A ridiculously fun anime that’s just getting started!
Anime releases have gotten experimental this decade, haven’t they? From 1-hour long premieres to cinematic experiences, it’s compelling to see anime be treated as a juggernaut piece of media alongside live-action offerings. On that note, many Shonen fans were shocked to see Dan Da Dan receive a cinematic release this soon.
Normally, studios release a season first to test the waters before heading to the big screen. Seeing this series receive this form of treatment shows fans that the folks involved with its adaptation are confident that everyone will enjoy it. While this absurd anime has shortcomings, it delivers enough goods to warrant a cinematic release.
Dan Da Dan: First Encounter (First Encounter) consists of the first three episodes of Dan Da Dan Season 1. Fun fact, that season will be released later this year. Anyway, this anime follows Momo and Okarun, two high school students who get into an argument at school. Momo argues ghosts are real while Okarun argues aliens exist.
The two visit different locations based on their respective beliefs. They hope to prove the other incorrect with their findings. Unfortunately, matters take a dark turn when they discover both entities exist. Therefore, it’s up to Momo and Okarun to protect their world from aliens, ghosts, and other entities hidden in their universe.
First Encounter is a peculiar film if fans want to refer to it as one. It serves as an appetizer or a preview of what fans can expect from this anime’s inevitable first season. Therefore, fans should view First Encounter as a teaser rather than a complete package like other anime films.
With that out of the way, First Encounter offers a story of action, horror, sci-fi, romance, and comedy. Some action scenes involve Momo and Okarun getting into heart-pumping fisticuffs, thrilling chase sequences, and hilarious verbal confrontations. Cartoon fans who love series like Regular Show (2010) will find First Encounter’s structure familiar.
Each chapter in First Encounter shows Okarun and Momo tackling problems or traversing places as normal people would. However, like Mordecai and Rigby’s lives in Regular Show, Momo and Okarun eventually “encounter” insane obstacles and entities that will shake their worldviews.
Each event feels more ridiculous, unique, and gripping than the last. Many audiences will have a challenging time turning away from the madness that unfolds in this anime. First Encounter delivers wonderful supernatural and sci-fi lore for fans to dig into. Many audiences will love this anime’s nods to Japanese mythology and sci-fi conspiracies.
The Serpoians and Flatwoods Monster enemies Momo and Okarun fight are notable examples. First Encounter tackles themes like friendship and bullying to wonderful effect. Despite being placed in random mishaps, Tatsu develops Momo and Okarun’s bond throughout First Encounter’s run.
The instances where Momo and Okarun reveal intel about each other’s upbringings are a clear example of that. Many viewers will be amazed by how well Tatsu handles his leads as individuals and as a duo. Coupled with its laugh-out-loud moments, First Encounter serves as a great appetizer for things to come.
However, First Encounter’s storytelling won’t be for everyone. First and foremost, this anime’s tale isn’t for the faint of heart. Momo’s erotic situation with the Serpoians won’t be to everyone’s liking. Next, First Encounter’s varied erotic humor and subplot involving someone’s private parts may not vibe with every anime fan.
This is a similar issue some fans had with Denji’s goals in the Chainsaw Man (2022) anime. Additionally, First Encounter doesn’t give fans a favorable training segment involving Momo and Okarun. This is unfortunate considering the events that’ll take place after the film alludes to our pair challenging a powerful obstacle.
Not giving more attention to Momo and Okarun’s physical training is a buzzkill. Lastly, the zany and bombastic events may detract others from appreciating First Encounter’s world-building and character-development scenes. Besides those issues, First Encounter’s storytelling will grip and impress many anime enthusiasts.
Momo and Okarun are phenomenal protagonists (so far). First Encounter digs into the meat and potatoes of these two. Fans shouldn’t expect a deep dive into their backgrounds. However, First Encounter showcases enough of Momo and Okarun’s best and worst aspects to get fans onboard with them as its protagonists.
Despite being a no-nonsense type of gal, Momo’s romantic and familial complications prevent her from being a picture-perfect girl as some of her classmates believe. Okarun may be a sci-fi guru, but he’s no Fabio. He’s a boy with a meek build and one who is easily susceptible to bullying. However, his desire for friendship keeps him afloat.
Regardless of their power-ups and defining moments, these characters’ distinct flaws and interactions will compel viewers to root for the two. Seiko is an interesting supporting character in First Encounter. She’s oddly attractive for her age and can give a foe a thrashing, especially an enemy who wants to harm Momo.
Unlike other adult characters in Shonen, Seiko isn’t invincible. Some will be surprised by that fact. Others will cherish the idea as it helps set Dan Da Dan apart from other modern or older Shonen. Seiko and some of the introduced antagonists in First Encounter have not been explored to the best extent.
However, we’re optimistic they’ll pique fans’ interest once the anime series delves deeper into their history. But all in all, First Encounter does a fine job of giving fans a taste of what they can expect from Momo, Okarun, and the others once the official season airs this fall (as of this writing).
Science Saru Studios worked on First Encounter’s animation and visuals. They’ve worked on anime projects like 2018’s Devilman: Crybaby and 2023’s Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. Like these two projects, Science Saru Studios nearly knocked it out of the park with First Encounter’s visuals.
From occasionally life-like character movements to their effective use of lighting and color techniques, First Encounter is a worthwhile spectacle. My cinema’s large screens enhanced my visual experience with the film tenfold. The CGI used for some monsters was somewhat disappointing though.
The CGi monsters’ movements didn’t look as fluid as First Encounter’s traditionally animated monstrosities. It lowered the “wow” factor of some of First Encounter’s best moments. Fortunately, this won’t take away from the anime’s gorgeous scenarios, especially those that wreak passion and effort.
The soundtrack is marvelous! From well-implemented sound effects to its funky and exhilarating background music, many fans will be dying to get their hands on First Encounter’s OST.
First Encounter is only available in the native Japanese language with English subtitles. The voice acting is superb from beginning to end. Anyone can tell the actors and actresses involved had a blast recording their lines. There is a moment near First Encounter’s latter half when Okarun’s cries interfered with Seiko and Momo’s discussion about psychic powers. Besides that, many will adore this one’s OST.
First Encounter is a strange release, narratively and physically. It’s a bold move to have it go to theaters this soon. While this nutty anime could improve in some areas, First Encounter will leave anime fans hungry for more of this wild, ball-busting thrill ride.
Read More: Dan Da Dan: First Encounter Ending Explained
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Verdict - - 8.5/10
8.5/10