Dandadan episode 2 review: Science SARU might just give us another Mob Psycho

Dandadan episode 2, titled That's a Space Alien, Ain't It?!, is set to air on October 11, 2024, at 12:26 a.m. JST. As one of the most highly anticipated debut series of this Fall season and with the buzz generated by its premiere, fans are eagerly looking forward to its second episode.

This Dandadan episode 2 review will delve into the show's growing appeal as it moves forward with Momo and Okarun's story. It covers essential aspects like production quality, animation, cast performances, narrative development and other crucial elements to assess how Science SARU is handling the anime adaptation.

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The production of Dandadan might present the community with another standout Shonen akin to Mob Psycho

Momo in episode 2 (Image via Science SARU)

Science SARU's production in Dandadan episode 2 presents a well-rounded narrative that seamlessly blends elements of comedy, romance and supernatural action, reminiscent of Mob Psycho. The anime's unique and captivating storytelling delivers a distinct charm similar to that of Mob Psycho.

While the plots of both series differ significantly, they share supernatural and psychic themes, along with that rare charm often absent in the Shonen genre. Both series challenge conventional Shonen stereotypes, whether through their animation styles, character portrayals or world-building, establishing themselves as exceptional entries in the genre.

In the case of Dandadan, the narrative contains a notably more mature theme than typical Shonen stories as well as Mob Psycho, demonstrating that Shonen can transcend the usual conventions associated with the category. The animation style also evokes memories of Mob Psycho, adopting a similar visual approach.

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Dandadan episode 2 review: Momo and Okarun's unique story progresses with Science SARU's striking production

The supernatural-themed rom-com Shonen Dandadan, which adapts Yukinobu Tatsu's popular manga of the same name, remains one of the standout debut series of Fall 2024.

The premiere introduced viewers to the main plot, characters and overall setup, giving a solid foundation for Okarun and Momo Ayase's story. Now, the second episode builds on this, adding more depth to the narrative as the plot evolves.

Let's take a closer look at how this installment fares and whether it continues to live up to the excitement generated by the premiere.

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A narrative criticism

Momo and Okarun in this episode (Image via Science SARU)

Dandadan episode 2 remains mostly faithful to the manga, adapting its second chapter with precision. Science SARU delivers another masterful narrative that effectively captures the essence of the source material.

The story progresses from where the premiere left off, revealing Okarun's real name, a crucial element that influences Momo's feelings. The narrative is thoroughly engaging, skillfully blending supernatural themes with rom-com and comedic elements to create an intriguing mix of aliens and ghosts.

Momo and Okarun in episode 2 (Image via Science SARU)

This episode continues to link supernatural aspects like ghosts with aliens, adding depth to the unique charm of the plot. Like the opening episode, it concludes with a thrilling cliffhanger.

While some scenes differ slightly from the manga, these changes don't detract from the overall narrative. Overall, Dandadan episode 2 is both interesting and entertaining. The installment effectively captures the bizarre tone of the source material while also integrating the humor elements, making it an excellent follow-up.

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Production, animation, soundtracks and voice acting: A criticism

Science SARU presents another engaging and captivating installment with Dandadan episode 2. The episode showcases remarkable production quality under the expert direction of Fūga Yamashiro and the skilled scriptwriting of Hiroshi Seko.

Naoyuki Onda's character designs shine throughout, but it's Yoshimichi Kameda's design of the alien and supernatural beings that particularly stands out, vividly capturing the unique and eerie essence of the Dandadan universe. The animation quality is impressive, with a distinctive style that gives every scene a dynamic and engaging feel.

The voice cast delivers exceptional performances. Shion Wakayama effectively brings Momo's charm to life and Natsuki Hanae skillfully portrays Okarun, especially in his transformation from a nerdy, shy character to the powerful, Turbo Granny-possessed version. Kensuke Ushio's music composition further enhances the overall viewing experience.

Together, these elements contribute to making Dandadan episode 2 another standout addition to the series.

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To sum up

Not every show lives up to the expectations set by their premiere — like Juni Ito's Uzumaki anime adaptation, which fell short in its second episode. Thankfully for fans, Dandadan episode 2 successfully delivers another impressive installment, proving itself as an exciting and unique addition to the Fall 2024 anime lineup.

The episode offers a compelling and immersive experience, meeting the high expectations set by the premiere.

With exceptional production quality, Dandadan continues to show its potential to become one of the standout new-gen Shonen series. Available on Crunchyroll, global fans should definitely check it out for a distinct experience.

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