certain that this friendship will eventually lead to something more serious but, for right now, it’s refreshing to see a male/female friendship that feels like what it is – a friendship. One filled with dysfunction, but a friendship all the same.

We also see that Momo has learned to control her psychic powers that she uncovered last week pretty well already. I could complain and say that I wish we saw her develop these powers a little more, but the vibe of this show suits her gaining full control off the bat. The madness of the plotline is starting to be reflected in the pacing, and it would be wrong to expect slow, calculated development from a show like DAN DA DAN.

This episode was also a highlight for the series in regard to its comedy. The anime is looking to be a complete genre-blend, mixing elements of action, comedy, and even horror, to create a truly unique blend. I enjoyed the approach to the show’s comedy in this episode. It emphasizes a blend of juvenile humour with enough charm to make the viewer chuckle at the immaturity, rather than roll their eyes. In some ways, the comedy gives off a Gintama vibe – and as a huge fan of Gintama, there’s no complaints from me there.

Image by Science SARU

Plot-wise, the episode was a lot more focused on action than story development, though we do confirm that the…let’s say unique circumstances that Okarun found himself in last week will be a long-term focus of the show. Yes, it seems like DAN DA DAN is going to tell the story of a young boy and girl in pursuit of the former’s stolen genitals. Whether this is the overall focus of the show, or just of this season, is yet to be seen, but I’m anxious to find out more. We’ve never seen a storyline quite like this before.

The major focus of this week’s episode was the arrival of the Flatwoods Monster at Momo’s residence. The monster design is starting to show its influence from Mob Psycho 100, and considering that was one of Mob Psycho’s greatest strengths, it’s a welcome influence here. The Flatwoods Monster is terrifying, and feels like a real threat. Of course, the aliens and Turbo Granny from last week were no pushovers, but this feels like an entirely different beast.

Where I was a little let down this week was in the animation of this behemoth. It’s clear that the studio have turned to CGI for him, which is to be expected, but I can’t help but miss the charm of the animation on the monsters from last week. In some ways, the CGI movements add an unnaturality to the Flatwoods Monster, but if I’m honest, there’s more downsides than upsides here. Elsewhere in the episode, the animation was stellar. It’s a shame that they seem to have cut some corners with the monster itself.

Image by Science SARU

I do have to say though, I would like a little more insight into what exactly these creatures want. Why are they all so genital-oriented? The aliens last week clearly explained what they wanted Momo for, as morbid as it was. Now, the episode does clarify that this beast is associated with those aliens, and that’s why he wants their genitals, but its motivations did feel reductive, coming off the back of the exact same talking points last week. Maybe this monster could have just wanted to kill humans? Honestly, that would have felt more natural.

With that being said, the show is still on a roll. The cast is thriving, the humour shined in this episode particularly, and the animation is, for the most part, strong. I do hope we move on to more of a constructed storyline next week, and move away from the episodic vibe. Still though, I can’t help but feel like this anime would have been a perfect weekly series a few decades back – imagine the possibility for filler!

What did you think of this week’s episode of DAN DA DAN? Are you loving the show so far, or is it not hitting the mark for you? Be sure to let us know, and thank you for reading!

See also: DAN DA DAN Episode 1 Review

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Where to Watch DAN DA DAN?

Image by Science SARU

DAN DA DAN releases on Crunchyroll every week on Thursdays. The English Dub is also releasing weekly alongside the Japanese original, so big news for Dub watchers, you don’t have to wait! Be sure to check out the show, and let us know your thoughts!

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