Dan Da Danby Science Saru is turning out to be the most loved anime series of 2024, due to the anime’s narrative that seamlessly blends romance and intense action, a balance that every other shōnen series has trouble maintaining. While this trait already sets the anime apart,what has truly taken the anime fandom by storm is the quality of animation. While Science Saru had a great record,Dan Da Danis exceeding those expectations.
The standout aspect ofDan Da Danishow the anime is cleverly using different colors, giving each monumental moment a different vibe. However, this choice of animation isn’t random or to set the tone of the moment at play; rather, unique color palettes are used to resonate deeply with the characters, especially the villains present on the screen. In a recent interview,the director revealed that this color choice reflects a deeper thematic connection, adding a profound layer to the visual storytelling.
Nothing Is Casual About Dan Da Dan’s Villains' Visual Representation
The Color Palette Used For Each Villain In Dan Da Dan is Unique, Underscoring Their Theme
In a recent interview withDan Da Dandirector Fuga Yamashiro,published by Anime Corner, Yamashiro reveals thateach villain in the series has a unique color theme. The interview highlights distinct palettes used for the ghosts/spirits and extraterrestrial beings, deepening the visual storytelling. Given the aliens’ detachment from humans and their mysterious existence, they are portrayed with a colder color scheme. Adding to their enigmatic aura, the aliens are rendered using 3D CGI, highlighting the studio’s ingenious ability to use the most controversial element in the making of an anime.
“I really wanted to make sure there’s that juxtaposition. Actually, aliens are rendered in 3D, and ghosts are hand-drawn. I wanted the aliens to be more cold and inorganic, and the ghosts to be more warm and more relatable to humans. That was the original plan. Although later in the anime series, they tend to get mixed. I also thought about the theme of colors to incorporate. When it’s a battle scene with an alien or a ghost, the colors change drastically from an everyday life. I assigned different colors to each of the different characters. If it’s this alien, it’ll be blue. If it’s this ghost, it’ll be red, etc. When that character appeared, I would flush the screen with their theme colors. Just like on a stage, we would change the stage lights for different characters or get a different spotlight. But I also thought that yokai would have warm colors, and aliens would have cold colors. I really tried to incorporate that into the mixing of the subjects”. - Fuga Yamashiro
In contrast, the color palette for the ghosts leans towards warm tones,symbolizing their connection to humanity. This choice reflects atheme similar to Jujutsu Kaisen, where curses stem from human actions. For instance, the presence of Turbo Granny is represented through darker shades of red, while the Serpo aliens are defined by light blue hues. Notably, dominant characters influence the color themes, as seen with Turbo Granny, who visually overshadows even the Serpo aliens. While aliens and ghosts each have distinct themes, Okarun and Momo also carry unique colors, which may hold deeper meaning within the story.
Okarun and Momo Exert Colors Opposite to Their Beliefs
In the first episode, Momo’s strong belief in ghosts and Okarun’s in aliens are humorously contrasted, with each dismissing the other’s convictions. This dynamic sets them on an adventure where they attempt to disprove each other’s beliefs, only to encounter exactly what the other believes in—ultimately leading them to discover their powers. These encounters awaken Momo’s enigmatic psychic abilities, symbolized by cyan/teal hues, while Okarun takes on Turbo Granny’s darker theme after becoming possessed. This makes it clear thateach character gains powers opposing their original beliefs.
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While these colors fittingly represent the powers they receive, they may also symbolize a mutual acceptance of each other’s views. AsDan Da Dandeepens the bond between Momo and Okarun, this contrast could reinforce the theme of opposites attracting. With such meaningful color choices,Dan Da Danis shaping up to be one of the highest-quality anime this season, if not the year, underscoring the careful thought that goes into its creation.
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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.
