Walking into the DAN DA DAN panel at Anime NYC was like walking into a Pokemon gym battle in Pokemon Sword and Shield. If you know, you know. (Queue the Dynamax music.) The crowd was buzzing, the lights were bright and colorful, and we got cute little lucky cat fans. It was go time!
I’ve heard all the DAN DA DAN buzz since the anime was announced but since I’m anime only, I don’t read the manga until after an anime is done. That means aside from the synopsis, I walked into this panel knowing as little as possible. Now I’m biased, but I do believe not knowing is one of the best ways to experience something new.
The DAN DA DAN panel was my favorite panel of Anime NYC this year and of all the years I’ve attended. I don’t think there was a better way to kick off such a highly anticipated anime!
DAN DA DAN – The Panel
The DAN DA DAN panel consisted of a Q&A panel before premiering the first episode. It was hosted by A.J. Beckles, who voices Okarun, and Abby Trot, who voices Momo. They were both excellent hosts and moderators. Most panel attendees know that industry panels are usually scripted, but given that they are actors, they made it feel natural.
Joining them on the panel were the Japanese voice actors, Natsuki Hanae and Shion Wakayama, who voice Okarun and Momo respectively. Composer Kensuke Ushio and producer Hiroyuki Aoi also joined them. There was also a Japanese-to-English translator. I’m especially grateful to the translator, who made it possible for the actors and the producer to answer questions in their native language and for us to understand.
It was clear that everyone was super excited about DAN DA DAN. The Japanese and English voice actors interacting with each other was adorable and felt genuine. The most excited person was the composer, Kensuke Ushio. He was ecstatic to be there and was getting up and dancing to the preview tracks. This is someone who loves his job and the work he produces.
The panel also consisted of a live performance of a scene by the actors, both in Japanese and English. This was probably my favorite part because all four actors did an incredible job. Honestly, the whole panel could have been this Q&A because everyone was so enthusiastic, it felt great to witness.
About Dan Da Dan
Before we get to the first episode, if you’re unfamiliar with DAN DA DAN here are some things to know. It is based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu. The manga began serialization in April 2021 in Shounen Jump+. It is still ongoing with 15 volumes
Science SARU, the studio behind Ride Your Wave and Devilman Crybaby, is producing the anime. Fuuga Yamashiro (The Tatami Galaxy) is directing. DAN DA DAN stars Okarun, an alien otaku, and Momo, a girl who comes from a family of mediums. After they get into an argument about which is real, Momo goes to an abandoned hospital to prove aliens aren’t real and Okarun goes to a rumored haunted tunnel to prove spirits aren’t real.
Crash Landing – The First Episode
Once the first episode started playing on the huge screens, I completely understood why a special theatrical release was being done for the first three episodes. DAN DA DAN is made for the big screen! For those familiar with Science SARU’s work, this comes as no surprise. They just have that special touch when it comes to animation and they put it on display for DAN DA DAN.
For someone unfamiliar with DAN DA DAN, outside of the public synopsis, the first episode caught me completely by surprise. The story moves so fast, it blinded me. But I couldn’t look away at all. It felt almost like a crash scene, except the burning explosion was super fun to look at. I was hooked and invested in whatever was going to happen next. When the screening was over, I wanted to get up and demand they play the rest of the season. Waiting until October feels almost criminal after watching THAT.
Blown Away
And can we pull over to talk about the performances?! Up until this point, all the DAN DA DAN trailers I saw were in Japanese so this was the first time hearing the English cast, and WOW! A.J. Beckles and Abby Trott knocked these performances out of the ballpark. A.J. especially sounded like he was born to play Okarun. Being anime only, I don’t know a lot about the character. However, A.J. managed to perfectly capture the picture we’ve been presented of Okarun thus far. Super into aliens BUT an unwavering confidence, regardless of what others think. I was blown away. And of course, Abby was a perfect Momo. Her switch between badass hot girl to vulnerable “there’s more under the surface” girl was spot on. Because of this, I’ve already deemed Momo my favorite girl of the season.
Without giving anything away, if you’re someone who hasn’t read the manga, I suggest going in as blind as I did. It felt exhilarating not knowing what would happen because it felt like ANYTHING could happen in this world. From the panel to the anime, to how everyone talks about this production, everyone involved put their all into making this adaptation.
DAN DA DAN will be coming to Crunchyroll for the Fall Anime season in October. The first three episodes will be screening in select theaters September 13 through 15. Check for tickets here.
Wish i was there!