Summary
Yukinobu Tatsu’sDandadanimagines a bizarre universe where yokai and aliens coexist. Like its outlandish and creative worldbuilding, the series also introduces a cast of unique and quirky characters. Each of them is gifted with an exceptional combat style that allows them to thrive in a dangerous supernatural world teeming with threats; however, what makes them memorable is how they utilize their powers to make a mark.
While most characters have something to offer in high-stakes situations, they are certainly not equal. Let’s take a look at thestrongest characters in the animebased on their influence, fighting prowess, impact, and ability to adapt to different circumstances.
Only characters who have been properly introduced inDandadanseason 1 will be considered, and only what they have shown in the anime. Consequently, a character briefly shown in the finale will not be included as they are still an unknown property to anime-only viewers.
7Momo Ayase
Seiko Ayase’s Granddaughter
From a young age, Momo was made to do rituals publicly by her grandmother, Seiko Ayase, who took the responsibility of raising her with extreme caution. At the time,Momo was mocked and bulliedfor performing the rituals. The complicated circumstances end up adding bitterness to the duo’s relationship, but Seiko is later redeemed, as the rituals eventually help Momo draw out her spiritual power when her life is threatened.
Come at me, I’m gonna beat the living sh*t out of you.
Momo went on to use her spiritual powersto fight aliens and yokai, allowing her to carve a path in the supernatural world. She not only defended herself but also rescued her friends from serious danger on multiple occasions. While she still has to learn a lot, Momo has demonstrated that she has the talent to become a great spirit medium like her grandmother.
6Seiko “Santa Dodoria” Ayase
The Motherly Spirit Medium
Popular as the well-known spirit medium Santa Dodoria,Seiko Ayase is Momo Ayase’s grandmother. Although she may act childish and come off as uncouth, deep down, Seiko is a compassionate woman who cares deeply for the people around her.
When Momo and her friends engage in paranormal investigations, Seiko always has their back and looks after them. She is also a deeply spiritual person who respects the dead and even extends her kindness to yokai and aliens.
5Ken “Okarun” Takakura
Momo’s Best Friend
Ken Takakura was bullied from a young age, and to overcome the hurt he felt, he started trying to make contact with the aliens, hoping that he would someday be able to befriend one of them. His life revolved around alien conspiracy theories until he crossed paths with Momo Ayase.
I’m an awkward fellow after all.
Ken eventually ends up gaining the powers of Tubo Granny, a notorious yokai. Although he is not currently very efficient in using his supernatural abilities, Okarun has demonstrated that his capabilities far exceed his present scope of understanding.
4Acrobatic Silky
The Struggling Mother Who Became a Lost Yokai
Acrobatic Silky’s human life was full of tragedies, which eventually led to her suicide. After turning into a yokai, she accidentally mistakes Aira Shiratori for someone from her past life. Most of her time as a yokai was spent stalking her and figuring out her strange longing for someone she once knew. It wasn’t until she gave her aura to revive Aira that those memories came rushing back to her.
Acrobatic Silky died regrettingnot being able to give her daughter the life that she deserved. Her battle with Momo and Okarun proves that she is one of the strongest spirits that has appeared in the anime version ofDandadan.
3Mr. Mantis Shrimp
The Enemy-Turned-Friend
Mr. Mantis Shrimp, a.k.a Peeny-Weeny, is an alien who loses his wife to a disease that later gets passed on to his son. Under serious financial constraints, he starts working for the Serpoians, who overwork him and cut down his already meager pay.
After the cruel aliens are defeated, Seiko Ayase helps with his son’s treatment, following which Mr. Mantis Shrimp feels indebted to her. Eventually, he becomes an indispensable member of Okarun and Momo’s group and even fights for them. While he is not necessarily the best tactician, Mr. Mantis Shrimp’s physical capabilities are beyond question, and he can hold his own with most other characters introduced inDandadanso far.
2Serpo Dover Demon Nessie
Serpo Arc’s Main Antagonist
Serpo Dover Demon Nessie wascreated as a desperate measure by Serpo, who fused with Dover Demon and Nessie with the hope of defeating Momo, Okarun, and Aira. It was a chimeric alien that borrowed Dover Demon’s mantis shrimp-like arms and Nessie’s body.
This meant that Serpo Dover Demon Nessie could swim and stay in water for a long time and also packed serious punching power. It was only defeated by the combined efforts of Momo, Okarun, and Aira, who had to push their powers to the extreme.
1Turbo Granny
The Dangerous Yokai From Shono City
Turbo Granny, a.k.a 100 km/hr Granny, is a notorious yokai known for terrorizing the people of Japan in her heyday. She is not only foul-mouthed but also draws sadistic pleasure from traumatizing her victims. At some point, Turbo Granny fused with the earthbound spirit within a tunnel in Shono City and made it her home. Anyone who even accidentally bothered her by trespassing on her territory had to face serious repercussions.
100 km/hr Granny may deserve her bad reputation, but she also has demonstrated that she has a soft corner for young girls who passed away too soon under tragic circumstances. The yokai is known to have offered them comfort to ease their suffering. Turbo Granny is also undoubtedly one of the strongest yokai in existence and is also a popular figure in folklore. While Momo and Okarun manage to defeat her, their victory was mostly based on outsmarting Turbo Granny rather than going up against her in terms of pure strength.
