Dan Da Danfever is hitting the anime community, with its wide release finally arriving after exclusive screenings and theatrical premieres, giving glimpses into its absurd and unusual premise. The adventures of Okarun and Momo are an assuredly popular topic between each week’s new episode release, but an exceptional character and her associated transformation are especially fascinating.Turbo Granny, the tunnel-dwelling yokai who curses Okarun in episode #1, is poised to be one of the most deranged takes ona trope made famous byNaruto’sKurama andJujutsu Kaisen’sRyomen Sukuna.
The absurdity ofDan Da Dangoes far beyond outlandish Serpoian aliens and cryptids, encompassing all folklore to bring surprises and strokes of genius to a rather crowded shōnen battle landscape. Infusing real-world urban legend mythology into the series' world allows for a fascinating blend of cultures represented and spins on classic series. Turbo Granny is one such example,based on a popular modern yokai called Turbo Bachan, and serves as one ofDan Da Dan’swildly fresh takes on spirits inhabiting the main characters.
Dan Da Dan Explores the Same Trope Behind Kurama and Sukuna
The Possessed Hero Is a Staple of Shonen Series
Turbo Granny, the weenie-gobbling yokai who curses Okarun inDan Da Danepisode #1, subsequently lends Okarun her powers with immense strength, durability, and, most notably, her incredible speed and even traveling through phones. As Momo attempts to disrupt Turbo Granny’s hold over Okarun, the power is left lingering in Okarun’s body, but Granny doesn’t go away even after this event. Her power being held in check by Momo’s abilities isreminiscent of the “Sealed Inside a Person-Shaped Can"term defined byTV Tropes, which also applies toNaruto’sKurama andJujutsu Kaisen’sRyomen Sukuna.
Dan Da Dan Interview: Natsuki Hanae and Hiroyuki Aoi Discuss Okarun’s Performance and the First Season
Natsuki Hanae, the voice of Ken Takakura, aka “Okarun” sits down in an interview with Dan Da Dan’s producer, Hiroyuki Aoi, and Screen Rant.
Without spoiling futureDan Da Danepisodes, Granny’s powers remain an asset to Okarun in similar yet different ways from Kurama or Sukuna. Okarun uses these powers just past the halfway point of the first episode, whileNaruto doesn’t begin channeling Kurama until glimpses in the Land of Wavesand Chunin Exams Arcs.Sukuna is initially the closer comparison, showcasing his awesome might when overtaking Yuji. Yet, Sukuna and Kurama remain in their host bodies for most of their respective series' durations, while Granny will change to a different trope, “Sealed Evil in a Can.”
Dan Da Dan’s Turbo Granny Adds a Modern Touch to a Folklore Creature
Faster Than a Speeding Locomotive
Another trait Turbo Granny shares with Kurama and Sukuna is that they each feature in different forms of Japanese folklore, withDan Da Dan’scase inspired by the urban legend of Turbo Bachan or 100km/h Granny. Turbo Granny is almost identical to her inspiration,a yokai from the modern era capable of running behind or catching up to cars or trainswith the intent of causing an accident, and her anime counterpart is certainly similarly effective. While Turbo Granny is certainly the most contemporary of the three cases, Kurama and Sukuna are equally fascinating folklore-inspired characters.
Turbo Granny is also featured in popular Japanese games, including Atlus’Shin Megami Tensei, Persona, andSoul Hackersseries.
Kurama is inspired by a combination of the Kyuubi no Kitsune yokai, with his nine-tailed fox design reflecting the concept, along with the name referencing theYu Hakushocharacter with the same name. Additionally,Kishimoto has detailed kaiju-related inspirationson top of folklore, infusing pop culture into Kurama’s conception. Ryomen Sukuna, inJujutsu Kaisen’scase, is inspired by a figure featured in Japan’s second-oldest book,Nihon Shoki,where Ryomen-sukuna is a demonic deity opposed to the Yamato family.Japanese culture heavily inspires these creatures, withDan Da Danbeing no exception.
Turbo Granny Has a Unique Hook Compared to Sukuna or Kurama
While the threat of unleashing general destruction or mayhem is present with Sukuna throughoutJujutsu Kaisen, as it is for much ofNaruto, Turbo Granny’s hold over Okarun is in holding a very specific appendage of his hostage. With Okarun’s manhood at stake,Turbo Granny becomes a prominent and more grounded yet unhinged adversaryand/or companion inDan Da Dan. With Okarun trying to retrieve what Granny stole, they’ll soon find their connection doesn’t go away. Much of Granny’s actions influenceDan Da Dan’splot and Okarun’s development.
The result is a fascinating yet tacit cooperation between the two due to Okarun hosting her powers and Turbo Granny knowing how to use them. Fans will appreciate Granny’s personal and humorous stake in Okarun’s life, as opposed to the tragic backstory of how Kurama came to be sealed within Naruto or the straightforward antagonism ofJJK’sSukuna.Dan Da Dan’sTurbo Granny may be a yokai whose curse places her inside Okarun, but their mutual dependency will become clearer as the series progresses.
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Two high school students, embroiled in a wager to prove the existence of ghosts or aliens, encounter daunting paranormal threats, acquire superpowers, and possibly discover love. The series blends supernatural elements with personal dynamics as the protagonists navigate their newfound abilities and unexpected challenges.
