Episode 9 of Dandadan tackled controversial themes by using genius animation techniques to prevent it from becoming a complete fan disaster.

SUMMARY

Science SARU used strategic object placement and angles to tone down the awkwardness of Episode 9’s controversial scene.
Anime-original content offered humor and a lighter tone, but divided fans over the departure from the manga.
The studio’s unconventional animation style transformed an awkward moment into an entertaining episode.

Episode 9 of Dandadan had the potential to alienate and disappoint fans with its bold depiction of a particularly ‘compromising’ moment between Momo and Okarun. Instead of leaning directly into the manga’s visuals, Science SARU chose a controversial but smart and effective method to avert a disaster.

Humorous Animation in Dandadan | Credit: Science SARU

Science SARU altered the animation and diverged from the source material, had strategic object placements in the visuals, and an exaggerated animation style that made the viewers gag while laughing. All in all, the studio managed to prevent the episode from becoming the season’s downfall.

Although the idea was unique and well executed, the deviation from the original panels sparked debate among Dandadan fans, with one side praising the creative liberty and others disappointed that Yukinobu Tatsu’s signature style was not animated.

Why Did Science SARU Take a Huge Risk?

Science SARU’s decision to take liberties with the episode was something that took careful deliberation. The strategic object placement and the angles at which the character visuals were portrayed were deliberate. The original manga saw Momo and Okarun’s situation play out without any censoring.

Okarun and Momo in Dandadan | Credit: Science SARU

The nature of the atmosphere, where it was both awkward and filled with relief was meant to represent the deepening of the dynamic duo’s bond. The scene might have worked in print but when played on the television and cast before a wider audience, there was a risk of alienating and making the audience uncomfortable.

Science SARU brilliantly avoided directly recreating the scene; not only did they represent the core essence of the scene, but with the animation and the dialogues, they succeeded in adding humor to diffuse the tension and awkwardness, if any.

Science SARU’s Unconventional Style Continues to Impress

Science SARU’s animation has been unconventional and toeing the fine line between appreciation and condemnation of the fan community. The risks the studio has taken have all paid off until now. Their approach is anything but traditional.

Turbo Okarun in Dandadan | Credit: Science SARU

Episode 9 had a lot of twists and turns, from the trio going up against Nessie to the awkward scene of them lying naked in their school’s corridor. With the pent-up tension from the chaos of the episode being immediately forgotten with the laughs that the ridiculous animation brought on, Science SARU managed to uniquely adapt Tatsu’s manga without compromising its essence.

Dandadan has a chaotic charm that has nothing to do with the alien and yokai dwellers in the world. It is a part of Tatsu’s unique writing style and genius. Although the representation of Episode 9 is controversial and different from the original, the author’s intent was perfectly captured.

Science SARU makes a ‘what could have been awkward’ scene turn into a humourous yet key character development moment. Whether the fans view it as a genius move or one step too far, one thing is clear—Science SARU knows how to keep the fans excited.