Dandadan Ignites Junji Ito Vibes With Latest Character’s Origins

Dandadan Ignites Junji Ito Vibes With Latest Character’s Origins

As a lifelong fan of manga and anime, I must say that the 11th episode of Dandadan has left me utterly spellbound, particularly with its spine-tingling homage to the master of horror himself, Junji Ito. The scene featuring Jiji’s encounter with Evil Eye was nothing short of a haunting spectacle that could rival even Ito’s most terrifying creations.

In the 11th episode of Dandadan, humor, quirkiness, and half-exposed skeletons were abundant, but a chilling dose of terror emerged in a scene reminiscent of a Junji Ito manga. Titled “First Love,” this episode marked the arrival of Jiji into the main group. As Momo’s longtime friend and first crush, Jiji moved in with Momo and Seiko due to his family’s home turning haunted and their subsequent hospitalization. Throughout his visit, Jiji momentarily paused his excessive shenanigans to share a terrifying memory with Momo, which might be the most unsettling moment in the series thus far.

Labeling “Dandadan” as a “horror” series might be an overstatement. Instead, it’s more accurately described as a whimsical adventure following Okarun and Momo on their quest to retrieve the former’s stolen family jewels. This manga adaptation by Yukinobu Tatsu is anything but your typical horror setup for 2024. Generally speaking, the series maintains a playful tone with its yokai and UFO elements. However, Episode 11 significantly amped up the suspense, reaching an intense level of… intensity.

Dandadan Episode 11 Produced Pure Junji Ito Vibes

As Momo and Jiji are cleaning dishes, Jiji is reminded of his chilling encounter with the malevolent spirit that haunted his home, which manga enthusiasts recognize as the Evil Eye. The sequence begins with images resembling footage from a horror film before transitioning into a spine-tingling flashback. In a dimly lit corridor, Jiji encounters a creepy scene where he is surrounded by glowing violet tendrils, leaving him frozen in place. A sinister figure emerges and reveals two intensely menacing eyes.

The scene in question is quite reminiscent of a horror story, approaching the intensity that “Dandadan” has seldom reached. It brings to mind the style of renowned Japanese horror manga artist Junji Ito, whose body of work is vast and still growing. To single out one of his many masterpieces would be challenging. Some of his most well-known works include “Uzumaki,” “Tomie,” and “Gyo.” Throughout all of Ito’s creations, there is a consistent, unsettling atmosphere, partially due to the grotesque depiction of bodies in distress and the realistic supernatural elements.

Observing “Dandadan,” its humorous and carefree tone initially creates an enjoyable atmosphere. Yet, moments like the chilling introduction of Evil Eye serve as stark reminders of the terror lurking beneath, much like a punch from a Junji Ito tale. The genuine portrayal of Momo and Okarun’s developing feelings keeps the series relatable, even with its outlandish narrative.

Dandadan Ignites Junji Ito Vibes With Latest Character’s Origins

Dandadan Was Inspired by Junji Ito

In an interview prior to its premiere, creator Yukinobu Tatsu openly acknowledged that the eerie atmosphere of Dandadan was heavily influenced by the works of renowned horror manga artist Junji Ito. He explained how he often ponders over Ito’s drawings and their ability to evoke such a strong sense of unease, noting that their detail and unusual line work are key factors. However, Tatsu also pointed out that Ito’s works contain moments of humor which, when combined with the fear, create an intriguing dynamic. To emphasize this point, he reminded readers that Ito possesses a unique sense of humor, further highlighting the similarities between their artistic styles.

Fans might need to be patient until Season 2 for a deeper exploration of the “Cursed House Arc.” With only one more episode left in Season 1 (releasing next Thursday), an official announcement about Season 2 is yet to come, but it’s expected soon after the final episode of Season 1. Given the popularity of Dandadan, a second season seems highly probable.

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2024-12-13 18:39