©Courtesy of GKIDS
Momo Ayase and her “Okarun” classmate are both simultaneously like Mulder and Scully of The X-Files. He ardently believes in UFO phenomenon, but remains skeptical of ghosts. Conversely, she completely accepts the supernatural, but scoffs at the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors. They will dissuade each other of their disbeliefs, in the most awkward and dangerous ways possible in the first three episodes of Dan Da Dan: First Encounter, adapted from Yukinobu Tatsu’s Shonen Jump+ Manga and produced by the Science SARU animation studio, which GKIDS will release theatrically this Friday, along with a special behind-the-scenes featurette introducing the creators.
Ayase embraces the “Gyaru” (teen fashion-plate) style, but she still asserts herself more forcefully than most of the guys in her school. In fact, she feels so quarrelsome after breaking up with her boyfriend, she defends a shy classmate from his bullies, out of general combativeness. Of course, she makes quite an impression on him, but he has no clue how to talk to girls. He just babbles on about UFOS, which she dismisses as fake rubbish. However, as the granddaughter of a medium, she knows there is more to the spirit realm than the “Okarun” (or paranormal-obsessed geek) realizes.
Since the Okarun (as she somewhat derisively calls him) cannot shut up, he talks his way into a challenge. He and Ayase will face-time each other, while he visits a spooky tunnel widely reputed to be haunted, while she explores an abandoned hospital considered a hot-spot for alien visitations. Of course, both prove true, when the Serpoian aliens abduct Ayase and the spectral “Turbo Granny” possesses the Okarun.
©Courtesy of GKIDS
Providentially, they both escape their tormentors, because Ayase’s alien encounter awakens her dormant familial spiritual powers. That allows her to keep Okarun’s possession temporarily at bay, until she figures out a more permanent solution. However, Turbo Granny still has an unhealthy interest in his “banana.”
According to the bonus featurette, the Dan Da Dan manga was Tatsu’s attempt to write a “romantic” series, which should lead viewers to wonder what kind of romances he read for research. Nevertheless, most anime fans are sure to enjoy the three episode’s breakneck pace, unruly sense of humor, and liberal blending of sf and horror, like a Fortean Reese’s cup. Although there is nothing really dirty, series director Fuga Yamashiro really pushes the limits of “respectable” scatological humor. Of course, that is why so many real-life otakus are sure to love it.
Indeed, the two main characters are not exactly “romantic” yet, at least not by the end of the episodes screening theatrically, but there is a growing rapport that is rather endearing. Arguably, Ayase and the Okarun relate to each other like vintage John Hughes teens, brought together by extreme, otherworldly circumstances.
Regardless, the first three episodes never sit still long enough for viewers to question the madness. They just get caught up in the wild humor and outlandish mayhem. Screenwriter Hiroshi Seko’s adaptation of Tatsu’s manga thoroughly skewers nearly every horror and alien invasion trope, turning them into something fresh and often rather naughty.
©Courtesy of GKIDS
While the style of animation might look deceptively younger than many of the series anime motion pictures released in theaters, its bright colors and super-frenetic action perfectly suit the chaos of Tatsu’s throw-in-the-kitchen-sink story. Yamashiro and the animators definitely put on a show for viewers. Although the third episode does not end with a dire cliffhanger, it still leaves viewers craving more (including a proper resolution), which presumably was GKIDS’ hopeful intention.
Regardless, even though plenty of science fiction and horror anime franchises came before Dan Da Dan, it defies easy comparisons. It truly has “cult favorite” written all over it. The way Tatsu mysteriously only appears in shadowed profile during the behind-the-scenes bonus footage, like a confidential informant interviewed on 60 Minutes, should only further stoke fan obsession.
Yet, the two main characters’ strong personalities and earnest “rootability” are what will keep most viewers hooked. It regularly delivers crazy fun, but something about Ayase and the Okuran’s relationship also holds universal appeal. Highly recommended for fans of anime and teen movies and series, GKIDS’s theatrical presentation of Dan Da Dan: First Encounter opens this Friday (9/13).
Grade : A-
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©Courtesy of GKIDS
If you like the review, share your thoughts below!
Check out more of Joe’s articles.
Here’s the trailer of the film.