Dandadan Season 2: Better Than Season 1? Explore early fan responses, critic insights, and everything we know about the anime’s new episodes.
Is Dandadan Season 2 an Upgrade from Season 1? First Reactions & Reviews
Dandadan—Science Saru’s supernatural-action-comedy—has exploded onto the scene since its blockbuster premiere in October 2024. As Season 2 prepares to launch in July 2025, some exciting news has come out and critics and fans want to know, is it better than Season 1? Let’s dive into the details through hard numbers, “first actions,” and review evaluations.
Season 1 Summary: An Amazing Execution but Some Foibles
Season 1 introduced Ken “Okarun” Takakura and Momo Ayase—two overzealous teens caught up in comedic exploits and supernatural mysteries as they pursue ghosts, yokai, and aliens. Critics and audiences alike have mentioned several key elements in Dandadan’s overall success:
Genre-bending tonal shifts: Episodes seamlessly shifted from laugh-out-loud absurdity to chilling backstory. This tonal balance fascinated fans.
Great voice acting and art direction: These were two aspects at Crunchyroll and other anime awards that were always being mentioned.
It won Best Animation of 2024 from Anime Corner
and 96.5 million hours viewed on Netflix from July-December 2024
, as one of their nine non-English Top 10, topped for 11 weeks straight.
Regardless, positives enormously outweighed the negatives, and at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards Dandadan received 22 different nominations and won Best Character Design.
The Season 2 trailer and Evil Eye movie provide a glimpse into the future.
Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye, the special movie, was released in select theaters in May 2025, showing the Season 1 finale and the first three episodes of Season 2. Critics were overwhelmingly positive:
“Evil Eye is…slanted purple and gold nightmare fuel…”
“Genre chameleon…doesn’t want to be a certain one…but (does) love, ghosts, and aliens with kiss-blowing elegance.”
Screen Rant’s preview report expresses excitement that the Evil Eye Arc is when Dandadan “starts to come into shape” and brings an emotional weightiness to the story along with massive action sequences.
Why Season 2 Is Better Than Season 1
1. The animation is even better
Science Saru seems to be refining their craft on something they already did exceedingly well. Early trailers suggest more fluid motion, dynamic shot construction, and high octane fight choreography.
2. More complex narrative arcs
Season 2 is tackling three arcs — Cursed House, Evil Eye, and the Kaiju Arcs — all of which are believed to be the best arcs in the manga.
3. More development of character arcs
The new addition of Jiji, as well as characters such as Aira, Turbo Granny, adds more emotional and supernatural stakes that should add complexity and nuance to Momo & Okarun’s developing relationship.
4. More emotional heft & more genre hopping
The combination of horror, romantic comedy, sci-fi, and absurdism that earned praise in season 1 is further refined in season 2’s arcs.
Even the Evil Eye movie received acclaim for achieving that unpredictable tonal blend.
Points of Concern
Cliffhanger Fatigue: The controversial tone of the Season 1 finale prompted much discussion, and some viewers were leery of the tone of Season 2; although Season 2’s tone is seemingly more assured, and narratively motivated.
Pacing Issues: Viewers are worried that the arc-load in Season 2’s 12 episodes may translate to an inefficient pacing (throughout the Season) for the action and comedy – typically, Tucker does make sure to fit 2-3 arcs/episodes, and as these Season 2 arcs are ever lammable, pre-expressions of episode pacing concerns generate discussion.
Fan Expectations: Anyone who were viewers of Season 1 must have some heightened expectations after experiencing unbelievable highlights, (Remember Episode 7) and I have no doubt that anything less in Season 2, would be disappointing. If minor arc controversies arise in the first few episodes, viewers with heightened expectations may quickly grow impatient with the pacing.
Things Season 2 is going to Exceed
Animation: Knockout upgraded detail and exhilarating movement, territory defining quality
Story Arc: Elevated dramatic, stakes, and mystery advances
Character Development: More distinct minor supporting characters and renewed emotional interaction arcs
Critical Praise: Great reviews so far, confidence from engaged manga readers
Season 2 isn’t just more Dandadan, this is all systems go Dandadan! The Evil Eye arc can provide depth, intensity, and payoff that fans have longed, waited, and dutifully followed. Given Season 1 was a self-valued 9/10, Season 2 looks to shoot for 10+.
What to Look Forward To
July 3, 2025 release across all territories on Netflix & Crunchyroll
Animation sequences: Massive, battle level animation quality
Jiji’s back story & Evil Eye escalation: very emotional & super scary
Momo & Okarun’s relationship developing: the ride will focus on this
Audience reaction: pacing of 12 episodes and if they’ll be satisfied for a binge
Season 1 of Dandadan burst onto the scene with so much memorable animation, fantastic humor and supernatural energy. From what fans and critics say Season 2 isn’t just good, it’s on another level. The exciting reviews of the Evil Eye film, manga book readers chiming in with their confirmation and recent technical upgrades all align that season 2 is going to represent anime.
If you loved (/are head-over-heels in love for) the first season, get ready to buckle up. And if you still aren’t watching Dandadan yet? Perfect time to check it out because Season 2 will be here soon.
FAQs
1. What is the release date for Dandadan Season 2?
A: The Dandadan Season 2 release date is July 3, 2025, and it will be available to watch globally on Netflix and Crunchyroll.
2. Is Dandadan Season 2 better than Season 1?
A: Early reviews and response from fans suggest that Dandadan Season 2 is better than Season 1, with an improved animation quality, a better emotional storyline, and even more character development, particularly in the Evil Eye arc and the Cursed House arc.
3. What story arcs are in Dandadan Season 2?
A: Dandadan Season 2 contains the Cursed House Arc, the Evil Eye Arc, and a portion of the Kaiju Arc. These are some of best-regarded arcs in the manga.
4. How many episodes does Dandadan Season 2 have?
A: There is no official confirmation yet, as we’ve said, but it is expected that Dandadan Season 2 will have a similar 12 episode format to Season 1.
5. Is Dandadan based on a manga?
A: Yes, Dandadan is based on the manga written by Yukinobu Tatsu. It’s unique mix of science fiction, romance, horror, a comedy in Dandadan makes it a fun experience. The anime hasn’t strayed too far from the manga, however.
Q6. Can I watch Dandadan Season 2 without watching Season 1?
A: It is highly recommended to watch the first season of Dandadan prior to dive into Season 2, as there is a whole lot of fantastic characters you get to meet and relationships that will be carried over, and you will also need to know about the supernatural leaning arcs going into Season 2.