Last year saw the release of Dan Da Dan, Science Saru’s spectacular adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s genre-bending manga. Over the course of its twelve episodes, which may have featured the likes of aliens and ghosts, at its heart is the relationship of Momo Ayase and Ken “Okarun” Takakura, both initially scoff at each other’s beliefs, but through hijinks and terror, their bond grows stronger. While you can see aspects of the Shonen genre through its spectacle, there is as much Shojo elements, most notably its central relationship, all of which is put in a surreal comedic blender. The first season may have ended on a cruel cliffhanger as it was right in the middle of an arc where the danger is high, but Dan Da Dan is finally back.
Just like how the first three episodes of Season One got a theatrical release titled First Encounter, Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye serves as a theatrical edition of Season Two’s initial three episodes, so this specifically not a film, certainly not one for the uninitiated who are not familiar with this crazy world. Following a recap that highlights the major story points from the previous season, we see Momo, Okarun, and Jiji head towards Jiji’s house in rural Byakuja Village to investigate the supposed curse hanging over the house. It is here where they are confronted by the eerie Kito Family, the landlords for most of the village, where they have been performing ritual sacrifices in service of a Mongolian death worm.
For those who have watched the first season, you will be fully adjusted to the mad pacing of Dan Da Dan, which can throw a lot into a single episode, let alone three episodes. From the disturbing antagonistic family – with some of its members introduced with the threat of sexual assault – to the monstrous beings such as the eponymous Evil Eye with abilities to make anyone commit suicide, this is the darkest content we have seen from this series. For as much horror it can throw, it is nicely balanced with the comedy from its teenage leads, who seem so out of their depth that their situation is both funny and tense.
And then… there’s Jiji. Introduced as Momo’s childhood friend and first crush, Jiji could have easily been a third wheel as he still has feelings towards her, much to Okarun’s chagrin. However, this arc places him as the emotional core, showing more than just the athletic yet eccentric dork and how his interaction with the Evil Eye will forever change him. Considering we had Acrobatic Silky’s tragic backstory in the devastating seventh episode of the previous season, we get into another similar sequence that is heartbreaking to watch and what could’ve led to a moment of sympathy and embrace, the Evil Eye reveals its manipulative and possessive skills. Taking a cue from the source material, Dan Da Dan cleverly subverts your expectations in how the best intentions from its youthful cast can lead to disastrous results.
Although Fūga Yamashiro remains the series director, this time he is co-directing with Abel Góngora, who previously directed Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and designed the amazing opening for Dan Da Dan’s first season. As before, the two directors and the staff from Science Saru bring in multiple influences that lend to the series’ bending of different genres, ranging from supernatural horror to slapstick comedy. As for the action, which have the typical Shonen battles that are filled with explosive energy, there is a martial arts fight that fits more in the realm of Hong Kong cinema. While the primary setting of Byakuja Village is defined by its muted surroundings, the cinematography pops with more vibrant coloring and striking lighting when the fantasy increases, punctuating the level of emotions that Dan Da Dan can throw at.
As with First Encounter, Evil Eye ends on a cliffhanger that will get wrapped up once the second season starts streaming on Netflix next month. We have yet to see the new opening and closing theme, but from the enthusiasm of the two directors – as seen in their interview at the end of the screening – who are continuously experimenting with how they could adapt to Tatsu’s ongoing story, hopefully Dan Da Dan continues to be one of the most exciting shows for anime fans to cling onto.
Season 2 of Dan Da Dan premieres July 3 on Netflix and Crunchyroll.
