General Information
Title: Dandadan
Author: Yukinobu Tatsu
Genre: Action, Comedy, Supernatural, Sci-Fi, Horror, Romance
Release Year: 2021–Present
Japanese Volumes: 20
English Volumes: 15
European Volumes: 18+ (varies by country and publisher)
Chapters: 200+
Status: Ongoing
Rating: ⭐ 9/10
Adaptations: Dandadan
Introduction
Dandadan is one of the most original manga to emerge in recent years.
Created by Yukinobu Tatsu, the series effortlessly blends supernatural horror, science fiction, romance, comedy, and high-octane action into a story that constantly surprises its readers. What could have easily become an incoherent mix of genres instead evolves into a wildly entertaining narrative filled with heart, humor, and imagination.
At first glance, the premise seems absurd:
What if ghosts and aliens both existed?
Dandadan answers that question with explosive creativity, turning a bizarre concept into one of the most exciting ongoing manga series today.
Synopsis
The story follows two high school students with completely opposite beliefs.
Momo Ayase firmly believes in ghosts and spirits but dismisses aliens as nonsense.
Meanwhile, Ken Takakura, better known as Okarun, is obsessed with extraterrestrials and UFOs but refuses to believe in the supernatural.
After a heated argument, they decide to challenge each other’s convictions.
Momo visits a location famous for alien sightings.
Okarun explores a supposedly haunted tunnel.
To their horror, both discover they were right.
Ghosts exist.
Aliens exist.
And they are far more dangerous than anyone imagined.
After their encounters with terrifying supernatural forces, Momo and Okarun become involved in increasingly bizarre events involving curses, ancient spirits, extraterrestrial invasions, cryptids, and powerful entities beyond human understanding.
As their world expands, so does the danger surrounding them.
Yet amid all the chaos, the pair develop a deep bond that becomes the emotional core of the story.
Main Characters
Momo Ayase
Momo is one of the strongest female protagonists in modern shonen manga.
Confident, intelligent, and emotionally mature, she frequently drives the narrative forward rather than simply reacting to events.
Her courage and determination allow her to confront dangers that would terrify most people, while her emotional depth makes her one of the series’ most relatable characters.
Unlike many action manga heroines, Momo remains central to both the story and its emotional development.
Ken Takakura (Okarun)
Okarun begins as a shy, awkward teenager who struggles to connect with others.
His fascination with the paranormal initially isolates him from his peers, but after encountering supernatural forces firsthand, his life changes forever.
As the story progresses, Okarun evolves from an insecure outsider into a capable fighter willing to risk everything to protect those he cares about.
His growth feels natural and believable, making him one of the manga’s most compelling characters.
Turbo Granny
Few manga characters are as bizarre and memorable as Turbo Granny.
Introduced as a terrifying urban legend, she quickly becomes one of the series’ most entertaining recurring figures.
Simultaneously frightening, hilarious, and strangely lovable, Turbo Granny perfectly represents Dandadan’s ability to balance horror and comedy.
The Supporting Cast
As the story expands, numerous allies and rivals join the adventure.
Rather than serving as simple side characters, each member of the cast receives meaningful development, unique abilities, and personal motivations.
This attention to characterization helps the world feel vibrant and alive.
Themes and Analysis
Belief and the Unknown
At its core, Dandadan explores humanity’s fascination with the unknown.
The story challenges assumptions about reality and asks readers to consider what lies beyond ordinary understanding.
Ghosts, aliens, and supernatural beings are not merely enemies—they represent humanity’s fear of what cannot be explained.
Adolescence and Self-Discovery
Beneath its supernatural premise, Dandadan is fundamentally a coming-of-age story.
Both Momo and Okarun struggle with:
- Self-confidence
- Personal identity
- Social acceptance
- Emotional vulnerability
Their experiences mirror the challenges many young people face while growing into adulthood.
Love and Emotional Connection
One of the manga’s greatest strengths is the relationship between Momo and Okarun.
Their bond develops gradually through trust, mutual respect, and shared hardship.
Rather than relying on forced romantic tropes, the story allows their feelings to evolve naturally, creating genuine emotional investment for readers.
Fear, Humor, and Humanity
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Dandadan is its ability to move seamlessly between genres.
A terrifying horror sequence can be followed by a hilarious joke, which may then lead into an emotional character moment.
Despite its constant tonal shifts, the manga never feels inconsistent because its characters remain emotionally authentic throughout.
Art Style and Visual Storytelling
Yukinobu Tatsu’s artwork is among the best in modern manga.
Every chapter showcases:
- Detailed environments
- Dynamic action scenes
- Creative creature designs
- Cinematic panel composition
- Expressive character acting
The supernatural entities are particularly impressive, often combining traditional Japanese folklore with science-fiction aesthetics to create unforgettable monsters.
Whether depicting large-scale battles or quiet emotional moments, the artwork consistently elevates the story.
Why You Should Read Dandadan
Dandadan is perfect for readers who enjoy:
✔ Supernatural mysteries
✔ Fast-paced action
✔ Science fiction and paranormal themes
✔ Emotional character development
✔ Romantic subplots that feel natural
✔ Comedy mixed with genuine horror
✔ Exceptional artwork
The manga constantly reinvents itself while maintaining a strong emotional core.
Very few modern series feel this unpredictable.
Final Verdict
Dandadan is one of the most exciting manga currently being published.
Its combination of supernatural horror, science fiction, romance, comedy, and action creates a reading experience unlike anything else in contemporary manga.
What truly elevates the series, however, is its heart.
Beneath the aliens, ghosts, curses, and explosive battles lies a story about friendship, connection, and finding one’s place in a strange and unpredictable world.
For readers looking for a modern manga that feels fresh, creative, and impossible to put down, Dandadan is essential reading.
FAQ – Dandadan Explained
What is Dandadan about?
Dandadan follows Momo Ayase and Okarun, two teenagers who discover that both ghosts and aliens are real, leading them into increasingly dangerous supernatural adventures.
Is Dandadan a horror manga?
Partially. While horror elements play a major role, the series also blends action, comedy, romance, and science fiction.
Is Dandadan suitable for new manga readers?
Yes. Despite its unusual premise, the story is easy to follow and offers an excellent balance of action, humor, and character development.
How many volumes and chapters does Dandadan have?
As of 2026, the manga has 20 Japanese volumes, approximately 15 English volumes, 18+ European volumes depending on the country, and more than 200 chapters, with new chapters still being released.
Is Dandadan worth reading?
Absolutely. Its originality, stunning artwork, lovable characters, and unpredictable storytelling make it one of the strongest modern manga currently available.