Dandadan: What It Took from Tokusatsu

Summary

Dandan, a 2024 anime adapted from the 2021 manga, is a vibrant homage to Japanese tokusatsu, drawing heavy inspiration from iconic franchises like *Ultraman*, *Kamen Rider*, and *Godzilla*. The anime showcases a deep love for tokusatsu with its monster designs, character actions, and visual styles that echo classic shows, such as *Ultraman*'s silhouette-driven opening and *Kamen Rider*'s signature acrobatic moves. The series uniquely blends these references with modern storytelling, creating a fresh yet nostalgic experience for fans of the genre. Whether you're a longtime tokusatsu fan or new to the genre, *Dandan* delivers an exciting mix of influences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The anime *Dandan* is heavily inspired by tokusatsu, particularly the *Ultra Series*, *Godzilla*, and *Common Rider*.
• 😀 The series showcases a love for traditional Japanese special effects (tokusatsu), reflecting influences from famous properties like *Godzilla*, *Kamen Rider*, and *Ultraman*.
• 😀 *Dandan*'s opening credits feature silhouettes of characters and monsters, directly referencing the iconic opening credits of the original 1966 *Ultraman* TV series.
• 😀 Momo's earring placement in the opening sequence is a subtle visual nod to *Ultraman*'s transformation sequence.
• 😀 The Serpo aliens in *Dandan* share a visual and thematic resemblance to *Ultraman*'s Alien Dada, especially with their distinctive eye colors and abduction motives.
• 😀 The visual effects and sound design in *Dandan*, particularly in scenes involving the Serpo aliens, mimic those found in *Ultraman* episodes, especially in episodes featuring Alien Balon.
• 😀 The way the Serpo aliens fire their beam weapons in *Dandan* mirrors the beam-firing pose of *Ultraman Taro* from the 1973 series.
• 😀 Do Demon’s design in *Dandan* takes inspiration from multiple *Ultra Series* monsters, with its head shape and skin color resembling creatures like Kegon and Alien Bon.
• 😀 The character Bamora in *Dandan* is a tribute to suitmation, combining the designs of Red King and Gamora from *Ultraman*, with a unique twist where a woman is depicted in a monster suit.
• 😀 Yukinobu Tatsu, the creator of *Dandan*, cites the legendary tokusatsu designer Toru Narita as a significant influence on his work.
• 😀 *Dandan* pays homage to a wide variety of tokusatsu properties, blending these influences to create a unique anime experience that remains faithful to its inspirations while offering a fresh take.

Q & A

What is the main inspiration behind the design of characters and creatures in the anime 'Dandan'?

The anime 'Dandan' draws significant inspiration from tokusatsu, particularly from the Ultra Series, including iconic elements from the original 'Ultraman' series and other related works like 'Kamen Rider' and Godzilla films. The design choices, including monsters' appearances and character poses, reflect this influence.

How does the opening credits of 'Dandan' pay homage to the original 'Ultraman' series?

The opening credits of 'Dandan' feature character and monster silhouettes that directly reference the opening credits of the original 1966 'Ultraman' TV series. The placement of Momo's earring and the camera angle during a punch sequence are also reminiscent of Ultraman's transformation sequence.

How do the Serpo aliens in 'Dandan' compare to Alien Dada from the original 'Ultraman' series?

The Serpo aliens in 'Dandan' share many visual similarities with Alien Dada, especially the black-and-white stripe pattern. Additionally, the Serpo aliens' eyes mirror those of Alien Dada, which had three distinct colors—red, yellow, and blue—and were involved in abductions of unique human specimens.

What visual and thematic elements link 'Dandan' with the Ultra Series?

Several design choices in 'Dandan,' such as the appearance of certain characters and monsters, draw heavily from Ultra Series creatures. For instance, the Serpo aliens' pose when firing their rays is evocative of a similar pose by Ultraman Taro. The general style of monster design, including the use of suitmation, also connects the series to its tokusatsu roots.

How does the design of Do Demon in 'Dandan' relate to creatures from the Ultra Series?

Do Demon's design is inspired by multiple Ultra Series creatures, including the head shape and skin color resembling Kegon from 'Ultra.' Additionally, Do Demon's second form takes influence from Alien Bon, a well-known character in the Ultra Series.

What role does the character of Gamora play in 'Dandan,' and how is she linked to the Ultra Series?

Gamora in 'Dandan' is a character whose Exo Suit design is a fusion of Red King and Gamora, two well-known Ultra Series monsters. Her suit's texture and shape reflect these iconic creatures, and the character itself is a nod to suitmation—a technique used in tokusatsu where actors wear monster suits.

Who was Toru Narita, and how did he influence the design choices in 'Dandan'?

Toru Narita was a key designer responsible for creating many iconic characters and monsters in the Ultra Series, including 'Ultraman.' His design philosophy and work have had a lasting influence, and Yukinobu Tatsu, the creator of 'Dandan,' explicitly cites Narita as a major inspiration.

What influence does 'Kamen Rider' have on the anime 'Dandan'?

'Dandan' references 'Kamen Rider' by incorporating the signature 'rider kick' move from the series. Additionally, one of the promotional posters for 'Dandan' depicts its leads in poses reminiscent of 'Ultraman' and 'Kamen Rider,' further linking the series to tokusatsu culture.

How does 'Dandan' incorporate Godzilla references?

'Dandan' pays homage to Godzilla, particularly in the character of Nessie, whose design and beam-firing sequence are clearly inspired by the 2016 film 'Shin Godzilla.' The high-pitched sound effects and destruction caused by the beam mirror those from Godzilla's breath weapon.

What makes 'Dandan' a unique blend of influences from various tokusatsu sources?

'Dandan' is unique because it blends influences from not just the Ultra Series, but also 'Kamen Rider,' Godzilla, and other tokusatsu properties. The way these influences are mixed—such as the creature designs, character poses, and sound effects—creates a distinct and fresh experience that honors the roots of tokusatsu while offering something new.