Momo, not Okarun, may have secret alien origins in Dandadan

Tatsu Yukinobu's Dandadan is no stranger to wild twists and turns. The manga expertly blends comedy, romance, and otherworldly disaster to create unexpected plotlines that keep readers guessing. Dandadan's fusion of creative narrative and moving character growth has quickly made it well-liked by manga readers.

Although Okarun and Momo's relationship has received much attention, Momo might be more complex than she first appears. Fans have come up with the intriguing hypothesis that Momo Ayase may have secret alien roots, which could have a big impact on how the plot develops.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the opinion of the author.

Momo's psychic powers in Dandadan: A rare trait

Momo, as seen in the anime (Image via Science Saru)

One of the most striking aspects of Momo's character is her psychic abilities. These powers, which first awakened during her encounter with the Serpoians, remain unique among human characters in the series. While other humans in this series have been shown to possess supernatural traits, psychic powers seem exclusive to Momo. This peculiarity raises an important question as to why Momo is the only human with such abilities.

The only other characters in Dandadan known to wield psychic powers are the Serpoians, a race of aliens. While this doesn't necessarily mean Momo has a direct connection to them, the parallel is hard to ignore. If Momo's powers are linked to her lineage, her abilities might also be a result of alien DNA or other extraterrestrial influences passed down through her family.

The awakening of her powers

Momo's psychic abilities didn't develop gradually or through rigorous training; they seemingly awakened during a moment of extreme stress and danger. While this kind of awakening isn't uncommon in shonen narratives, no other human in Dandadan has displayed similar capabilities under similar circumstances. Other characters have faced life-threatening situations—Okarun's encounters with Turbo Granny, for instance—yet none have unlocked psychic abilities.

These circumstances suggest Momo's powers aren't a latent potential all humans possess. Instead, they may be unique to her due to an inherent quality that sets her apart. If her abilities stem from an alien origin, it would explain why no other human has exhibited comparable powers.

The mystery of Momo's parents

Dandadan Cover Photo (Image via Science Saru)

The glaring lack of details regarding Momo's parents is another mystery. While Dandadan has shed light on some people's past, Momo's family history is still unknown. The only familial relationship explored in detail is between Momo and her grandmother, Seiko Ayase. There has been no mention of Momo's parents, leaving fans to wonder whether their absence is deliberate.

Momo's parents could hold the key to her origins, and if one or both of them were aliens, it would explain her unique abilities. Another possibility is that Momo's abilities are the consequence of an experiment or an experience her parents had with alien life. Perhaps the omission of details about her family is a literary decision meant to foreshadow a later revelation.

Seiko's possible knowledge

Seiko Ayase, as seen in the anime (Image by Science Saru)

Momo's eccentric and powerful grandmother, Seiko Ayase, is an intriguing figure in her own right. She is fiercely protective of Momo and serves as a mentor to her, teaching her about supernatural forces and how to combat them. In contrast, Seiko is well known for her steadfast rejection of the existence of extraterrestrial life despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

This skepticism may be an intentional attempt to keep Momo from learning the truth about her origins rather than merely a humorous quirk. If Seiko knows or suspects that Momo has alien blood, her disbelief in aliens might be a way to protect her granddaughter from the emotional and existential implications of such knowledge. Alternatively, Seiko's attitude could stem from personal experience with aliens, perhaps linked to Momo's parents.

Thematic parallels in Dandadan

Dandadan often explores themes of identity, belonging, and the collision of disparate worlds. Momo's possible alien origin would mesh well with these ideas and give her storyline a new dimension. A revelation concerning Momo's alien ancestry would be consistent with the series's storytelling style, as the series regularly challenges genre norms and subverts expectations.

If Momo is revealed to have alien ancestry, it could also impact her relationship with Okarun. As a boy who initially rejected the supernatural but now embraces it, Okarun might struggle to reconcile his feelings for Momo with the knowledge of her alien heritage. This dynamic could add tension and depth to their relationship, enriching the narrative.

Foreshadowing and hints

A scene from the anime (Image by Science Saru)

Fans have pointed out subtle hints that might foreshadow a major reveal about Momo. For instance, her psychic abilities manifest as a golden aura, which visually sets her apart from other characters. This distinctiveness could be a clue that her powers are not entirely human in origin.

Additionally, the manga often uses humor and misdirection to downplay significant plot points, only to revisit them later with greater significance. A significant discovery regarding Momo's ancestry could be hinted at by the frequent joke about Seiko's lack of belief in aliens. It is also important to note that this series has already introduced many alien species, indicating that the manga is setting the stage for future alien-related plots.

In conclusion

Momo and Okarun, as seen in the anime (Image by Science Saru)

While the theory of Momo Ayase's alien origins remains speculative, the anime's thematic resonance and abundance of evidence support it. The mystery surrounding her family, her special psychic powers, and the potential for Seiko's secret knowledge all hint at a more complex tale waiting to be discovered.

The revelation of Momo's alien ancestry could have a significant impact on the narrative and change how viewers perceive both her persona and the Dandadan universe. Fans anxiously anticipate Momo's journey's next turn as the manga progresses. One thing is clear, regardless of the validity of this theory: Dandadan will continue to surprise fans in the most delightful ways.

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Edited by Ivanna Lalsangzuali