DAN DA DAN proves to be one of the best anime this Fall anime season. It has a perfect mix of comedy and action, and it's all made possible with its quirky cast of supernatural beings. Turbo Granny, for instance, is a creepy maniac obsessed with Okarun's family jewels. The latest whacky legend to join DAN DA DAN's roster of evil spirits is Acrobatic Silky.

Just like the other supernatural creatures in the anime, Acrobatic Silky has her own real-world origins. Reasonably, the anime did take creative liberties, making the Yokai a more interesting creature in the world of DAN DA DAN.

Warning: Spoilers for Dandadan manga.

Acrobatic Silky in DAN DA DAN

In the anime, Acrobatic Silky makes her debut as a malevolent spirit haunting Aira. The two characters' fates crossed during Aira's childhood years. Aira already had the ability to see? spirits at a young age,?? though she lost it as time progressed. When she lost her mother in her youth, she happened to cross paths with Acrobatic Silky's spirit form. The young girl mistook her for her mother, addressing her as such. This spurred Acrobatic Silky's obsession with the girl, haunting her for the next years.

Since Aira lost her ability to see spirits growing up, Acrob??atic Silky could only follow her. However, the Yokai attacked the moment Aira regained her spiritual sense through Okarun's family jewel. For the first time, she saw the Yokai for what she was.

Acrobatic Silky in DAN DA DAN is an extremely tall Yokai with long limbs and jet-black hair. She also dons red lipstick, red nails, a red hat, and a red dress. As her name suggests, ??she is a flexible creature with enhanced physical abilities. She is obsessed with being a mother, forcing Aira and even Momo to refer to her as such. This attribute of hers is actually due to her rather heartbreaking backstor??y.

Since it hasn't been shown in the anime yet, the following info are spoilers? for the manga. Acrobatic Silky used to be a human being. She was an impoverished mother. To sustain her and her child's living expenses, she took loans and worked two jobs. When she used a part of her earning to buy her daughter a dress, the debt collector unfortunately paid her? a visit. They forcefully made her cough up her money, then took away her daughter. Bloodied and in despair over the thought of never seeing her daughter again, she danced for one last time before leaping to her death.

Her real-world counterpart �Akusara or Acrobatic Sara Sara

Similar to Turbo Granny, Acrobatic Silky's real-world origin is Japan. It is based on the urban legend of Akusara or Acrobatic Sara Sara. According to Urban Legends Wiki, her sightings are mostly around Fukushima Prefecture. However, there are supposed sightings all over Japan.

The story apparently goes with a group of people encountering a strange woman introducing herself as Sara Sara. Similar to how she is portrayed in DAN DA DAN, she also wears a r?ed dress and has pale skin and long, black hair. Akusara then will perform humanly impossible acrobatic acts, and then challenge those who encounter her. Aft?er the performance, she will simply vanish. At that point, she already cursed them, causing them to suffer terrible fates and even death.

According to other sources, however, Akusara's origins can be traced back to online forums like 2 Chan. In this version, Akusara has scars on her left arm, hollow ey??es, and a mouth cut from ear to ear. She also performs acrobatic stunts in urban areas, jumping from one building to another. She jumps into oncoming traffic and vanishes before hitting the ground. This usually causes tra??ffic accidents.

Furthermore, whoever sees her is bound to suffer tragic fates. Akusara supposedly follows the wi?tnesses, who are usually young men. Afterward, these men will simply vanish without a trace.

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DAN DA DAN is one of the promising new series of the?? Fall 2024 anime season, and it's certainly delivering on expectations. Just within ?three episodes, the anime already introduced a number of mythical creatures, including the famed Turbo Granny.

The weenie-loving old ha?g has certainly earned herself a number of fans. However, is she actually based on real folklore? Yes, she is.

Turbo Granny in DAN DA DAN

In DAN DA DAN, Turbo Granny is a high-speed, malevolent entity that the protagonist, Ken Takakura or Okarun encounters in the pilot episode. She is a visually te??rrifying spirit, with the appearance of an old, emaciated woman with an exaggeratedly withered face and wild hair. Despite her frail appearance, she is renowned for her ability to move at superhuman speed. She uses this speed to aggressively chase down her victims, eagerly attempting to get her hands on ??her victim's privates.

Unfortunately for Okarun, he became one of Turbo Granny's victims, though he was partly at fault. In his attempt to disprove supernatural phenomena to Momo, he agreed t?o go to Turbo Granny's den. When the spirit did appear, it was already too late for him to escape. The ancient spirit took possession of both his body and balls. However, it wasn't all bad. By only partially transforming into Turbo Granny, Okarun could control the spirit's supernatural abilities while retaining his sanity.

Giv??en Okarun's situation, Turbo Granny is not merely a throwaway monster of the week. She plays a larger role in Okarun's development, especially as the young, timid boy copes with the spirit's constant attempts to take over his body.

The urban legend behind the old lady

While DAN DA DAN presents a fictionalized and stylized version of Turbo Granny, her origins are rooted in Japanese urban legends. The real Turbo Granny is a well-known myth, particula??rly in Japan’s paranormal circles. Accord??ing to the legend, Turbo Granny is a spirit or apparition that haunts specific roads or highways, particularly in mountainous or rural areas.

She is said to appear as a disheveled old woman, sometimes driving or running at incredibly fast speeds, often chasing or challenging drivers to races. The legend bears similarities to other vehicular-themed Japanese spirits like the Teke-Teke, who also haunts roadways. Encounters with Turbo Granny in folklore are often foreb??oding. But unlike in the anime, she doesn't seek schlongs. Instead, it is a common belief that a meeting with her will cause accidents or misfortune.

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DAN DA DAN continues to impress as one of the standout anime of the Fall 2024 season. With each new episode, fans get to know more bizarre and? captivating paranormal entities. During the second episode, the Flatwoods Monster makes ?its debut.

But just like the Turbo Granny, the Flatwoods Monster is based on real-life cryptid legend that has fascinated UFO enthusiasts for decades. Reasonably, the one portrayed in DAN DA DAN isn't a one-to??-one copy of the one from urban leg??ends.

Flatwoods Monster in DAN DA DAN

In DAN DA DAN, the Flatwoods Monster makes its debut in the anime's second episode. The creature is depicted as an alien with a strange, mechanical body, glowing eyes, and an eerie presence that sends shivers down the spines of anyone who comes across it. Its towering figure and otherworldly appearanc?e make it one of the most menacing entities in the anime so far.

The Flatwood Monster appeared after Momo removed the protect??ive talisman attached to her residence's Torii gate. It quickly sealed the house's vicinity, preventing the duo from getting out and re-attaching the talisman. Interestingly, the monster isn't without flaws. It primarily used sumo techniques, and it also surprisingly limited itself to sumo rules. The duo only needed to make it touch the ground to eliminate its limbs.

The series certainly took creative liberties in its portrayal of the Flatwoods Monster, amplifying its threatening presence for dramatic effect. Even so, it is derived from r?eal-world legends.

Urban legend behind the monster

The Flatwoods Monster, also known as the Braxton County Monster, originated from an incident in Flatwoods, West Virginia, in 1952. On September 12th of that year, several locals reported seeing a bright object streak across the sky and land in a nearby fi??eld. When they went to investigate, they encountered a creature that became one of the most famous cryptids in UFO lore.

According to eyewitness accounts, the Flatwoods Monster was a towering figure of about 10 feet tall. It was clad in? a met??allic, skirt-like structure with glowing, orange-red eyes and a spade-shaped head. The monster emitted a noxious mist, which reportedly made some witnesses feel sick. The creature was seen hovering near the crash site of what many believed to be a UFO, sparking a wave of UFO sightings and cryptid reports in the area.

While skeptics have dismissed the Flatwoods Monster sighting as a misinterpretation of natural phenomena �claiming that the witnesses may have mistaken an owl perched on a tree for an alien �the? legend continues to thrive in popular culture.

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Dan Da Dan is making waves as one of the most exciting new anime in the Fall 2024 lineup. Combining supernatural elements with intense action and a dash of humor, the series has quickly gained attention for its quirky plot and fast-paced energy. Fans of the manga have been eagerly awaiting the anime adaptation, and now, it’s finally h??ere.

Full release schedule

The anime kicked off on October 3, 2024, and is available on Crunchyroll. Although there is still no off??icial confirmation of the final number of episodes, the season is expected to have a total of 12 episodes. For those looking t??o follow the series closely, here’s the full release schedule:

• Episode 1 release date: October 3, 2024
• Episode 2 release date: October 10, 2024
• Episode 3 release date: October 17, 2024
• Episode 4 release date: October 24, 2024
• Episode 5 release date: October 31, 2024
• Episode 6 release date: November 7, 2024
• Episode 7 release date: November 14, 2024
• Episode 8 release date: November 21, 2024
• Episode 9 release date: November 28, 2024
• Episode 10 release date: December 5, 2024
• Episode 11 release date: December 12, 2024
• Episode 12 release date: December 19, 2024

The series follows two high school students, Ken Takakura and Momo Ayase, who are constantly debating which is more real �Momo’s belief in the occult or Ken’s fascination with aliens. Their rivalry takes a bizarre twist when bot?h of their beliefs turn out to be true, plunging them into a chaotic world of spirits and aliens.

As if things weren’t weird enough, Ken suddenly finds himself cursed and missing a very personal part of his anatomy. Now?, with the stakes quite literally close to home, he and Momo must work together to recover Ken’s “family jewels�while navigating a bizarre mix of the paranormal and extrater??restrial.

This article will be updated with any new developments.

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One of the flagships for the Shonen demographic for more than 10 years, Kohei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia is also responsible for introducing a whole new generation to the world of m??anga.

But now that the series has reached its conclusion, many are left wondering what to read next. After all, is any other title capable of bringing forward the same feel as MHA? Here are the 10 best ongoing manga for those looking to fill the My Hero Academia void.

10. Gokurakugai

• By: Yuto Sano
• Demographic: Shonen
• Release schedule: Monthly

Set in a world where humans, beasts, and the supernatural go hand in hand, Gokurakugai follows Tao and Alma —the sole members of the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter Agency�as they take on odd jobs and work to eradicate the threat posed by t?he magas.?

Pairing what I believe to be the most stylish character designs since Tite Kubo's Bleach (as you can see by the image above), a solid narrative, and some of the most impressive visuals and creative paneling within its demographic, Gokurakugai is an easy pick for all looking to be impressed.

9. Make the Exorcist Fall in Love

• By: Aruma Arima (Story) / Masuku Fukayama (Art)
• Demographic: Shonen
• Release schedule: Weekly

Although a title that —like Chainsaw Man�treads the utmost limit of its demographic by touching sensitive topics and showcasing a high level of gore, Make the Exorcist Fall in Love brings forward a great mix of action and romance. In it, we follow the story of the world's greatest exorcist, who is ordered to protect a famous artist targeted by? Satan. Little does he know, how?ever, that the one he must protect is an envoy of the demon lord. Her mission? Well, the title says it all.

8. SPY x FAMILY

• By: Tatsuya Endo
• Demographic: Shonen
• Release schedule: Weekly

The manga that started the global phenomenon, Spy x Family follows the story of Twilight, a secret agent tasked with forming a fake family as part of an infiltration mission that could change the world's fate. But his mission won't ?be easy, as? both his daughter and wife also have secrets of their own.

Featuring way more similarities to a slice-of-life manga than an action-oriented one, Spy X Family can be seen as the ideal pick for those lookin??g for a cozy title that can still shake you to the core when the time is right. On another note, the series' slow pacing might make it a frustrating read for some after a while.

7. Chainsaw Man

• By: Tatsuki Fujimoto
• Demographic: Shonen
• Release schedule: Weekly

One of the most talked about manga in recent years, Chainsaw Man tells the story of Denji, an orphan whose life is ripped apart after a tragedy sees him become one with the Ch??ain?saw Devil.

Considered by many as Tatsuki Fujimoto's magnum opus (which says a lot given how well-received Fire Punch and his one-shots are), the manga pairs his unpredictable and un??apologetic narrative style with merciless fighting sequences. That combination results in some of the most ruthless and out-of-pocket moments within the demographic, many of wh??ich will stay with you whether you like it or not.

6. One-Punch Man

• By: One (Story) / Yusuke Murata (Art)
• Demographic: Seinen
• Release schedule: Bi-weekly (Irregularly released)

A safe bet for all looking to dive into the hero world once again, One-Punch Man adapts the web?toon ??of the same name and follows the story of Saitama, a hero capable of defeating any threat with a single punch.

Although its p?remise might make any conflict seem pointless, th?e series makes it work by relying on a strong cast of supporting characters to build momentum. Yusuke Murata's artwork is also a huge draw here, as the artist manages to showcase movement in a way I don't believe any other in the market can.

5. Jujutsu Kaisen

• By: Gege Akutami
• Demographic: Shonen
• Release schedule: Weekly

To open our top five, we have Gege Akutami's Jujutsu Kaisen, which tells the story of Itadori Yuji, a student whose life changes afte??r being tangled with that of the King of Curses,?? Ryomen Sukuna.

Already dashing toward its conclusion, JJK still stands strong as one of the pillars of the battle shonen sub-genre, given its strong cast of characters and tendency to throw curved balls at readers, for better or worse. Akutami's creativity when the subject is special abilities also deserves a mention. You can learn more about them in our 10 strongest Cursed Techniques in Jujutsu Kaisen list.

4. Dandadan

• By: Yukinobu Tatsu
• Demographic: Shonen
• Release schedule: Weekly

Following the story of high school students Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura, as they get dragged into all matters of the paranormal, Dandadan can be described as what happens when you pair some of the most out-there prem??ises imaginabl?e with great bits of action and an engaging romance story.

But that's only the tip of the iceberg, as even if not perfect, the series also showcases a poignant narrative that does not pull any punches and knows when to slow down, the latter of which results in unique and beautiful moments. Dandadan's great mix o??f fantasy, terror, and sci-fi also helps it set itself apart as one of the most unique shonen in the mar??ket.

3. Sakamoto Days

• By: Yuto Suzuki
• Demographic: Shonen
• Release schedule: Weekly

In Sakamoto Days, we follow the story of legendary assassin Taro Sakamoto, who, after leaving the hitmen world behind and raising a family, is pulle?d back in the most unexpected ways.

The series shines by pairing lighthearted comedy with high-quality storytelling and a good balance of over-the-top action, the latter of which is potentialized e??ven further by its great fighting choreography and the way Suzuki manages to make readers stay grounded even when faced with the most absurd situations.

2. Kagurabachi

• By: Takeru Hokazono
• Demographic: Shonen
• Release schedule: Weekly

Maybe the biggest representative of the new era of shonen, Kagurabachi tells the tale of Chihiro Rokuhira, the son of a legendary swordsmith who embarks on a tale of reven?ge after his father is murdered and his six enchanted blades stolen.

Known for its impressive art style and paneling, Kagurabachi's biggest draw lies in its narrative approach, which always manages to keep its momentum going, even when in chapters where the action must take the backseat. That makes the series a great pick for those look?ing for a story that, although fast-paced, does not neglect character development. As an arguably new serialization, the title is also the easiest among the manga in our?? list to catch up to.

1. One Piece

• By: Eichiro Oda
• Demographic: Shonen
• Release schedule: Weekly

The best-selling manga series of all time and my personal favorite, One Piece follows the Straw Hat Pirates in their quest to fulfill their dreams a?nd find the legendary treasure of the former King of Pirates.

As the definitive shonen, One Piece brings forward all you can expect through action-packed battles and a narrative capable of building up to moments like no other. The title also manages to avoid one of My Hero Academia's weakest points by excelling in connecting readers with most of its characters, no matter how minor they might be, all wh?ile never taking the spotlight out of the bigger names.

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Fans of the popular manga series Dandadan will have to wait a little longer for the next install??ment. Yukinobu Tatsu's hit action-horror-comedy manga has announced a month-long break following the release of Chapter 163, with Chapter 164 set to arrive on September 2.

Per an unofficial Shonen Jump news account, Tatsu cites "researching information" as the reason behind the hiatus. It makes sense, given that the manga has recently concluded its Danmanra Arc with a big cl?iffhanger, which may finally cohesi??vely tie the narrative together.

For the uninitiated, Dandadan is a manga series that can be aptly des????cribed as a perfect mishmash of scary, funny, and weird. Classmates Ken Takakura ("Okarun") and Momo Ayase disagree over whether aliens or spirits are real, so they visit the stomping grounds of each others' paranormal beliefs and discover that both of them were right.

The ensuing series winds through tales of folklore, space oddities, family, and more. It's a fun series that's danced around the upper echelon of rankings in apps like MangaPlus for a while now.

An anime adaptation of Dandadan was also announced last May, and is set to release in October this year. Science Saru is responsible for the adaptation, with Fuga Yamashiro as the director. It also has a star-studded cast including Shion Wakayama (Takina Inoue in Lycoris Recoil), Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer), Mayumi Tanaka (One Piece's Luffy), and Kazura Nakai, who voiced One Piece's Zoro.

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A surprise hit from Shonen Jump + is getting its anime adaptation. The supernatural-and-extraterrestrial action-comedy manga Dandadan will be adapted into a TV anime series next year.

If you haven't heard of Dandadan, the elevator pitch is simple but effective. Two students, Ken Takakura (a.k.a. Okarun) and Momo Ayase, are at odds. The latter believes in ghosts, hailing from a family of spirit mediums. Takaku??ra is obsessed with the occult—aliens, cryptids, and such. Both stubbornly agree to visit locations where the other believes supernatural experienc??es have occurred.

So, naturally, both of them are correct.

What ensues is Yukinobu Tatsu's Dandadan, an energetic and action-filled manga with a?? surprising amount of heart. It seems incredibly well-suited for an anime adaptation, and even more, it's being produced by Science Saru.

Dandadan Takes Off

Science Saru has quickly become a familiar name in animation, thanks to some incredible feature and series work. The studio, helmed by Masaaki Yuasa and Eunyoung Choi, was behind films like The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl and Inu-Oh, as well as series like Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, Devilman Crybaby, and the recent Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.

Look at those series, and you see a particular knack for comedy, monsters, and surrealism that seems like a perfect fit for Dandadan. Fuuga Yamashiro is taking the director's chair on this series.

This series has been one I've absolutely adored reading through the backlogs of, as it manages to balance out emotional story beats with good laughs and action. Add in some stellar monsters and character design as the stakes escalate, and this could be hit for 2024. Considering the year we've already had in anime, it's a good time to be following it a?ll.

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