Evil Eye: Who is the Evil Eye in Dandadan? The Yokai's identity, explained

Who is the Evil Eye in Dandadan? The Yokai's identity, explained

Modified Oct 22, 2024 08:30 GMT

Okarun Turbo Granny Mode (Image via Science Saru)

Dandadan boasts a strange and unique roster of characters. 170 chapters and 3 episodes in, we have already been given a glimpse of what it is to come through Turbo Granny, the aliens, Momo Ayase's powers, Ken Takakura's transformation, and Seiko Ayase's extensive knowledge. Amongst all this bizarreness comes the Evil Eye, a distinctive and menacing Yokai.

It was brought into the spotlight early on in the series as a formidable antagonist. Its identity is rooted in a complex backstory that is entangled with the series' supernatural lore and character arcs. However, dissimilar to other Yokai in Dandadan, the Evil Eye is not just another mindless threat. Rather, it stands as a depiction of the dark forces known to clash with humans and spiritual entities.

The Evil Eye was a Yokai bound to the Tsuchinoko sacrificial house, who possessed Jiji and decided to eradicate the humans it came across. However, an encounter with Okarun made him only target the boy and become less of a threat.

The Evil Eye's identity in Dandadan, explained

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As mentioned, the Evil Eye is a Yokai who spent a long time bound to the Tsuchinoko sacrificial house. After the Enjoji Family moves into the same place, the family's son Jin Enjoji (Jiji) begins to get haunted by the Evil Eye who becomes eager to possess him for the spiritual power he possesses.

But after an intense encounter with the Tsuchinoko involving Momo, Okarun, and Turbo Granny, Jiji is sympathetic towards the Evil Eye and allows it to possess him. This is when the Evil Eye makes it his goal to kill all humans he meets. But then again, an exchange of fists with Okarun dulls the threat as the Evil Eye promises to only target the former.

The Evil Eye plays the role of one of the Cursed House Arc's primary antagonists and later, the main antagonist of the Evil Eye Arc ever since he has taken on more of a major supporting character role in Yukinobu Tatsu's series.

The Evil Eye's powers and abilities

Okarun Turbo Granny Mode and Momo Ayase (Image via Science Saru)

Complimented by Jiji's athletic build, the Evil Eye possesses incredible physical strength, capable of shattering surfaces and even breaking another character's arms with a single dropkick. In tandem, it possesses breathtaking speed, reflexes, and agility, matching Okarun's Turbo Granny form's top speed of nearly 100 km/hr. Also, the Evil Eye makes Jiji's body highly damage-resilient when possessed.

The Evil Eye is also a very capable hand-to-hand combatant, skilled enough to take on powerful opponents even when outnumbered. Being a Yokai, the Evil Eye boasts abilities such as Curse (compelling people to commit suicide through a single evil gaze), Memory Sharing (able to share his memories through eye contact), and Possession (taking over human bodies for use as a vessel).

Finally, the Evil Eye possessing Jiji gives him Possession abilities - Grudge Construction (summon the grudges of those the Kito Family sacrificed and shape them however he desires, into solid and resilient constructs), Cursed House (can use the grudges to construct a protective house-shaped dome around himself) and Grudge Ball (compress the grudges into a small ball with destructive power).

In conclusion

Dandadan's Evil Eye is vital in building the dynamics between Okarun and Momo. Their encounter with the Evil Eye compels them to unleash their respective spiritual and physical abilities. Okarun, who has had a wild ride since being cursed by Turbo Granny, grows further thanks to this confrontation. Momo learns more about her spiritual background and develops her Yokai-battling powers.

Encountering the Evil Eye heightens the narrative's stakes while adding and enhancing the emotional depth. The protagonists are stretched thin and must face their fears, insecurities, and unsettled issues. The Evil Eye's introduction and presence become a catalyst for character growth as they overcome their weak points.

The Evil Eye in Dandadan is not simply a powerful foe. It represents the manga's themes of fear, control, and spiritual power. Aspects such as its overwhelming abilities, linkage to Yokai lore, and effect on the protagonists and story make it a unique antagonist. The Evil Eye underscores the concept that the supernatural should not be underestimated and is accompanied by unsettling implications.