Dandadan's New Promo Steals the Spotlight from Shibuya Arc

The anime adaptation of Dandadan has become one of the biggest anime hits of 2024, and it’s easy to see why. Studio Science Saru’s adaptation brought Yukinobu Tatsu’s unique manga to life, captivating audiences around the world. This newfound global popularity has given the series a massive boost, with characters like Momo and Okarun becoming fan favorites.

To celebrate the release of Volume 18, the series made a big splash in Shibuya, Japan. A promotional video (PV) was showcased across large screens on Shibuya’s iconic buildings, grabbing the attention of passersby. The promo stayed true to Dandadan’s quirky and vibrant aesthetic, blending vivid colors, stark black backgrounds, and exciting animated manga panels of the main characters.

While the manga had its loyal readers before, there’s no doubt that the anime’s success has elevated Dandadan to mainstream fame. According to recent reports, the manga’s sales have nearly doubled since the anime premiered. This surge in popularity isn’t stopping anytime soon, especially with Season 2 already confirmed for the Summer 2025 anime lineup.

What Makes Dandadan So Special?

Dandadan has resonated with fans for all the right reasons. Despite mixed reactions to its first episode, the anime adaptation proved to be a masterpiece, capturing the heart and soul of the manga. Science Saru’s stunning animation brought Yukinobu Tatsu’s world to life in a way that feels both energetic and heartfelt.

At its core, the story follows Okarun and Momo, whose dynamic goes beyond typical shonen tropes. Their budding relationship forms the emotional backbone of the series, but the supporting cast also shines. Characters like Aira and Jiji start off as typical "rival" archetypes but evolve into fully fleshed-out individuals. Aira’s story, particularly her heartfelt encounter with Acrobatic Silky in Episode 7, became one of the standout moments of the first season.

However, what truly sets Dandadan apart isn’t just its action or humor but the way it focuses on its characters’ sense of belonging and community. Even with all the yokai and aliens lurking in every corner, the series always brings its audience back to its human core. This balance of high-energy shonen battles and emotional storytelling is why Dandadan has captured the hearts of so many.

With Volume 18 and a new anime season on the horizon, the Dandadan phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down.