Dandadan Revitalizes Overused Tropes in Shonen Anime That Kishimoto Failed to Transform

Even as a first-time series, Dandadan has rapidly gained traction as one of the most popular and eagerly awaited anime by enthusiasts. Its storyline is intriguing, merging themes of extraterrestrials with the mystique of the supernatural in a way that captivates audiences.

The renowned manga by Yukinobu Tatsu introduces a refreshing take on conventional Shonen narratives, skillfully intertwining extraterrestrial elements with the uncanny. While esteemed artist Masashi Kishimoto has previously delved into alien concepts within Shonen, his attempts did not capture audience enthusiasm in the same way that Tatsu’s imaginative and engaging rendition does in Dandadan.

Dandadan: A Fresh Take on Aliens in Shonen That Surpasses Kishimoto’s Attempts

Tatsu’s storytelling in Dandadan excellently integrates the motif of aliens into a framework of paranormal activity, consistently threading romance throughout the narrative. This Shonen offering innovatively fuses romantic comedy with supernatural action, showcasing a blend of spirits, ghosts, and aliens—creating a unique sci-fi and supernatural concoction that stands apart from the norm.

Even though the realms of science fiction and the paranormal have been explored extensively, they have seldom shared equal footing in a single narrative. Tatsu’s smooth combination of these genres creates a captivating narrative that enthralls fans with its imaginative approach.

It’s important to note that the theme of aliens in Shonen is not unprecedented, as Masashi Kishimoto previously tackled this idea on two occasions: in Naruto and Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru.

While Naruto has cemented its legacy among the elite Big Three anime series, Kishimoto’s Samurai 8 faced challenges in gaining fan approval and was ultimately canceled. Both narratives featured aliens prominently, yet Dandadan presents this thematic element with a distinct narrative flair and execution.

Okarun and Momo fight an alien spirit in Dandadan (Image via Science SARU) — Okarun and Momo battle an alien spirit in **Dandadan** (Image via Science SARU)

In Naruto, the entire chakra system and jutsu techniques within the ninja universe originate from the otherworldly Otsutsuki clan, who are extraterrestrial beings from an enigmatic planet situated beyond Earth. While Kishimoto’s portrayal of the Otsutsuki does represent “aliens,”it diverges from traditional science fiction depictions of extraterrestrials equipped with advanced technology.

Instead, the Otsutsuki exhibit powers that transcend Earth’s understanding, though they lack the classical sci-fi elements typically associated with alien narratives. The actual appearance of the Otsutsuki is primarily reserved until the series’ climax with the entrance of Kaguya.

The sequel series, Boruto, expands this alien mythology, further investigating the origins and history of the Otsutsuki and introducing a variety of Otsutsuki characters. However, even as Boruto incorporates an increasing number of scientific themes, a conventional representation of aliens is still absent.

Samurai 8 explores a different angle by intertwining a samurai motif with an alien sci-fi backdrop. While the notion of space samurais is intriguing, it doesn’t necessarily contribute a groundbreaking innovation to the genre.

Samurai 8 poster with Naruto (Image via Shueisha) — Promotional poster for **Samurai 8** featuring Naruto (Image via Shueisha)

Despite its rich lore and engaging premise, Samurai 8 ultimately lacked a unique angle to distinguish itself amidst formidable contenders, which led to its untimely cancellation.

Kishimoto’s approach in Naruto, Boruto, and Samurai 8 retains a distinctive yet somewhat uniform interpretation of aliens. Although he introduces innovative twists on the concept, diverging from the typical technology-laden extraterrestrial stereotype, there remains a lack of profound exploration of alien themes.

Conversely, Dandadan seamlessly combines the essence of aliens with supernatural intrigue, encompassing ghosts and spirits while adhering to familiar alien tropes. This synthesis not only aligns with what fans anticipate from extraterrestrial-themed narratives but also crafts an engaging and refreshed storyline, offering a novel experience in the Shonen arena.

Conclusion

Through Dandadan, Yukinobu Tatsu explores this captivating fusion of paranormal and alien concepts, delivering an experience that Kishimoto’s works have yet to fully provide. Each series has its distinct appeal, but the Fall 2024 premiere shines brightly by blending elements of romance, comedy, the paranormal, and science fiction, thus offering a refreshing and vibrant take on the Shonen genre.

This unusual amalgamation introduces a lively, engaging narrative that is both entertaining and immersive, providing fans with a distinctive experience in a genre that can often feel repetitive.

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