If there has been an outlier, it has been the most anticipated 2024 series, Dandadan. Taking a page out of other Shōnen such as Bleach, the anime is an exciting and humorous supernatural series. 254pu

Starting as a manga series written by Yukinobu Tatsu, the story follows two protagonists with differing beliefs in the occult. Momo Ayase is teenage girl who believes in ghosts but is skeptical about the existence of aliens. Conversely, Ken Takakura aka Okarun thinks that aliens and UFO’s are real but doesn’t believe in the paranormal. Both agree to investigate the others’ beliefs to prove if they’re real or not. A clever unification of different occult studies, both characters learn that everything they believe in is real.

Dandadan also balances its comedic elements and the serious in a variety of ways. Turbo Granny is one well-done example demonstrating this dynamic. The vengeful spirit poses a large threat to the characters but is foul-mouthed and bizarre in her repeated attempts to steal the characters’ genitals. Dandadan fires on all cylinders and naturally invites appreciation and criticism in equal measure. The season 1 finale of the anime threw the internet into a tizzy with a shocking cliffhanger.

Momo is left in dire straits in the Dandadan season finale q5o6t

The final episode of Dandadan season 1 follows the Cursed House Arc, depicted in chapter 33 of the manga. After a failed mission with Jiji and Okarun, Momo takes a break in the hot spring only to get literally and figuratively into hot water. The Kito family, comprised of adult men, follow Momo into the hot spring where things escalate quickly. The cliffhanger ends as the men attempt to sexually assault the teenage girl. The moment set the internet afire with the controversial moment. Many fans took issue with cutting the season off at that moment with no resolution. Season 2 of the show will likely take over a year to make it to the airwaves, leaving viewers in a state of anxiety for some time.

The germination of the controversy starts in the first episode of Dandadan due to the sexual nature of Momo’s story. She gets abducted by aliens who want to harvest her eggs. Even upon viewing the first episode, fans were upset.

With the context that Momo had already been objectified, the season finale didn’t feel right with viewers. Many cited the constant attack on Momo as a negative. However, there is also the alternative perspective. The attacks on Momo are supposed to be negative. Dandadan isn’t posing a narrative where sexual assault is a good thing. The Kito family are the villains of the arc and act accordingly. If they didn’t do villainous things, then they wouldn’t be very good antagonists. Other s on Reddit pointed out this fact.

Especially considering this is a horror series, this is tonally consistent with the parameters that the anime has set up. This isn’t the first time that anime fans have called out storylines in the final run of certain arcs. Upon the conclusion of Attack On Titan, many took issue with Eren’s turn into a villain, particularly with his role in The Rumbling. Eren enacts a genocidal plan, completing his villain origin story. By the end of the series, Attack On Titan reveals he had planned this out so his friends would be forced to make him the villain which would ultimately heal the world. Attack On Titan had always been about the horrors of war and how even the best-intentioned can find the road to hell. Anime has a long history of telling thematically complex stories. Dandadan is not the first and it won’t be the last.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for episode 7 of Dandadan.

For most Dandadan fans, Acrobatic Silky’s backstory acts as a turning point in the story. It’s the moment when the series goes from being a fun, little romantic comedy to a serious contender for one of the best anime of all time. 

Manga readers have known that Dandadan is more than just a funny tale about retrieving one’s “family jewels.” The story begins when a boy who believes in aliens and a girl who believes in ghosts make a bet to prove the other wrong, only to realize they’re both right. After getting possessed by a grandma who can reach speeds of 100 kph and awakening psychic powers (respectively), Okarun and Momo continue to encounter the supernatural while falling in love. A premise like that all but promises to be lighthearted, bingeable fun, right" allowfullscreen>

Warning: This section of the article contains descriptions of trafficking, suicide, and violence.

Yukinobu Tatsu hasn’t shared what happened to Acrobatic Silky’s daughter, but it’s implied that she died shortly after her mother’s death. 

As a human, Acrobatic Silky worked several jobs in order to provide for her daughter and herself and it’s implied she had gone into debt with an organized crime group in the process. The group ostensibly realizes Acro-Silky has been earning more money while defaulting on her repayment and breaks into her home to recoup their funds. They search the home for valuables, leaving Acro-Silky beaten and kidnapping her daughter. Acro-Silky then chases after the group’s car before collapsing and ultimately dying by suicide. 

There are several possible outcomes we can see for Acro-Silky’s daughter after her kidnapping and unfortunately, they’re bleak. The most likely scenario is that the group killed her shortly after learning of Acro-Silky’s death and sold her organs. It’s also possible that she was trafficked and ended up in a situation like her mother’s. However, both the anime and the manga imply she has already died and reunites with Acro-Silky in the afterlife. 

It’s unlikely Yukinobu Tatsu will revisit this plot-line and provide closure beyond what he’s already shared. While we’d love a happy ending, that isn’t the story he set out to tell with these two characters. Any additional details would satisfy our curiosity but aren’t necessary. Acro-Silky and her daughter have one of the most tragic backstories in all of Dandadan, but after giving her aura to Aira, we see the two reunite in the afterlife where Aira accepts Acro-Silky and calls her mother (no, the two aren’t actually related). It’s tragic and bittersweet, but that’s all the closure we need for this story.  

If you’ve been looking for a new anime to be obsessed with, take this as your sign to get into Dandadan, the wildest anime release of 2024.  With series like Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer ending soon, it’s the perfect time for a new anime to take their place.

Enter Dandadan: a show about two high school students who find themselves at odds with the paranormal and the occult. It’s best to experience Dandadan knowing as little about the plot as possible but if you like Chainsaw Man, Mob Psycho 100, and cute romantic comedies, you’ll like Dandadan too. 

Before creating the series, the manga’s author Yukinobu Tatsu previously worked as an assistant for Chainsaw Man and Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku. Like those manga, Dandadan’s art can be beautifully detailed and extremely silly depending on the situation. Science Saru, the studio behind the anime, has worked on Devilman Crybaby as well as the recent Netflix series, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. Based on those projects, Dandadan is in good hands. 

If you’re interested in giving the anime a shot, here’s when and where to tune in. 

When does the Dandadan anime come out" allowfullscreen> 6j393u

According to a recently released trailer, the first episodes of Dandadan will be released on Oct. 3, 2024. The show will air weekly on both Crunchyroll and Netflix.

If October is too long to wait, a special movie will hit select theaters. Titled Dandadan: First Encounter, the movie comprises the first three episodes and releases on Aug. 31 in Asia, Sept. 7 in Europe, and Sept. 13 in North America.

Yukinobu Tatsu’s hit manga series Dandadan has seen an uptick in popularity in light of an anime adaptation by Science Saru. The highly anticipated first episode premieres on Oct. 3, 2024 but until then, I’ll be rereading the manga in preparation for what’s sure to be the next big anime á la Jujutsu Kaisen. 

After reading Dandadan, I can see why it’s so hyped. The duel protagonists are likable without being too perfect and I enjoy their dynamic, both in and out of battle. Tatsu does a great job of combining dark storylines with the right amount of humor and brevity without detracting from the manga’s more serious moments. While the cast continues to grow, I never feel overwhelmed by the amount of characters and I grow to appreciate even ones who seem irredeemably annoying at first. 

Sadly, Dandadan has been on break for nearly a month but the end is in sight.

When does Dandadan Chapter 164 release?  n511x

Chapter 164 of Dandadan comes out on Sep. 2, 2024 at roughly 8am PT/11am ET. Like all chapters of the manga, it will be available to read on Viz Media’s website as well as the Shonen Jump app. 

After Chapter 163 ended in a cliffhanger, it’s been a long wait to find out what Count Saint-Germain meant when he asked the cursed spirit about “Dandadan.” I doubt we’ll find out everything in th next chapter but I’m intrigued to see how the manga’s name ties in with all the crazy stuff we’ve seen so far. Also, what is Saint-Germain’s deal anyway? And how long is Momo going to stay that small? Thankfully, we’ll get some answers in the coming week.

We’re used to seeing Netflix trending for a plethora of reasons. Sometimes it’s because a particularly good season of Bridgerton has come out. Other times, it’s due to price increases — and never decreases, much to our chagrin. However, in the last few days, the streaming giant has been trending because of… leaks.

Over the past three days, major animated titles have been leaked as a result of a security breach that compromised Netflix’s database. While it is still not known who is responsible for the leaks, many suspect that the breach was carried out by a Southeast Asian dubbing team — though Netflix has yet to confirm these rumors. In fact, Netflix only just addressed the issue after one of its major titles — Heartstopper — was also affected by the leak ahead of its scheduled release. Unfortunately, that’s not the only major title that has been released.

Which shows Netflix shows were leaked? 6h321r

Surprisingly, the leak hasn’t just affected Netflix’s animated shows. While the majority of the titles include Japanese and American productions, more titles, including non-animated series, have been added to the list just a few hours ago. On that note, here are all the titles that were leaked during this cyberattack:

• Heartstopper – Season 3
• Arcane – Season 2
• Dandadan – 6 Episodes
• Terminator Zero Anime – Season 1
• Ranma 1/2 – 4 Episodes
• Re: Zero – Season 3, Episode 1
• Mononoke The Movie

Netflix has assured s, in an issue stated through The Wrap, that measures are being taken “aggressively” to pursue those responsible for the breach. According to the streaming platform, this digital attack was the result of one of its post-production partners being targeted. This explains why the leaked episodes are stamped with “for internal use” and “property of Netflix” watermarks and why they lack completed visual and sound effects.

Contrary to many reports circulating online, Stranger Things’ final season was not among the leaked titles. While some s on X have claimed to see leaked Stranger Things episodes, a on the forum 4chan confirmed that the sci-fi series was not part of the leaked titles, and no early episodes were released online. Allegedly, only subtitles from previous episodes were leaked.

Netflix’s response, however, took longer than expected. It wasn’t until two of its major Western-produced titles, Arcane and Heartstopper, were leaked that the company issued a statement on the matter. Hopefully, this issue will soon be resolved, as more and more animators are voicing their disappointment at having their work spoiled by the security breach.

Anime fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new year’s releases. As we step into 2024, the industry continues to bring forth captivating stories, breathtaking animation, and unique characters that capture the hearts of fans. Here’s a look at the 10 most anticipated anime of 2024 that are sure to leave a lasting impression on both seasoned otaku and newcomers alike.

10. Bucchigiri?! 1l61e

Set to be released on Jan. 13, 2024, Bucchigiri?! follows Araji Tomobishi, who reunites with his long-time friend Mataka Asamine. Their reunion takes a strange turn when they find themselves entangled in a fight with the town’s thugs. A monstrous genie looming in the background appears to Araji and demands he to make a wish, setting off a chain of events. The anime is expected to be a perfect mix of the Japanese high school delinquent genre, and Middle Eastern folklore. 

9. Dandadan 6r6zt

Dandadan revolves around the comedic and chaotic adventures of Momo Ayase and her classmate Okarun. While Momo believes in ghosts, Okarun on the other hand believes in aliens. Following a paranormal experience that confirms the presence of both ghosts and aliens, the two make a bet to prove their respective beliefs. The anime is set to air in Oct. 2024. 

8. Black Butler: Public School Arc 354dn

Black Butler is making a comeback after almost a decade! The latest season is set in Weston College, the most prestigious public school in Great Britain. The school is known to be closed off and does not bow to government interference.

When numerous students, including Derrick Arden, the relative of Queen Victoria, reject returning home and sever ties with their families, Ciel alongside his demonic butler, Sebastian has no choice but to investigate the mysteries surrounding these unusual occurrences. Black Butler will air in Apr. 2024.

7. Tower of God season 2 g51i

Another anime returning to our screens after a long time is Tower of God. The series ended in a shocking cliffhanger and the new season is expected to continue the story and answer many questions. The series follows Bam, a young boy who enters a mysterious tower to find his lost friend Rachel. Season 2 will air in July, 2024.

6. Haikyuu!! Movie: Battle of the Garbage Dump 721b1n

Since its last season was released in 2020, Haikyuu!! fans have been eagerly anticipating the climactic showdown between Karasuno and Nekoma. The highly-awaited face-off between the two schools at the Volleyball Nationals will be split into two parts with the first movie scheduled for a theatrical release in Japan on Feb. 16, 2024. The international release is also expected to be in 2024. 

Related: The 10 Best Anime On Netflix, Ranked on The Mary Sue

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5. Blue Exorcist season 3 4y1tk

Blue Exorcist follows Rin Okumura, a teenager who discovers that he’s the son of Satan. The new season comes six years after the last season was released and is expected to cover the Illuminati Arc, which features an organization’s attempt to resurrect the devil and unleash demons on earth. Blue Exorcist season 3 is scheduled to air in Jan, 2024. 

4. Kaiju No. 8 1n3l63

Kaiju No. 8 follows the story of Kafka Hibino, a seemingly ordinary worker in a defense force tasked with battling colossal monsters known as Kaiju. However, a sudden encounter with one of these creatures changes Kafka’s life forever. Amid the chaos, he inadvertently gains the ability to transform into a Kaiju himself, earning the name “Kaiju No. 8”. Now, Kafka must navigate the challenges of being both the hunter and the hunted. Kaiju No. 8 is set to air in April 2024. 

3. My Hero Academia season 7 3s5g4j

Following the massive success of the last season of My Hero Academia which was released in 2022, the popular series will return in May 2024. The new season is set to cover about three story arcs, and promises to deliver some of the series’ strongest fight sequences ever.

2. Demon Slayer 262f5k

Demon Slayer’s fourth season will be airing in Apr. 2024 and is expected to animate the Hashira Training Arc. Armed with his keen sense of smell and a sword, Tanjiro faces formidable demons and uncovers a mysterious connection between Nezuko’s transformation, and an ancient demon threat, Muzan. 

1. Solo Leveling 11437

Finally, the most anticipated anime of the year is Solo Leveling. Set in a world where dungeons filled with monsters have opened, the series revolves around Sung Jin Woo, the weakest of the rank E hunters. After a near-death experience, Jin Woo discovers that he can level up rapidly. Determined to become stronger, he embarks on a solo journey to clear dungeons and evolve from the weakest to the most powerful hunter. Solo Leveling began airing on Jan. 7, 2024.

If you mix aliens, hormonal teenagers, and manga, you get Dandadan. You might not have heard of it, but that’s about to change very, very soon.

Just a few hours ago, anime fans were surprised by a teaser for the Shonen and Fantasy anime, Dandadan. While it’s relatively well-known among the right circles, we commoners may have never stumbled upon the story before. However, the new glimpse into the story is enough to make us truly want to see more of it – especially with that beautiful animation style.

That being said, we’re naturally curious about where this anime came from, and who’s behind its creation. For that reason, let’s dive right into all the nitty and gritty of Dandadan.

What is Dandadan about? 324y2e

As mentioned earlier, Dandadan is a Shonen fantasy story about aliens, UFOs, and, of course, some amorous teenagers. Serialized in 2021, it was ingeniously crafted by the one and only Yukinobu Tatsu. Earlier this year, the animation studio Science Saru picked up the manga series and announced an anime adaptation set to hit the screens in 2024.

The story revolves around the life of Momo Ayase, a high school student who believes in ghosts but refutes the idea of aliens. Her classmate, Okarun, on the other hand, refutes the idea of ghosts but wholeheartedly defends the existence of aliens. Ultimately, we’ll witness a hilarious, comedic, and adventurous story about these two students discovering that both ghosts and aliens do exist, all while unknowingly entering the world of the occult.

When is Dandadan coming out? 6m2j1h

Unfortunately, we still don’t have an exact release date, but the series is scheduled to premiere in 2024. When it comes to watching the anime, the reliable anime provider Crunchyroll will be hosting Dandadan and all of its episodes. In the meantime, we have a bit more information about the creation of Dandadan that might be capable of reeling you in.

The series’ composer is Hiroshi Seko, whom you might recognize from Chainsaw Man. The character designs were crafted by Hiroyuki Onda, known for MF Ghost and Inuyashiki, except for the aliens and yokais, which were designed by Yoshimichi Kameda from Mob Psycho (of course). Regarding the music, it was composed by Kensuke Ushio, renowned for Tengoku Daimakyou and The Heike Story.

In the meantime, all we can do is patiently wait for a release date, and if you haven’t already, you might want to take this as your cue to read the Dandadan manga available on the Viz Media library.