During adolescence, teenagers get to learn and discover themselves and the world, but for most people, this means going through puberty, maybe taking up a sport or hobby, and not the occult vs alien shenanigans of DAN DA DAN. The science fiction-fantasy mix is unhinged and chaotic, throwing Momo and Ken directly into the worlds they didn’t believe in, and with each crazy encounter, they gain insane powers that are rendered into (literally) out-of-this-world, kaleidoscopic animation. But it’s their comedic dynamic that makes the show work, as each absurd situation pushes them to share what makes them vulnerable and challenge each other on their beliefs. DAN DA DAN is spectacularly unpredictable, and is a standout from 2024’s anime fall lineup.

If you’re used to the wholesome power of friendship familiar to shonen anime, DAN DA DAN’s humor and visuals can feel a tad explicit, with its ghosts and aliens obsessed with procreation and the human anatomy (to say it politely). However, considering that it’s precisely the sort of topic teenagers would be learning, it makes sense thematically.