Overview
- All Serpo aliens depicted in Dandadan are male, illustrating traits of toxic masculinity.
- The yokai in Dandadan poignantly symbolize the grief women experience as a result of male violence.
- Male characters in Dandadan embody healthy masculinity and emotional intelligence, setting a positive example for Generation Z.
This feature contains plot spoilers from Dandadan season 1.
Dandadan blends elements of sci-fi, horror, and campy humor, creating an experience reminiscent of a wild psychedelic journey. Beneath its comedic exterior, which includes crude gags and vibrant alien designs, lies a deeply reflective narrative. The series delves into serious themes, particularly addressing toxic masculinity through its portrayals of extraterrestrials and cursed spirits.
Yukinobu Tatsu, the creator of Dandadan, tackles the issue of male violence against women through jarring depictions of alien abductions. His portrayal of yokai reveals a trauma that resonates with many, reflecting the painful impact of male aggression. Ultimately, Tatsu aims to illustrate how future generations can redefine masculinity into a healthier and more compassionate paradigm.
The Only Male Serpo Aliens
Their Disregard for Bodily Autonomy
The Serpoians are introduced as the main villains in Dandadan‘s inaugural season. They first appear in the pilot episode titled “That’s How Love Starts, Ya Know!”In a dare, Momo Ayase discovers a haunted hospital, falling victim to an abduction by three disguised Serpoians. These aliens, clad in grotesque human disguises, albeit resembling Russian nesting dolls more than actual humans, set a jarring tone.
Momo awakens in an eerie facility, bound to a pod-like chair in a cold operating room. The chief Serpo reassures her of their “friendly”intentions, yet their actions betray their unwelcome claims; no genuinely friendly being would strip a person of their clothing and restraint them involuntarily.
Tragically, the Serpoians’ horrific plans reveal their violent nature, all while being exclusively male and reproducing through cloning. They sinisterly inform Momo of their intention to exploit her reproductive organs for experiments. When she refuses, they resort to mind manipulation to induce compliance.
Luckily, with the help of Okarun, who has recently become cursed, Momo escapes their grasp. This encounter, though, leaves an unsettling impression. The overwhelming entitlement displayed by the Serpos towards Momo’s body—and their insidious gaslighting language—further amplifies the prevailing narrative of male dominance.
The Serpoians relentlessly pursue Momo and her allies throughout the season. After realizing Okarun possesses powers linked to Turbo Granny, they attempt to also exploit him, enlisting the help of an abused extraterrestrial, Mr. Mantis Shrimp, to achieve their aims.
The presence of male-only Serpoians embodies the darkest aspects of traditional masculinity; their behavior includes blatant disregard for consent, domination through violence, and exploitation of perceived weaker individuals.
Yokai Representing Women’s Grief
Amid the chaos of UAPs and alien encounters, Momo and Okarun must also confront powerful spirits. The first season highlights two poignant yokai: Turbo Granny, a demonic figure with a haunting past, and Acro Silky, a tormented spirit fueled by maternal devotion.
Unlike the cavalier alien plots, the yokai stories are steeped in tragedy, rooted in their experiences of brutal violence from men. These character arcs are not mere entertainment; they highlight the profound emotional fallout that stems from gender-based violence.
Turbo Granny’s Quest for Justice
Initially, Turbo Granny may come off as repugnant. She propositions Okarun in a vulgar manner, engages in theft, and bullies those around her. Such behavior could easily lead one to dismiss her as a mere caricature of madness.
However, her true motivations unveil in episode 4, “Kicking Turbo Granny’s Ass.”After a confrontation with a malicious spirit, her backstory comes to light—Turbo Granny emerges in locales burdened by the violent murders of young women. Granny Seiko articulates how men have historically violated and harmed girls, and Turbo Granny’s sprite seeks to bring solace to their anguished spirits.
Once this context is grasped, Turbo Granny’s actions take on a new meaning. Every instance of aggression can now be interpreted as a vengeful yet necessary counter to male violence, embodying the spirit of retribution.
Acro Silky’s Tragic Loss
Acro Silky’s narrative is even more heart-wrenching. As Momo aids in transferring the spirit’s aura, viewers are granted insight into Silky’s heartbreaking past. A dedicated single mother, she sacrificed everything to provide her daughter a life full of dreams.
Tragedy struck when traffickers invaded her home, abducting her daughter into an unknown fate. This event led to Acro Silky’s transformation into a yokai, emotionally tethered to her reality and the loss of what she could not protect. Ultimately, she longs for reconciliation, which leads to a poignant resolution when she embraces her daughter’s spirit, allowing her to finally move on.
Models of Healthy Masculinity
A New Male Yokai’s Emotional Growth
Dandadan does not shy away from showcasing the violence perpetrated by toxic masculinity, particularly against women and marginalized communities. Nevertheless, within its narrative, there lies hope for change among Generation Z. The male protagonists display growth towards embodying healthy masculinity.
Jiji, a character who initially seems arrogant and superficial, undergoes a transformation when he confronts his past actions towards Momo. His willingness to apologize reflects a crucial step towards understanding accountability—an essential quality that is often overlooked in contemporary discussions of masculinity.
On the other hand, Okarun grapples with his vulnerability, often oscillating between defensive aggression and panic. His struggles manifest in interactions where his emotions infringe on relationships. While he resists admitting his shortcomings, there’s a genuine desire to reject sexism and advocate for proper treatment of women. In episode 6, he stands up against rumors targeting Momo, revealing an altruistic side.
Later episodes introduce a new male yokai that symbolizes emotional honesty and love. Chasing a possessed lab dummy leads Okarun to a moment of clarity—witnessing a heartfelt declaration of love reminds him of his specific feelings for Momo. This pivotal experience may encourage him to embrace emotional expression as a valuable trait, redefining what it means to be masculine.
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