Netflix's logo floats over a purple promo image from the anime DandadanCustom image created by Evan D. Mullicane
By
Casandra Ronning
Published 25 minutes ago
Casandra Ronning is a staff writer for Screen Rant's anime section. Since mid-2024, she has dedicated herself to expanding her knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry. She is most proud of conducting an exclusive interview with popular voice actor Stephanie Nadolny.
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Romance in anime typically follows familiar tropes, from shy glances to awkward and heartfelt confessions. Yet, every so often, a series comes along that feels fresh, introducing a new way of exploring growth and romance in ways that aren’t often seen in anime. This couldn’t be more true than with the 2024 hit anime, Dandadan.
The anime’s romance centers on characters whose flaws and quirks feel authentic, creating interactions that are messy, earnest, and immensely relatable to many fans. However, there is one aspect of the leads’ blossoming romance that breaks all the rules, allowing the series to truly shine in comparison to other anime series.
Dandadan’s Love Story Works Because It Breaks the Rules
The romance at the heart of Dandadan is more than just a subplot. It drives the series’ emotional core and balances the chaotic nature of the story with softer moments between its central characters. Unlike typical romances, Dandadan thrives on its awkward, realistic interactions, allowing the relationship to develop gradually and authentically.
The English voice of Momo Ayase, Abby Trott, recently spoke with Screen Rant at Anime Pasadena, sharing what she thinks makes Momo and Okarun’s pairing so compelling and what aspects make the story truly come alive.
“They’re incredibly relatable. I love that Momo is the one who makes the first move — she’s confident and goes after what she wants. You don’t always see that in anime. She’s sneaking her hand over to hold his, teasing him — it’s adorable.
And Okarun is such a sweet, awkward character. He’s good-hearted but flawed, and that’s what makes their relationship feel real. They’re both figuring themselves out, making mistakes, learning — just like real teenagers. It’s messy, awkward, and genuine.” –Abby Trott
Momo’s initiative and playful teasing in Dandadan are a perfect contrast to Okarun’s gentle awkwardness, creating a dynamic that feels charming, fresh, and believable. The series takes it a step further by allowing these small moments time to breathe, allowing fans to savor each step of their growing connection.
Momo and Okarun’s Awkward Chemistry Makes Dandadan Shine
Fans of the series love Dandadan for being an unconventional series, with its blend of supernatural action and crude humor often driving the high-energy moments. However, the series equally shines with its unexpected emotional beats, developing the romance between Momo and Okarun in a way that matches the show’s unpredictable patterns.
Every interaction between Momo and Okarun reinforces the anime’s distinctive tone and ability to subvert traditional tropes. Momo’s boldness and willingness to take the lead, paired with Okarun’s shyness, create a dynamic that feels fresh in shōnen anime. Their relationship may be built on unconventional and messy circumstances and interactions, but that only adds to the pair’s memorability.
Their charm is central to the series’ identity, with their connection sitting at the emotional core of the narrative. Momo and Okarun break free of conventions, proving that a romance doesn’t need to follow a formula to be compelling. From its premise to its storyline to its characters, Dandadan continues to deliver an unpredictable and unforgettable experience.
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9.1/10
Dandadan
10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-MA Animation Action Adventure Comedy Fantasy Release Date 2024 - 2025-00-00Cast
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Natsuki Hanae
Ken Okarun Takakura
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Shion Wakayama
Momo Ayase
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Dandadan
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