Anyone tuned into the latest anime season has probably caught the excitement surrounding Dandadan, the much-anticipated adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s wildly original, best-selling manga. After the most anticipated battle between the Occult Duo and Turbo Granny, Dandadan‘s plot is left up in the air. Yukinobu Tatsu introduces Japanese yokai and otherworldly occult science fiction monsters as part of its shonen romance adventure.
Dandadan may have only begun its anime adaptation, but it’s already making a major splash. The anime is a treat for alien and occult fans, and much of its growing popularity is driven by these enthusiasts. While Yokai and aliens may grab the most attention, the series also captivates viewers with its comedic references and entertaining humor. Dandadan showcases Tatsu’s exceptional skills and unwavering determination, ultimately benefiting the mangaka in the long run.
Yukinobu Tatsu’s Unique Approach: The Secret to Dandadan‘s Explosive Manga Popularity
Dandadan has built up incredible hype over the past few months, becoming one of the most eagerly anticipated anime of the year. Studio Science Saru delivers an unapologetically weird, stylish, and anarchic opener that marks it out as one of anime’s first must-watch shows for the 2024 Fall season, keeping fans anticipating more.
The rise of Dandadan is a phenomenon like no other. The mangaka already had a huge following for the quirky story and characters, but with the vibrant adaptation, it has attracted even more fans, including those who binge-read the entire manga.
In an interview, Yukinobu Tatsu revealed how his persistence and unwavering determination assisted him push through the typical challenges that many manga creators face along their journey. He said:
In Dandadan, I prioritize content and draw freely every chapter. Of course, I have some goals in mind, but since I don’t set a page limit, it often ends up longer—like 25 pages. It puts me in a tough spot!
Tatsu shared that his drive to deliver the best possible work fuels his creativity, keeping him inspired and brimming with new ideas as Dandadan thrives in its weekly Shonen Jump run.
Tatsu : It makes me happy to hear those kinds of impressions.
In Dandadan, I prioritize content and draw freely every chapter.
Of course, I have some goals in mind, but since I don’t set a page limit, it often ends up longer—like 25 pages.
It puts me in a tough spot! 😅😆— eppy is dandadan posting (@epppyyy) November 3, 2024
Additionally, working as an assistant to Tatsuki Fujimoto provided Tatsu with valuable experience in the manga industry, allowing him to develop his skills and establish his own identity.
The story revolves around high school classmates Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura, aka Okarun. After a quick talk, each realizes they’re into slightly ‘out there’ interests. Momo believes in ghosts, while Okarun is mad at alien conspiracies.
Dandadan‘s Creator Expresses Gratitude for Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Mentorship
Dandadan‘s success felt destined, having been shaped under the mentorship of Fujimoto, the highly renowned creator of Chainsaw Man. Over the years, Tatsuki Fujimoto’s work has not only shaped readers’ views of his distinctive style but has also impacted the careers of many fellow mangaka.
Though Dandadan has exploded in popularity online, many fans may not realize the impact of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s guidance on Yukinobu Tatsu. Tatsu once even revealed how he came up with the title’s name while under Fujimoto-sensei’s mentorship.
Before his magnum opus, Tatsu worked on two projects as a manga artist. These included a manga series Seigi No Rokugou and a one-shot manga Yamada Kiki Ippatsu.
Both works were rejected by Shonen Jump. Following multiple rejections, Tatsu grew increasingly discouraged and began to lose confidence, which started to affect his creativity. During that challenging and painful period, Shihei encouraged Tatsu to “draw freely”, advice that transformed Tatsu’s fate and led to the creation of his latest global hit, Dandadan.
Dandadan is available to stream on Netflix and Crunchyroll
