The highly-anticipated second season of the Dan Da Dan anime made a splash even before its official television premiere, with its theatrical screening in the United States securing a respectable #8 spot at the U.S. box office during its opening weekend. This is a strong start for the anime adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s popular manga series, blending paranormal mystery, battle action, and romantic comedy into a unique viewing experience.
A Strong Showing for the Supernatural
According to Box Office Mojo, the theatrical premiere of the second season’s initial three episodes, released as Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye, earned an estimated $3,096,000 in its opening weekend. This performance is particularly noteworthy considering the film screened in 1,085 theaters across the country.
Breaking down the weekend earnings further, the film grossed approximately:
- Friday: $1,508,000 (including $532,000 from Thursday previews)
- Saturday: $938,000
- Sunday: $650,000
These figures indicate a solid level of interest and engagement from anime fans, setting a positive tone for the upcoming television broadcast.
Global Theatrical Rollout
The theatrical release of Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye wasn’t limited to North America. Prior to the U.S. premiere, the film was screened in:
- Asia (excluding Japan) starting May 30
- Europe starting June 7
This worldwide approach ensured that fans across different regions had the opportunity to experience the beginning of the second season on the big screen.
What to Expect in Season 2
The second season of Dan Da Dan promises to continue the exciting and genre-bending narrative that captivated audiences in the first season. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
- Evil Eye Arc: The new season delves into the “Evil Eye” arc, introducing a formidable antagonist known as Jashi (Evil Eye), voiced by Mutsumi Tamura. This arc promises intense confrontations and explores themes of supernatural intrigue and suspense.
- Returning Cast and Crew: Fūga Yamashiro, the director of the first season, returns to co-direct alongside Abel Góngora, who served as a storyboarder and unit director in the previous season. The animation is once again handled by Science SARU, known for their work on titles like Devilman Crybaby and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.
- Music: Kensuke Ushio, the composer behind the music of Chainsaw Man and Devilman Crybaby, is also returning to score the second season. Aina The End performs the opening theme song, “Kakumei Dōchū” (On the Way).
- Storyline: Season 2 picks up where the first season left off, continuing the adventures of Momo Ayase and Ken “Okarun” Takakura as they confront supernatural threats. The storyline involves Jiji’s (Jin Enjoji) past and a mystery surrounding his family and a hot springs town.
Where to Watch
For those who missed the theatrical screenings, the second season of Dan Da Dan is set to premiere on television on July 3, airing on MBS and TBS as part of the “Super Animeism Turbo” programming block. Crunchyroll will stream the series as it airs, making it accessible to a global audience.
A Look Back at Season 1
The first season of Dan Da Dan was a breakout hit in 2024, praised for its unique blend of genres, engaging characters, and impressive animation. It garnered critical acclaim and quickly gained a dedicated fanbase. The opening theme song, “Otonoke” by Creepy Nuts, became a viral sensation, topping the Billboard Global Japan Songs chart for 20 weeks.
The anime adaptation stays true to the original manga, created by Yukinobu Tatsu. Science Saru ensured even the more controversial moments were brought to the screen. The series follows Momo Ayase, a high school girl from a family of spirit mediums who doesn’t believe in aliens, and Ken Takakura (nicknamed Okarun), an occult fanatic who doubts the existence of spirits. After a series of supernatural encounters, they gain powers and embark on a journey to confront yokai and aliens.
What Makes Dan Da Dan Special?
Dan Da Dan stands out for its ability to seamlessly blend various genres, including:
- Action: The series features intense and dynamic fight scenes against a variety of supernatural entities.
- Comedy: The humor is often absurd and over-the-top, creating a unique and entertaining viewing experience.
- Romance: The evolving relationship between Momo and Okarun adds a heartwarming element to the story.
- Supernatural Mystery: The series delves into the mysteries of the occult and extraterrestrial phenomena, keeping viewers engaged with its intriguing plot.
Reception
The first season garnered a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The anime ranked second in Anime News Network’s “Top 10 Anime of 2024”. James Beckett applauded the series’ premise, humor, action, production values, characters, and the chemistry between Momo and Okarun.
Final Thoughts
The strong theatrical performance of Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye is a testament to the series’ popularity and the anticipation surrounding its second season. With its unique blend of genres, engaging characters, and impressive animation, Dan Da Dan is poised to continue its success and captivate audiences around the world. Be sure to catch the television premiere on July 3.
