Overview
- Dandadan is infused with a multitude of easter eggs and allusions to well-known franchises such as Ultraman and Godzilla.
- Numerous characters and scenes within Dandadan echo themes from Star Wars, Gundam, and the Alien series.
- The manga also cleverly pays tribute to Slam Dunk, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Jumanji among other cultural icons.
Dandadan stands out as a leading and cherished modern action shōnen series, attributed to its innovative narrative, peculiar world, and unforgettable characters. The creative brilliance of author Yukinobu Tatsu is evident, with influences drawn from a wide array of films, television shows, anime, and manga.
Tatsu’s inspirations are anything but subtle; Dandadan is teeming with references to various media that have shaped its world. Compounding this, the adaptation by animation studio Science SARU not only captured these nods but also introduced additional references, enriching the viewing experience. Below, we delve into some of the most delightful easter eggs featured in Dandadan.
1
Numerous Ultraman References
The Tokusatsu Classic Was a Major Inspiration for Dandadan
Though primarily centered around ghosts, yokai, and aliens, Dandadan notably incorporates elements of giant monsters, or kaiju, featuring ample references to Tsuburaya Productions’ classic Tokusatsu series, Ultraman. From the outset, similarities are apparent, particularly in the design of the Serpo Aliens, which bear a striking resemblance to the Dada aliens. In addition, these aliens mirror Ultraman’s iconic Ultra Beam pose while wielding their psychic abilities.
Additional nods include Mr. Mantis Shrimp’s enhanced form, which echoes the villainous Alien Baltan, and Bamora’s name, along with its formidable exosuit, hinting at two celebrated Ultra Kaijus: Bamora and Gomora. Furthermore, the anime adaptation by Science SARU ingeniously mirrored the original Ultraman opening, showcasing silhouettes of monsters against vivid backgrounds.
2
Nessie Mirrors Shin Godzilla
The Loch Ness Monster Takes After One of Godzilla’s Most Terrifying Incarnations
Early in the Serpo Arc, Momo encounters the notorious Nessie, whose striking design and devastating water beam leave a lasting impression. This design mirrors that of Shin Godzilla from the acclaimed 2016 kaiju film. Nessie’s fearsome visage closely resembles this Godzilla’s form, particularly during a pivotal scene in which it unleashes its mighty beam, echoing Godzilla’s moment of firing atomic breath for the first time.
Such homages do not come as a surprise, given that both Godzilla and Ultraman are cornerstones of the kaiju genre.
3
Mr. Mantis Shrimp’s Ship Resembles the Millennium Falcon
A Renowned Spaceship Makes a Surprise Appearance
Upon forming a bond with Momo, Okarun, Aira, and Seiko toward the end of the Serpo Arc, Mr. Mantis Shrimp commandeers a triangular spaceship to transport a gifted cow. This vehicle closely mirrors Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon from the Star Wars series, establishing a noteworthy sci-fi reference within Dandadan.
The spaceship’s distinctive shape has repeatedly appeared throughout the manga. Though the anime version slightly alters this design, rendering it more generic, the character’s borrowing from the legendary alien Ludris ties back to the spirited essence of science fiction.
4
Okarun and Jiji: Slam Dunk Enthusiasts
They Go Head-to-Head by Singing Legendary Anime Themes
In a comical episode fueled by jealousy, Okarun challenges Jiji for Momo’s affection through a musical duel, singing “Anata Dake Mitsumeteru,”the beloved ending theme from the iconic basketball anime Slam Dunk. Jiji retorts with “Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai,”further emphasizing their rivalry.
This lively tribute to one of the most defining sports anime is enhanced by Science SARU’s clever addition of squeaking shoes during their animated performance, humorously referencing a familiar sound effect from the series.
5
Kinta Sakata Is a Living Gundam Reference
He Excels as a Mecha Pilot
Mecha storytelling has long been a pillar of Japanese media, and Yukinobu Tatsu embraces this tradition within Dandadan by incorporating nods to the formidable Mobile Suit Gundam. Kinta Sakata, a hilarious and eccentric character, often references classic mecha anime. He is particularly noted for his excitement over giant mechas, illustrated when he transforms the Ayase Residence into a colossal mech, named Great Kinta Bodhisattva, Zeta Version, using Nanoskin technology.
The transformation’s design evokes memories of classic Gunpla figures, reinforcing the affectionate nod to Gundam lore.
6
Two Kur Warriors Resemble Xenomorphs
A Notable Tribute to the Alien Film Series
The Kur, an alien species clad in powerful exosuits, encompass elements from various cultures. Notably, two of their exosuits closely mimic Xenomorphs, the iconic antagonists from the Alien franchise. The Jet Booster Exosuit bears striking similarities to a Xenomorph’s body, while the Head Exosuit captures its elongated head.
Given that these suits are fabricated from the remains of consumed organisms, it’s intriguing to consider the possibility that the Kur may have encountered Xenomorphs at some point in their extraterrestrial conquests.
7
Mai Kawamanga Offers a Touch of TMNT
The Name Kawamanga Delivers a Nostalgic ‘Cowabunga!’ Vibe
The Onbusuman that haunted Rin Sawaki during her initial arc closely resembles turtle-like yokai, while also subtly nodding to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. The Onbusuman is the spirit of Rin’s late childhood friend Mai Kawabanga, symbolizing a seamless connection to the turtle motif, which is reflected in both her appearance and Rin’s idol costume during spiritual transformations.
Notably, Mai’s surname, Kawabanga, cleverly echoes the beloved catchphrase “Cowabunga!” that has become synonymous with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
8
The Danmanra Board Game Draws Inspiration from Jumanji
Unji Zuma’s Name Hints at a Clever Easter Egg
The latest arc in the Dandadan series, known as the Danmanra Arc, revolves around a cursed board game trapping players until they complete its challenges. This premise draws a direct parallel to the famed Jumanji franchise. The storyline introduces Momo and Okarun, who encounter an elderly player who spent years inside the game, a clear nod to Robin Williams’s character, Alan Parrish, from the original film.
Compounding this reference, the protagonist’s name, Unji Zuma, when reformulated, spells out “Jumanji”in Japanese (Zuma Unji), seamlessly tying the two narratives together.
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