Dan Da Danepisode 3 introduces one of the most popular characters in the series, Momo’s grandma, Seiko Ayase, who is a spirit medium who goes by the name of Santa Dodoria. Seiko proved to be good at clairvoyance and incredibly powerful, confidently challenging Turbo Granny to save Momo. This way,episode 3 features a granny showdownthat wasn’t only well-adapted, highlightingDan Da Dan’s beautiful and unique animation, but was also elevated with a subtle change.
Seiko revealed that her ability allows her to create mystic barriers capable of burning evil spirits by drawing a circle using a slidable pencil tip at the top of her bat, “Nessie,” and a talisman nail in which she channelizes her borrowed powers from the god of her territory, similar to how it works Nobara Kugisaki’s technique inJujutsu Kaisen. While this ability is simple in itself and the encounter with Turbo Granny was a short clash meant to introduce Momo’s grandma,the anime adaptation improved the manga by making Seiko shine even more with an extra display of her skill.
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Dan Da Dan Anime Elevates the Granny Showdown by Making Seiko Better Than in the Manga
Seiko Uses Her Mystic Barriers Differently in the Anime
In both versions, Seiko traps Turbo Granny by drawing a circle and placing the nail outside, so every time she moves and touches the barrier, she is set in flames. Afterwardin the manga, Seiko just pulls out another talisman nail from her jacket and lets it fall into the circleto place the barrier inside and burn Turbo Granny. But the anime adaptation goes a step further, showing its own style by instead including a brilliant move of Seiko drawing a bigger circle outside the original.
As a result, the talisman nail is between both circles, and Seiko then swiftly erases the inner one with her feet, which means the barrier is now inside and thus burning Turbo Granny. This was a more analytical move and a smoother scene compared to the manga, since Seiko didn’t need to use an additional nail, and the sequence of her erasing the circle was more impactful and memorable. This way, the anime improves this seemingly small fight by making Seiko more tactical, displaying her battle IQ better.
Dan Da Dan’s Anime Changes Are To Compete With the Manga
The Anime Appeals to Both New Viewers and Fans of the Manga
Besides the subtle changes during the Granny Showdown,Dan Da Dananime also adapted extra content from the manga, since episode 3 includes a post-credit scene that covers an extra from volume 1 that isn’t even available on MangaPlus. This extra addresses a scene that could be seen as a continuity error as it shows how Momo changes from her spirit medium robe, explaining why she isn’t wearing it at the start ofDandadanchapter 5. Also, the anime ending is based on several extras from the manga volumes featuring the mysterious moving Lucky Cat.
These additions are explained by aninterview by Comicbookwith the Mainichi Broadcasting System producer Hiroshi Kamei, where he revealed that the anime isn’t an exact copy of its source material but aimed to be its own version that different itself from the manga while still trying to compete with its high points loved by the readers.
If we were to really reproduce that intricate artwork exactly as it was in the manga, the scene wouldn’t really hold up, so we kept it simple and created a setting that kept the charm of the character…
I think the feelings you get after reading the Dandadan manga and after watching the anime probably won’t be that different. It’s the way the battle locations are shifted, giving us that chaotic feeling. It’s like we’re trying to make it competitive, so that the anime doesn’t just depend on the beauty of the manga. The manga is stylish, of course… but if we did it like that, the anime would not really have a real presence. - Hiroshi Kamei
This direction has proved to be the right one, asDan Da Danis already one of the hitanimes in Fall 2024thanks to its carefully thought-out animation that’s doing justice to one of the most distinctive modern shōnen mangas.These changes inDan Da Dan’s anime contribute to captivating new viewers but also appeal to the fans of the franchisewho get to experience the story differently.
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.
