Dandadan season 2 is the "second-season syndrome" test, and Science SARU passes with its bold visual style intact. After season 1 made a splash in late 2024, season 2 continues the story of Momo Ayase and Okarun amid ghosts and aliens, with 12 episodes airing July to September 2025.
Season 2 was directed by Abel Góngora with Fūga Yamashiro co-directing, and season 3 is scheduled for 2027.
Quick Facts
- Studio: Science SARU
- Source: Manga by Yukinobu Tatsu, Shonen Jump+ since April 6, 2021
- Broadcast: Season 1: October–December 2024 (12 episodes, directed by Fūga Yamashiro); season 2: July–September 2025 (12 episodes); season 3 scheduled for 2027
- Awards: Manga: 71st Shogakukan Manga Award (2026)
- Sales: Manga over 10 million copies by March 2025
Story
Two high schoolers, Momo Ayase and Ken "Okarun" Takakura, discover supernatural abilities while investigating ghosts and aliens. They fight yokai and extraterrestrial beings alongside allies while a romantic relationship gradually forms.
The foundation of the whole series is an absurd-sounding question: which really exists, ghosts or aliens. Momo believes in ghosts but denies aliens, while Okarun holds the opposite view, and both turn out to be right.
Behind The Scenes
Science SARU, the studio behind works such as Devilman Crybaby, produced both seasons. Fūga Yamashiro directed season 1, while season 2 was directed by Abel Góngora with Yamashiro co-directing; the team continues a bold visual style mixing traditional 2D and digital effects.
Season 3 is scheduled for 2027, and a stage play adaptation has been announced for 2026, showing the franchise expanding across formats.
Experience
Animation and style
Science SARU remains a benchmark for experimental animation: supernatural fights are handled with bold visuals, keeping the signature that made season 1. Many critics cite the film-like scene composition and camera movement.
The comedy, horror and romance balance
Dandadan's core strength is its smooth tonal shifts: a scene can be scary and funny before moving to a romantic moment between Momo and Okarun. Season 2 develops this relationship with more nuance and avoids stale romance formulas.
Season 2 structure
Compared with season 1, which spread across many threads introducing the world, season 2 is more tightly edited and focused on the emotional depth of the two leads rather than surface-level comedy action.
Strengths
- Bold animation from Science SARU
- A balanced mix of comedy, horror and romance
- A tighter season 2 structure
- Season 3 is already scheduled
Weaknesses
- The bold style may feel too strange for some viewers
- You must watch season 1 first
- Only 12 episodes with more story ahead
What Critics Say
The manga placed second in the 2021 Next Manga Award web category and won the 71st Shogakukan Manga Award in 2026, with over 10 million copies in circulation by March 2025 and a presence on Circana BookScan and The New York Times charts. The anime received many compliments for its animation and genre blending.
Season 3 is scheduled for 2027, and a stage play has been announced for 2026.
Who Is It For
For fans of anime that blend comedy, horror and romance with bold visuals. If you have not seen season 1, start there. Those who prefer safe, traditional anime may find it a bit strange.
OtaHub Score
Verdict
Dandadan season 2 remains one of the most distinctive anime around, strong in animation and genre-blending storytelling. OtaHub scores it 9.2/10.
FAQ
When did Dandadan season 2 air?
From July to September 2025 with 12 episodes.
When is season 3?
Scheduled for 2027.
Who directed season 2?
Abel Góngora, with Fūga Yamashiro as co-director.