If you’re a fan of ghosts, aliens, and everything in between, ‘Dandadan’ is the perfect pick for you. It’s got monsters, extraterrestrial creatures, conspiracy theories, etc. But most of all, it’s got an endearing slow-burn romance.
There are Okarun and Momo, who are complete opposites, both in terms of personality and interests. One loves aliens; the other is fascinated by ghosts. However, it is anything but a romance built on ironclad concepts. Rather, it breaks free from conventions, and here’s why it works out perfectly!
For Romance Eccentricity And Quirkiness Are Needed
Dandadan perfectly captures Okarun and Momo’s penchant and curiosity for the unknown. They have curiosity for the anomalies, but at the same time, they have fear. Both characters become each other’s safe space to carry out their quirkiness and eccentricities.
Okarun finds his one true friend in Momo after being ridiculed for loving aliens. Momo, likewise, carries shame after she was mocked by her peers. This was mainly because of her association with her psychic grandmother, Seiko. She embraces her unconventionality eventually, and here’s why it’s so interesting.
Yukinobu Tatsu also makes sure to elevate Momo’s offbeat personality through the introduction of gyaru. Her clothes and even her mannerisms are offbeat. This is also true for her headstrong approach to situations, which also symbolizes her empathy. As for Okarun, his eccentricity lies in his duality. Although timid and docile, he unleashes his real strength through Turbo Granny mode. However, both characters share a common trait, and that is empathy!
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Empathy Strengthens Relationships In Dandadan
Empathy isn’t just a word but a powerful narrative tool in Dandadan. Momo and Okarun harbour empathy gradually as the story progresses. It further helps them understand the backstories of supernatural beings, but that’s not it. They actively look out for each other. It is precisely this reason why Turbo Granny sensed Okarun’s protective nature towards Momo and later on, possessed him. He is also shown spending most of his time at Momo’s house. This also suggests that he is likely experiencing parental neglect, although it isn’t confirmed.
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As the story progresses, both Okarun and Momo develop compassion for the supernatural beings. This is also because of how the author lays out painful character backstories. It also ties in well with Okarun’s loneliness and Momo’s past shame. While he wished to befriend aliens, Momo was apprehensive about her grandma’s tactics initially.
All in all, the series does follow the runner and chaser trope, but it doesn’t succumb to it. There’s also a blatant love triangle, but the characters aren’t mere sidepieces. They have goals, ambitions, and complexities of their own. It is a shonen masterpiece that does love story rather brilliantly, come to think of it. We have a strong female lead alongside a compassionate male lead. Okarun, too, doesn’t cling to a set archetype of shonen hero; he redefines what heroism and bravado mean. This is one of the reasons why Dandadan works so well as both a shonen and a rom-com series!
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