The first episode of one of themost anticipated animes of Fall 2024,Dan Da Dan, has everything to be crowned as the premiere of the year and has surprised viewers withan excitingly weird premisebased on the unusual coexistence between two paranormal phenomena, ghosts, and aliens. While episode 1 introduces two antagonists from the start, the inspiration behindDan Da Dan’s most disturbing villains shows that the anime not only stands out asthe perfect option for fans of shōnen with romantic comedies and paranormal series, but also for tokusatsu lovers.
Tokusatsu is a genre that has conquered Japan and Western fans by inspiring some of the biggest franchises of all time, like theMonsterVerseand thePower Rangers. Both franchises feature alien races in their plots, demonstrating the influence of these creatures on the genre. However, the Ultra series is the one that has developed the most imaginative creatures from outer space, featuring the most iconic Japanese hero,Ultraman.Because of this, it isn’t strange thatDan Da Danpays homage toUltraman’s franchise in the form of the creepy alien race, the Serpoians.
Dan Da Dan Interview: Natsuki Hanae and Hiroyuki Aoi Discuss Okarun’s Performance and the First Season
Natsuki Hanae, the voice of Ken Takakura, aka “Okarun” sits down in an interview with Dan Da Dan’s producer, Hiroyuki Aoi, and Screen Rant.
The Serpoians FromDan Da DanAre Based on the Alien Race Dada FromUltraman
The Serpo Aliens Stars SeveralUltraman’s References inDan Da Dan’s Anime
InDan Da Danepisode 1, Momo, trying to prove Okarun wrong, goes to an abandoned building famous for being an alien sightseeing hotspot and is abducted by the Serpo Aliens, an alien race that multiplies through cloning, but as this is insufficient for their evolution, they attempt to steal reproduction organs from humans for their research to advance their species. While their human disguise is certainly creepy,the Serpoians true form is a clear reference to the Dada, the humanoid alien race from the originalUltramanseries.
The Dada race was first introduced in episode 28 of the originalUltramanseries of 1966, and their name and design were inspired by the art movement Dadaism.Just like the Serpoians, the Dada alien is monochromatic and features numerous stripesin a pattern that extends throughout their body. Although the Serpo Aliens also have a big mouth similar to the Dadas, their heads resemble more the Alien Pegassa, a race from the planet Pegassa from the 1967 series,Ultraseven.
Additionally, the hands of the Serpo Alien and the way they launch attacks recall the Alien Hipporit fromUltraman Ace, who has three antennae on his head, which can release a powerful beam and blinding sparks.Also, the production team included inDan Da Dan’s opening a sequence of the Serpoins doing the iconic pose of the Storium Ray fromUltraman Taro.Another reference is when the Serpoians used their hypnotic powers, which is similar to the scene inUltramanepisode 16 where the Alien Baltan is trying to take control of Dr. Mori’s mind.
Dan Da Dan’s Creator Has Admitted the Series Is Inspired byUltraman
The Serpo Race Isn’t the Only Aliens Based on theUltra Series
While the references are pretty obvious,Dan Da Dan’s author, Yukinobu Tatsu, has already confirmed that he draws inspiration from theUltramanfranchisein his series. In arecent interview shared by Comicbook, Tatsu said that he often referred toUltramanwhen designingDan Da Dan’s aliens and monsters.
I really like Narita Toru, who is best known for hisUltramandesigns. When I was in grade school and sawUltramanreruns while on summer break, I thought it was just a superhero tale. But when I looked at Toru’s designs as I got older, I discovered… a raw, creepy element that I really like. -Yukinobu Tatsu
This inspiration can be seen not only in the Serpoins but in several aliens throughout the manga,as later in theDandadan’s story some characters are reminiscent of other iconicUltramandesigns by Tohl Narita, the Alien Baltan, and the Kaiju Gomora. SinceDandadan’s manga features many references to other tokusatsu series besidesUltraman, and the anime is just starting, waiting to see these amazing tributes animated will surely keep viewers thrilled.
Studio Science Saru EmbracesUltraman’s Influence onDan Da Dan’s Anime
Dan Da Dan’s Opening Is a Love Letter toUltraman
YukinobuTatsu isn’t the only fan ofUltraman, as the studio Science Saru included numerous references from the franchise inDan Da Dan’s anime adaptation.Dan Da Dan’s opening feels like a love letter tothe original opening ofthe Ultraman1966 series by paralleling the silhouettes of the different monsters. Additionally, the way that Momo’s earrings glow makes her silhouette appear likeUltraman.
Also, at the end of the opening, the sequence shows Okarun doing a similar pose to theUltramanRise. However, in addition toDan Da Dan’s unpredictable story, the fact that it features multiple references, especially to a beloved franchise likeUltraman, makes the viewing experience richer.TheUltraman’s references in the Serpo Aliens and in the opening generate expectation among the viewers,who should keep an eye open to see what other tributes are present inDan Da Dan’s anime.
Dandadan
Cast
Two high school students, embroiled in a wager to prove the existence of ghosts or aliens, encounter daunting paranormal threats, acquire superpowers, and possibly discover love. The series blends supernatural elements with personal dynamics as the protagonists navigate their newfound abilities and unexpected challenges.
