The Unspoken Rizz of Okarun

Why Dandadan's Okarun and Momo have the perfect romance.
#dandadan #manga #anime
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Music credit:
Sonic Adventure 2 - Security Hall
Editing: Townzie
( / @townzie )
I do not own Dandadan, the Dandadan anime, or the Dandadan manga.
© Yukinobu Tatsu/SHUEISHA Inc.
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

[@ShonenOuji]

Does Okarun have rizz? What’s your favorite romantic dynamic in anime?

[@SamTheGumMan117]

Kyoko with Ren from Skip Beat and Nagatoro with Senpai have great relationships 👌

[@TitaniumCranium77]

@@ShonenOuji yes, and it’s not just oh well he has no friends so I’ll humor him for awhile, type of thing. She genuinely cares about him.

[@randomclouds4404]

I also love Fuuko and Andy's dynamics from Undead Unluck.

[@SamTheGumMan117]

@randomclouds4404 Oh man you're so right ✅️

[@jasonoppong6765]

Yusuke and Keiko

[@macready_]

despite being an awkward dude, he doesn't put momo on a pedestal, communicates well with her, and banters with her, it makes him way likeable that they don't write him as a "nice guy" despite his archetype

[@hyteclowlife]

Okarun doesn't put Momo on a pedestal but he does recognize that she's a strong person and he desires to be just as strong. He works really hard to deserve to be with her. He changes so that their partnership is more equal.

[@omlg2021]

Dandadan is romance anime of the year

[@thisusernameisamazing4184]

Even fat guy (don't wanna say names) seems like a shallow pervert at first but bro just needs him a Momo level friend, which either we might get later, or we alr have, Im thinking uh hair person( trying not to spoil rn) cause godzilla seems like a main stay bsf that doesn't need a bff in the group, and kame and godzilla share a braincell anyways so they might become besties, btw this isn't a ship, when I say best friends I actually mean best friends, not necessarily going out, even in our real friend groups we all have that one person, who either introduced us or we just connected with fast

[@NaiHmee]

@@thisusernameisamazing4184 I hope ''K" will get his BIG character moment comes later. He got an arc and a half to shine, while the other 3 gets 2. "J" got 2 arcs where he got to shine, same for "A".

[@cherylturner9112]

“He is a awkward guy after all”

[@BooneMartinson]

In a story about the supernatural. Their romance happens surprisingly naturally.

[@Shurmash]

Well said. That could have been the tag line.

[@raydhen8840]

Bless the editor that force the author to read shoujo manga so they know how to write romance in shonen manga (Breath of fresh air too, getting tired of the usual averse/dumb as brick protagonist when it comes to romance)

[@apollyon6855]

​@@Shurmash Dandadan: "Paranormal activity, normal romance"

[@Terhe]

I like romances and senonen at the same time😊😊😊❤

[@jaxonkohle2174]

I only know this show from the saint chroma edit

[@SeventhSwell]

I like that Okarun didn't even consider that Momo could be cute until episode six. He didn't see her as anything but a friend until then. It's not like he was blind to her being a girl but he genuinely didn't have any sort of ulterior motives, which is refreshing to see. She's a person first to him, and the idea of her being attractive doesn't even cross his mind until days later.

[@G.r.e.g.g.l.e.s]

Probably because he had no balls! It makes so much sense!

[@Eternal-sergeant]

@@G.r.e.g.g.l.e.syeah

[@Terhe]

​@@G.r.e.g.g.l.e.sstill I envy him😢😭

[@patoastral2118]

Nope, he stated it, he is just that way​@@G.r.e.g.g.l.e.s

[@monetxoxo1767]

THIS!!!!! It was a breathe of fresh air!!

[@SilasSeiler]

He's a balance of dependability, respectfulness, and honesty. But they don't mind pushing each other's buttons a little bit. Both have trouble being open around others, but when they're alone, that's when they understand each other most.

[@capt.artemislivius7601]

That... that is the _literal_ qualification of a married couple.

[@EpicGamerTank99]

​@@capt.artemislivius7601exactly

[@reignman4]

They have no right being this disgustingly adorable 😅

[@fibrousone-seededdrupe7568]

@@capt.artemislivius7601preach

[@chandrikasastrawan2]

Another thing that I really like about their relationship is that, unlike most romance tropes in shonen specifically, BOTH okarun and momo are considered to be the main characters. Usually, in other shonen (or hell, sometimes in western movies as well) the main love interests, at best, are considered to be secondary main characters, or a prize to be won. When it comes down to it, the main POV always ends with the guy. But for DDD, we get the perspective of BOTH momo and okarun, making it feel that both of them are on equal ground//footing. This, added with okarun and momo's moments of genuinely with each other, is what makes them aa really compelling pair, I think

[@KE-yq2eg]

There's noting wrong with either.

[@lowerrred]

@@KE-yq2egI think what OP is saying is that when there’s one person in the relationship who’s the MC, you tend to only get one side of the story or be favored towards the main character, and having the both of them as the main character allows the viewer to understand the relationship better than having just one

[@chandrikasastrawan2]

@@lowerrred Yeah, more or less like that! 😁

[@eruchan_1856]

This! Say this louder!

[@cuddlebug9699]

He's an awkward guy,After all.

[@ShonenOuji]

I keep saying that IRL and it just fits so well.

[@mlbbdream7094]

Fr😂​@@ShonenOuji

[@nobodythenobody9779]

in real life no one likes the awkward guy, they are more likely to hate you, its better to be confidant, lesson from a 26 yr

[@ned3and]

@@ShonenOuji It's the line of Ken Takakura (actor) in one of the insurance company add on TV :D Dandadan has more that kind of lines from adds starring Ken Takakaura XD

[@swagmaster28]

yo...

[@Grayson-Winchester]

Ken lost his balls but gained a lot of Rizz. This relationship (in my opinion) is better than my dress up darling and love is war.

[@ShonenOuji]

Definitely gonna steal this later.

[@IIAxisHaloII]

I think they better part of this then love is war. Love is war definitely focused more on the mind games for vs purely being honest not one's that grew to like each other

[@nathaniel2178]

A lot of rizz comes with instead of great responsibility, lack of balls

[@arifarrafi3302]

i think the point of love is war is the mind games and comedy, not really much of the make-sense love

[@redmustangredmustang]

@@IIAxisHaloII it's also about keeping a relationship when people try to break you up. I mean there's reason why the Princess Kaguya story is central in Love is War.

[@ma.2089]

So I can say for sure since I haven’t seen Ken’s movie roles, but I also think Momo likes the hard boiled but sweet and shy type. After all, the line that gets her heart racing is the “I am an awkward fellow, after all”. She likes boys who are hard on the surface but soft on the inside, kinda like her. But Okarun is the opposite, he’s soft on the outside but strong on the inside. He has what Momo values in a man, as well as being opposite enough to push her to be more open wirh her own feelings cuz he’s capable of being vulnerable on the outside and unapologetically himself. Momo is the same, she’s honest with herself. It’s why both were bullied too, they like their weird things and defend it from others scorn. But despite all that, I couldn’t really figure out why Momo liked him so much. And you explained it really nicely too. Great video.

[@VinnyM-tv3nb]

My boy's Rizz is his awkwardness. 😂

[@229shivamtripathi7]

You know he is an awkward fellow😂😂

[@Growingtee]

He's just an awkward fellow afterall

[@VinnyM-tv3nb]

@wakefulhandlebar bruuuhh right out of the manga pages 🤣. Favorite reply

[@VinnyM-tv3nb]

@@229shivamtripathi7 your manga game is on point 👍 see you next chapter.

[@melancholyman369]

Dude is the definition of "I pulled her by being goofy"

[@aidenmb7932]

Momo and Okarun are genuinely the first romance I've cared for in a manga or anime.

[@SoumilSahu]

you should watch the dangers in my heart

[@taskeen777]

​@@SoumilSahunope. Doesn't even come close to this

[@revimfadli4666]

Me too, but only because DICE is a manhwa instead The romance there is an excellent anagoly for character ideologies

[@wafernafer9143]

Spy family? 🤔​@@taskeen777

[@govnorelven4036]

Love is war let's gooooo

[@hollowify_tensa_zangetsu]

Its the fact that both are genuine, and for the first 7 chapter and 4 episodes they are together fighting for his men hood. And she is concered for him. And ken is in this stage of his first friend that he made. Then to be in a situation so crazy. From the start They both care for each other...no words need to be said. That why I love it

[@supmayam9448]

And that care then excelarate to them fighting tooth and nails for each other. I love that

[@hollowify_tensa_zangetsu]

@@supmayam9448 exactly....thats my favorite part of beening in love and just love in general.

[@Ryodraco]

One notable thing is that Ken may not look tough, but he does stand up to Momo readily and argues with her as an equal. To me that counts for something in her eyes as well. He's not a doormat with her despite his insecurities and general behavior with others.

[@Lordoftheyeet]

He was also brave enough to go to a haunter tunnel alone to prove a point and he was ready to fight aliens to save her too so he doesn't seem like a spineless person More so just lacking in social skills and being insecure and more apathetic then anything really

[@alexandrac.6088]

He stood up for her and protected her reputation against the guys spreading rumors about her. What a guy ❤

[@HeyyyJude]

I love that kids look and act like kids in this anime. there's anime that uses high school setting with characters that are more reminiscent of college kids or young adults

[@maikelcardeno1441]

Yes! exactly this. They are awkward, dumb, and prideful, but that's just how most kids really are. Their banter and antics are the dumb stories that guys sit around and talk about when getting together.

[@NiteStars24]

Another thing I realized when you mentioned that Momo is good at talking when in front of others but shy in person, is that Okarun is way better at being honest about how he feels! Admitting he wanted to talk to her in front of friends, and being honest about how he feels w her :)

[@DarkJustin87]

@@NiteStars24 Yup. That is one of Momo's issue is that she's not direct and wants Okarun to take the lead

[@ZeroXSEED]

To put it simply, Momo is too accustomed on bluffing. She even offered the bad boyfriend to do this and that like she was experienced, then reveal that she was pristine when push come to shove.

[@AxonDucreux]

​@@DarkJustin87 Manga spoilers for anime only's . . . . . . . . . . . . Crazy how even a yokai (RK, ykiyk) called her out on her issue XD

[@AxonDucreux]

@DarkJustin87 Bro I know you are aware, I did it because I hid it for the anime-only's sake😕

[@DarkJustin87]

@@AxonDucreux I realized I messed up and deleted it

[@kingbaaka3D]

I am soo glade this is a love story and not just an action story.

[@KidArkx]

Isnt there a whole genre of love story for you?

[@Shixaal]

@@KidArkx Love story is kinda lame if there's no magic or supernatural stuff.

[@mlbbdream7094]

Spoiler: Okarun did love confess and both got feelings 😉

[@Glatier]

every genre is thrown into this series, there's a little something for everybody here.

[@mothralord1709]

Thank the editor who forced the writer to read romance mangas so it didnt end up like other shonun romance 😂😂

[@sommelanin]

Bro I literally get so distracted when someone puts a rouge the bat song on their video. Peak music taste

[@ShonenOuji]

You can thank my cultured editor, Townzie, for that one. But I second this. Thank you.

[@Townzie]

😉

[@l4ndst4nder]

I think Dan Da Dan’s narrative structure also helps convey actual romance as well. Their relationship grows stronger with the challenges they overcome, rather than overcoming challenges for their relationship. (I.E. save the girl story arcs)

[@NoraTrigueros]

My fiancé is suuuper Okarun coded lol. And I fell for his quiet but very temperate demeanor. It’s never been towards me, but watching a man that loves you go from 0-100 is 🥵

[@mypandawilleatyou38]

Same with my husband 😭💚

[@ihatehumans487]

True

[@maikelcardeno1441]

Wanted to make some sort of joke with Okarun's full throttle but didn't find a way to not make it an innuendo so I'll just see myself out.

[@rikueiku]

FINALLY someone talks about it. I will die on the hill that dandadan is a romance anime and manga and there is no debate

[@Psi-alpha]

Something I find neat about Okarun and Momo is how they twist their archetypes Okarun is a very stereotypical nerd but instead of spouting random calculations he is very in tune with feelings and is the emotional core of the heroes, and in combat he is the muscle It's Momo who does the calculations and tactics that lead to victory, and is often the one who pulls the move that wins the battle despite being the gyaru heroine love interest It neat

[@maikelcardeno1441]

Great observation, never thought of that trope subversion.

[@animenerd5million]

I never thought that Danda-dan would have a romance aspect. Of course, there is the Ayase-loving Ken sort of thing, but I never thought it would be taken seriously but I love it.

[@espio329]

this anime is the epitome of "me and the baddie i pulled by being autistic" and im down for it.

[@elytraman1809]

Yeah okarun really is a baddie

[@Dryltd]

Okarun shows Momo his confidence through his passion. Though he was incorrect that she wanted to know, he doesn't back down on this subject. Which means Momo is the only one who knows he is a passionate guy. His teasing (well covered in video) reinforces that Ken has potential to not be a push over. Okarun is not faking but hiding at school. Mono though popular now knows what it's like to be teased. She sees the real him. But that's just me over thinking imaginary characters.

[@gektoast4968]

At least she wants to know now lol

[@maynot]

Nah bro keep cooking, every "analyzing these fictional characters" comment i see adds 5 days to my lifespan

[@Mr.ChaosPollensAllAround]

​@@maynot Me too lol, it feeds me life energy 😭

[@maynot]

@@Mr.ChaosPollensAllAround getting a chance to see these idiots maybe be nicer to eachother every (beautifully animated) episode is the only good part of my week(s) atp

[@OneBuckShort420]

For me this is hands down the best couple in any manga/anime ever.

[@mlbbdream7094]

Yeah , i just read manga and its peak and waiting for 173 😢

[@iguoyrxayananikihs9505]

Horimiya

[@superate4874]

On shonen, hell yeah

[@kagekun1198]

One of the biggest factors for their excellent chemistry is that the two (aside from romantic feelings), express themselves unabashedly and unreservedly in front of each other. Look at Momo's expressions when she interacts with Okarun. It's the same when she interacts with her grandmother. It must be incredibly liberating when you can express your joy, your sadness, your shame, your pride in front of each other. It's a vector of vulnerability that you'd be glad to have in front of the right person. Okarun is that right person. I disagree somewhat with your term of "teasing" or "light bullying". I'd say its more of Momo being able to express her true self with Okarun and vice versa. Plenty of her expressions are quite undignified, but she feels comfortable showing it to Okarun anyway. It shows a level of trust that we never see among most anime couples. It's that trust that elevates Dandadan's romance and the main pair's relationship to a whole new level.

[@redmustangredmustang]

The best part is the author read up on a bunch of shojo manga to get the romance right. It's amazing that a lot shonen manga mess up the romance part, but here they get it right.

[@froggyslice6943]

shonen mangas piss me off with that shit. Like dont even bother with romance if you're gonna suck at it or build it up for the whole series only to have it go nowhere *Cough MHA cough* *Ichigo Rukia* and so many others. Special hate for the stupid dense MC too. its friggin tired.

[@briankent]

The editor gave him a whole box of shojo manga so he could understand how to write love, we gotta thank the editor for that, and the editor is also the one who saved him from give up drawing

[@trika91]

Funny, cause he did his research too well. I feel Momo and Okarun’s relationship is more balanced and believable than a bunch of shoujos. And believe me, I’ve read a LOT of shoujo. FMCs are normally super passive (even if they act tomboyish) and turn into goo-goo messes when it comes to the object of their affection, fawning over the male lead no matter how he treats her (good or bad); while the male love interests are a bunch of single dimensional archetypes, with the most popular being the Tsundere (being most aggressive or dismissive, only to be slightly nice later) or Yandere (super obsessed and may do things to harm the FMC or those around her cause “I must keep her all to myself”). Ie, the chemistry of the leads in most shoujo is very ‘copy n paste’ of one another and never quite feels believable (or natural). There some that are genuine and classics of the genre, but not all (some shoujo are just as cheesy with romance as shounen is as cheesy with battles and power-scaling).

[@briankent]

@ that’s what you get when a straight dude understands how shojo fantasy works

[@geniusjjangjjangmanboongboong]

He gets it even better than shojo

[@kenneth300]

At 10:10 their shadows are joined as one. Neat little visualization of their relationship.

[@ianmccollum2643]

I think the best part for me has been that with each arc, even though there are the characters that could potentially get between them (and would in some lesser series) their relationship grows and they become more and more comfortable with being vulnerable with each other in new ways.

[@maynot]

Traumatized by rent-a-girlfriend and the five waifus orbiting the mc who all simultaneously hate his guts yet are fighting over him

[@ameraagao4423]

Dependable, kind, respecful and faithful guy is so attractive and his goffyness and awkwardness is adorable

[@Violet_Eryn]

Ya i agree. I used to hate awkward boys, and think that bad boys are attractive, but later find out that my soulmate is quiet and sometimes awkward, but also intelligent. Not a typical boy that girl wants to date, but i'm so happy i found my soulmate❤

[@hollowify_tensa_zangetsu]

BEST ROM COM EVER

[@Imnttu]

They’re both so genuine and honest 😭😭😭 I love them sm

[@DesiresAttackVirtues]

Gosh and what makes their relationship so unique is that Okarun's feelings get challenged with a new opponent in an upcoming arc and he does exceptional at overcoming his own shortcomings and reinforces their relationship

[@trika91]

I love the fact that he does get jealous, it’s more on the envious side of wishing it was him, but never truly acts on it out of spite or anger. The one time he tries to be assertive and challenge his opponent (by taking the lead in a conversation), they wind up getting along and becoming friends. I also like in another arc where Momo is trapped with another boy, Okarun’s main concern is getting her out; and once the two reunite, he just happy to see Momo and reaffirms his feelings for her, without needing to draw attention to the other boy (like that stupid jealousy trope of questioning the partner when they alone for a long period with another person, thinking they’re cheating or being just that possessive).

[@gabrielcruz6752]

@@trika91 wow, Okarun seems to be a less selfish guy than ATLA's Avatar Aang. I'll read DanDaDan's manga.

[@JH-no8sy]

They are genuine with each other, they communicate well, they accept each other’s flaws, and they care about each other as people. It’s very cute and refreshing to see.

[@ma.2089]

I also think the series does a good example of showing off both toxic and positive masculinity and femininity. I think it’ll become more apparent as the series goes on, esp since it delves into how it’s like for young kids and for parents.

[@Bl00dwerK]

Nothing much to do w/the topic here, but wasn't it neat that Momo's grandma looks like a traditional priestess in her memory... then we meet her. :D

[@syrusangi8743]

True lol

[@ZeroXSEED]

I was under impression it was how Ken imagined the grandma to be, and not how Momo saw her (At least, physically wise)

[@rajvirmalhans2073]

Funny enough crunchyroll sells that Golgo 13 movie with Ken Takakura

[@DarkJustin87]

@@rajvirmalhans2073 Yeah what Okarun did for Momo was mas sweet

[@raymondgonzales5877]

Definitely a good review of this anime. Honestly, I wasn't even interested in Dandadan. I usually base what anime I will watch on its title. If I think the name sounds silly, I won't watch it. That was my first impression of this anime. Then I saw the trailer and I was instantly hooked. You mentioned this was a romance anime. Never thought about it. I still think it's sci-fi but I'm definitely onboard for the romance part. Your explanation was really good. I now have a better understanding of this anime and will definitely follow it. Good reviews like yours make me think twice what the anime I'm interested in is all about. It helps me better understand it.

[@xIQ188x]

So you’re the reason all these Isekai titles are just descriptions of the plot??

[@maikelcardeno1441]

To be fair, there is an ongoing joke about how many genres Dandadan actually has, it is sci-fi, but also slice of life, also a solid romance, also tragedy, and so much more. On the surface it is just "haha balls funny" the anime, but at it's core it is so much more. Did you have the chance to catch up on the anime? If so, do you have any thoughts on Ep 7? would love to hear how/if your thoughts on Dandadan have changed through experiencing it.

[@raymondgonzales5877]

@@maikelcardeno1441 I'm impressed Kikoku Inoue was involved. Honestly, I'm not fond of her playing the bad guy. Always liked her playing good girls. But I respect her decision to play these roles. She wouldn't have been given these characters to play if they didn't have faith in her abilities. Did my impression changed of this anime after this episode? I'm liking it so far.My impression of how good an anime is depends on whether or not I want to see it again. I can choose to watch an anime, enjoy it, but rather not repeat it again after it ended. Once is enough.

[@harsyakiarraathallah2222]

When there with Each Other they are Them self, they threat each other Equally like only Friends it makes them feel Familiar with each other and able to Related, they also help bring each Best Parts, Momo makes Okkarun more Self confident and Open, and Okkarun makes Momo also more Gentler with Judging others like how she Misunderstood Vamola as an Enemy when she's actually Not.

[@Wx78zZ]

WRROOOOOONNGGGGG DANDADAN is A LEGENDERY STORY ABOUT A GUY IN A QUEST TO FIND HIS BALLS

[@briecarla556]

In the quest to find his nuts, he finds love along the way

[@NaiTaiDai]

Okarun: the Embodiment of Rizz Without Even Trying.

[@aarondoku5508]

Spoiler alert kinda btw If u read the manga, ull see that okarun literally has so much rizz, he has all girls surrounding him in EVERY CLASS. He went from being straight up bullied to straight up praised. It gets to the point that Momo can't even come into the class because apparently she's "hogging okarun" and "telling him what to do". How he goes to having zero friends to all girls surrounding him is just crazy

[@DarkJustin87]

Which is even funnier because he doesn't even entertain none of the girls. The class president was just being a hater because she claims she was concerned about Okarun being taken advantage by Momo

[@roxyg7]

Taken men become more appealing to women than loners.

[@ma.2089]

@@DarkJustin87 I can see why she’d care since he does look like he’s being pushed around by Momo’s confident and powerful aura. She’s a delinquent after all. Problem is that she didn’t really act until the bullying from ppl in the class stopped. Was she not class president before? Why didn’t she act prior. She only seemed to ecen notice him when she saw Okarun transform in defense of Momo. Ppl get bullied but no attention is given until they push back.

[@DarkJustin87]

@@ma.2089 Yeah. The class president even mentioned to Okarun that he looks like a vampire when he transforms which to be fair he kinda does. I still believe that the class president only interfered because of his increased popularity with both the school and with the ladies. That's why I liked when Momo called that out saying that " She seriously pisses me off. What does she know about you anyway?"

[@DarkJustin87]

​​@@roxyg7I still find it funny that Momo gets mad whenever the other girls get his attention even though Okarun doesn't even entertain them and that Momo can immediately shut down Okarun's harem because she already has him

[@Subpar1O1]

One of my favourite gags in this series is Ken's game. Like literally, nearly every (current) main female character is either interested in him or has created the illusion that they are. Ken really went from a nerd with no friends to a well liked nerd with a whole friend group within a short amount of time, it's why his "yay. I did it" scene once Momo points that exact thing out is one of my favourite scenes in Dandadan

[@name_adi]

That was like pretty good analysis...like a lot of things make sense now...damn thanks

[@PutitoCorner]

I already was enamored by their relationship, and I even saw myself and my partner in this duo- I being Okarun and her being Momo. I found it interesting how their dynamics mirrored us as a couple. I came here to watch an analysis about Momo and Okarun’s relationship. But not only did this video deliver on that aspect, I also gained a newfound understanding and appreciation about how my romance with my partner of 13 began and progressed (we were college sweethearts). Thank you for this nice analysis. And most importantly, thanks for taking me back to those blissful days of our budding romance.

[@lizeuah]

Hey I'm kinda going through something similar but it's still somewhat blooming. Do you have any advice on what to do next? lol

[@PutitoCorner]

@@lizeuah it’s ultimately up to you guys, really. If you both want to take your relationship further, you have to nurture it. Make a conscious effort to always choose each other every day. Communicate. No matter how difficult it gets, work together to iron things out. From my experience, if you guys want a relationship that lasts, it must have a strong foundation. Commit to building your friendship. Appreciate the positives in one another. Acknowledge each other’s pitfalls, but don’t throw it under the rug. Strive to be better not only for yourself, but for the relationship. Most importantly, love yourselves, because at the end of the day, you can’t give what you don’t have.

[@JorinaGuarin-x8j]

I think about momo and ken or okaron it's really different from other romance anime that I watched because as what you said earlier some FL stundere not honest what they feelings. But momo and okaron is teasing each others like friends and they are so cute together and that's why what make their relationship so interesting I never see this anime so unique different from other romance anime there some FL so stundere that so annoying sometimes I'm glad dandandan is cute and funny romance anime

[@SamTheGumMan117]

I know some irl friends and kinda think of myself having some of Okarun's genuine rizz 😂 and their relationship only gets better from the anime

[@ShonenOuji]

I always knew Sam had to be a rizz master.

[@md.tariquezaffar4967]

irl means

[@SamTheGumMan117]

@md.tariquezaffar4967 means in real life

[@M3m3l0rd12]

Dude fr, their relationship picks up and gets better

[@DarkJustin87]

​@@M3m3l0rd12Word up. It's one of the few times I've ever been interested in a ship and Momo and Okarun are fuckin PERFECT for each other

[@nadiarey4196]

You are not wrong... but you're not right either. The reason for their chemistry is not him having the rizz of being a good listener, but that there are no ulterior motives so he listens because he wants to - because he's honestly interested. And if you notice, Momo is exactly the same with him: she has no motives to stand up to him but will, because she's a good person and honestly cares. This attitude both have lead to forming a bond. And that's what we are looking at here: they are not even looking at each other with that kind of interest at this point, they just are. Looking at each other, I mean. Additionally, I wouldn't call what they do teasing. Teasing is done with the express intention of making the other uncomfortable. These two are straight up brutal with each other. It's not that they are trying to get a rise out of the other: they are absolutely comfortable around the other, to the point they can be brutal. Okarun looses his nuts and Momo spends a good chunk of that afternoon just laughing at him. To me this is what friends do. If another person did it, it would be bullying. But the bond - of friendship, let me be clear once more this isn't romantic at this point - just gets streghtned every time they show to get even more comfortable with each other. To be comfortable enough to blurt your own honest feelings without being scared about consequence or what the other might feel, is a bond's power move. And that's what they have. The fact that they start to develop feelings *after* this bond is this strong and solidified is what makes this such a healthy romance story. They *know* each other. They have been bonding with this person after all... Honestly, it's gotten to the point I feel I don't even need them to kiss. I need them to be bonding. That's the beautiful part of this relationship. Well. I hope you like my rant. Take care whoever's reading.

[@Therudicle2]

I love Dandandan so far and am definitely going to catch up with the manga when the first season finish's airing. So far I really enjoy how Momo and Okarun communicate how they feel about things often. So many romance animes I've watched would have me pulling my hair out thinking "If you just said how you feel there wouldn't be this misunderstanding!" but the two express themselves as best as the comfortably can. It's done so in a way where you can tell the characters are pushing themselves to speak despite embarrassment or hurt feelings. Such a fresh take on romance that im a big fan of so far!

[@Dubya1226]

Aside from all nutty stuff that goes on, its a pretty wholesome story underneath it all.

[@haydenrhead7692]

“Nutty”

[@foreverxfall]

the relationship is soooo organic. I love when okarun stands up for her and in the moment, he never thought of her as cute since he was so happy to have her as a friend

[@RC-cv3bv]

Please do a video that covers how their relationship progresses in the manga. They only get better together.

[@ShonenOuji]

@@RC-cv3bv Dult noted. It’s a bit harder to do videos about the current chapters but that’s more or less the plan.

[@PillarofAutum787]

I think it also adds the fact that she apologizes as well when she crosses the line. Lots of other FL know they messed up but never apologize. DanDaDan is perfectly balanced in my opinion.

[@holorn1280]

He has rizz because the writer choosed to do so. Realistcly the guy would be bullied and left in a trashcash

[@dalgona4819]

I think beyond Okarun's awkwardness lies his empathy, something that draws not just Momo but pretty much every other character who gets to know him. Okarun isn't the Nice Guy stereotype. He's an actual Kind Guy, which makes him so likeable.

[@NexGeats]

Bro pulled 4 GIRLS WITHOUT RIZZING

[@DarkJustin87]

@@NexGeats Pulled all of them yet one was there from the beginning. Without Momo, none of the other girls wouldn't give Okarun the time of day

[@kentuckyfriedken7903]

Amazing music choice security hall goes hard

[@Mozartkugel]

The best part for me is not the bonus chapter but the ending of the haunted house arc, when they sit in the back of a car. Momo goes all out with her teasing by playfully trying to hold Okarun‘s hand and enjoying how nervous this makes him. I love that scene. It’s not the first scene where it gets crystal clear that she‘s totally in love with him but the first where she basically begs him to make the next move himself. Manga readers know that this will take some time but it‘s fantastic when it finally happens. 😊

[@DarkJustin87]

That chapter was straight up adorable. Especially at the part when they was blushing. The panel makes it looks like they were blushing at each other even though they was looking at the window.

[@OnlyPedosCanTagMe]

I'm so pissed that I caught up. I waited a year and a half for more and I'm done already🙏😭

[@raimondeez]

Okarun is literally the definition of “I bagged her by being weird”

[@graciatiranda]

Okarun is Ken Takakura reincarnation after all, but he lost all of memory from his past life. So he needs to gain all of the rizz that he had back from start.

[@nekosushi23]

Loving the SAB2 background music. Great vid

[@lordmanatee439]

He a charizzmastic guy after all

[@Typicalanimefan]

I luv your content😁🙏pls never stop❤

[@ShonenOuji]

Well, only because you asked so nicely.

[@aMrAppleMonkey]

What always struck a chord with me on their relationship is how much respect they have for each other. Even when they mess up and say the wrong thing, it is immediately recognized as a screw up and they both move forward to fix it.

[@KuroLurker]

There's another thing for me. He at the beginning just want to have a friend. He didn't automatically fall in love with her, it grow naturally

[@minadioz6752]

0:19 its like Doug and Rita

[@OBINIONX3]

So true 😭😭😭

[@AA-Battery0]

Kindergarten wars fan spotted???😮😮

[@TitaniumCranium77]

There’s this other anime called Dragon Quest: The Adventures of Dai and in it Pop and Maam have a similar romance and you’re right DanDaDan is one of the best romance anime that’s come out in a while…

[@ShonenOuji]

How did I not make that comparison??? I was watching the anime weekly for all 100 episodes. I’m a fake DQ: Dai fan.

[@TitaniumCranium77]

I just recently binged it so it’s fresh in my mind.

[@kephalai]

just butting in to say im so happy there are more english speakers that watch the anime.. those were the best 2 years of my life when my favorite manga was made into a good anime, and pretty sad that it went by largely unnoticed by english speaking anime sphere

[@phantom9831]

So happy to see DQ: Dai being spoken of more and more !

[@phantom9831]

​@@kephalaisame here. When I've heard of the DQ: Dai remaster, it was when I started to really be into the DQ community, and because of how much I loved the games, I decided to give DQ:Dai a chance, and I got immediately hooked up. And as you said, it's sadly not very spoken of, so all we can do is talking about it and hope it gets the recognition it deserves

[@ilychrisfranco]

okarun has my favourite type of rizz, accidental rizz 😭

[@JickAudio]

When the Tism gives him the Rizzm

[@TBoneTony]

There is a good story that most Anime fans can relate to, a Geek and a Tomboy fall in love through accident but they become a really solid pairing. One into Aliens and the other into Ghosts/Yokai. And together they share a bond as strong as the Earth.

[@DarkJustin87]

Momo isn't a tomboy though. Her being a gyaru would actually be a hypocrisy sinces tomboys don't really care for fashion

[@TaylorTheCreativeOkOkOkLaLaLa]

@@DarkJustin87 no? Tomboy is any girl that dresses “masculine” they could still care about fashion

[@DarkJustin87]

@TaylorTheCreativeOkOkOkLaLaLa True but Momo isn't a tomboy. She pretty much acts girly especially when she wants Okarun's attention

[@spiritofchaos58]

@@TaylorTheCreativeOkOkOkLaLaLa She dresses very femininely however. She's not a tomboy, she's just a bit of a punk. Being loud and confident doesn't make you a tomboy.

[@chasestudio2736]

I looovve Momo and Okarun. The scene where he’s freaking out because he finally realized she’s cute but has to deny it because their friends fulfills my fantasy of a man truly valuing my friendship and not considering anything else. My ‘perfect love story’ has always been falling for a good friend. I feel like both men and women these days are so quick to jump the gun (or hump the gun) and fall for the idea of a person rather than fall for the deep core of a person they find slowly.

[@holorn1280]

it's called projecting for the loser audience

[@jadenhaller155]

i feel an overlooked aspect of the first episode is the dichotomy of her looking for a "ken" and finding the worst possible match in sentimentality and personality vs finding the worst match physically. Like she found what she was looking for all along and ut us quite literally okarun(as his name is literally ken takakura).

[@mestismoridin]

I personally love the meme, "Aww, they're in love!... WORSE, they're idiots!" :3

[@shewolfinubaka]

As a woman who was rizzed up by an awkward nerd I can say with full confidence that the “Dork Rizz” is REAL We got married with a dragon ball Z wedding cake topper

[@ddgaxelnilsson7855]

if you like the romance in dandadan, you should try watching lovely complex! granted it’s been a while since i watched lovecom but momo and okarun remind me of the leads in lovely complex personality wise

[@ZombieSharky]

one thing i'd like to add, even if they have nothing in common, they have a lot of similar characteristics. passionate, dedicated, driven. i think those base line traits is what drew them to each other.

[@IltizioNic]

Okarun, you truly are a reliable guy

[@ZeroniaNM]

Okarun and Momo is unironically the most realistic dynamic of friends to lovers / different-sex best friends I've ever seen in fiction.

[@MinhHà-h8j]

The community on Tea Anime is amazing! I've met so many fellow anime fans and had great discussions about my favorite shows.

[@hollowify_tensa_zangetsu]

Basically momo and ken are the edgy gojo and marin from my dress up darling.

[@DarkJustin87]

@@hollowify_tensa_zangetsu Except that Marin is clingy as fuck and like the attention from Gojos costumes.

[@hollowify_tensa_zangetsu]

@@DarkJustin87😑 ill let that marin slander slide😮‍💨 but momo and marin are genuine, they WANT to talk and br around. No pervy SHIT . Ken[better character]and gojo share the habe no friends. And find amazing women

[@pearson710]

both of them have the unspeakable rizz

[@elli_who_dreams]

Ahh I just missed being able to put my hat in the ring for comment of the week! (But I am new here - just stumbled across your account this evening as a result of some late-night browsing on youtube.) I actually haven't watched Dan Da Dan, but I just spent some time watching some clips, compilations, and videos similar to yours. I have to say that, based on the little I've seen of the show from those pieces of content I just mentioned, Momo and Okarun seem to have a similar relationship to Ed and Winry in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. While Momo and Okarun don't fulfill the "childhood friends to lovers" trope like Ed and Winry do, there are definitely similarities in the way these two couples show affection; namely, the teasing element - Ed and Winry aren't, at first, aware of their true feelings, so teasing and "fighting" is really the only way they show affection. (And because Ed and Winry know each other so well, they can and do tease each other often.) And once they do become more aware of how they feel about the other, they still can't - at first - say how they truly feel. (They arguably can't even say it in plain words even at the very end! But I won't say any more on that due to not wanting to spoil anything for those who might not know the story.) Anyway, that's my comment, thanks for reading! And thanks for creating this video and inviting viewers to share their thoughts. One of my favorite parts of fandom communities!

[@ShonenOuji]

A very accurate comparison. Thank you for the comment and I’m glad you enjoyed!

[@Trulybot632]

As someone who was a manga fan before the anime was announced, holy cow am I happy that one of my favorite KZbinrs is making videos on this!

[@Martcapt]

The characters really are beautifully written. I got to know the material through the anime, and it seemed really, really good, but it was in the school episode that I realized this was on a whole other level and decided to read the manga. In fact, I only got to see the anime because the opening popped up in my feed, and I came back to it a couple of times and decided to give it a watch. I'm not super into anime. After exploring a bit, I only watched maybe 9 or 10 that I remember, even less manga. I honestly can't recall the last time I read one, with expection of the last arc of AoT that was taking forever to come out. With all that came before, the thing about the school episode that really clicked for me was that, even with now an expectation that this was good, I was fully expecting the tried and tired formula of both denying their feelings. When both are wanting to speak with each other it became clear to me: these guys know how to write characters (and the rest is fantastic on top). So it is not the one-sided love story that we've seen a thousand times and know well. It's a story about two young and in their own way shy teenagers that don't know how to handle and articulate their feelings too well, but that care deeply about eachother as they learn to navigate their emotions. Today as an adult, that's both quaint for me and more realistically reminds me of that time in my life, but it is nevertheless a compelling and thrilling dynamic that we don't often see. And, frankly, there is no shortage of adults with this issue. Even regardless, it's just good story telling. Later on, much more invested, I was really dreading the old love triangle crap. Without spoiling anything, that never really happens. The characters are never really tempted in that typical way. It is, rather, always a missreading of the other conflating friendlyness and showing some healthy jealousy. It is true that they've milked it a bit, but I really can't fault them for it given how well they've walked the tight rope. They're both extremely empathetic and good kids learning how to navigate relationships and the world the best they can. To this end, the writing is absolutely S tier on top of the rest. It doesn't stop with them either. Momo's grandmother also has amazing depth. Jiji and Aira could do with a bit more depth, although I get that that might bog the whole thing down, and they're not badly written by any stretch. Also, it's good that there's space for some fleshing out there. I really hope they don't finish with them getting together, as in the hands of the writter I think they'd do a wonderful job writting the natural throws, woes and happinesses of a first healthy relationship, something I wouldn't trust in most cases.

[@arthurpprado]

The only other anime/manga romance that had me this compelled was Josuke and Yasuho from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: JoJolion, which is ironic because in some aspects, they work in the complete reverse of Okarun and Momo. Momo and Okarun catch feelings for each other pretty early on and are also terrible at expressing their feelings openly. Meanwhile, Josuke and Yasuho are a lot slower in developing their relationship, but can communicate pretty openly about their emotions. Yasuho openly cries in front of Josuke at the thought of not seeing him again and upon seeing this, Josuke tears up as well. Yasuho is also not shy about hugging Josuke when she needs comfort, which he always welcomes. Another thing that these two couples get in reverse to each other is how they treat their relationship. Momo and Okarun always overthink their feelings and how they should act in order to not turn each other away. Always testing how far they can go with displays of affection before it's too much for them to handle. Meanwhile, Josuke and Yasuho never question themselves on how they should act around each other and also never think too much of how the other acts towards them. One of the more embarrassing examples of this is in one of the first times Yasuho gives Josuke a hug. He accidentally gets a boner, which makes her uncomfortable so she lets go and steps back, but she never questions him about it or judges him for it later on. As for Josuke, when he sees Yasuho crying and saying that she was afraid she would never see him again, he doesn't even question her emotional reaction to that thought. In fact, he almost cries right along with her and only becomes self-conscious about it when she points it out. What I think they have in common that makes them so compelling is the moment-to-moment of their relationships. The small acts of care and kindness, both in their big fights and in their downtime. Both couples make sure their significant other knows how much they want them around and how much they appreciate their presence and their efforts. Hell, Josuke and Yasuho only had their victory in the final fight because they were around for each other

[@uhhblink3277]

00:54 Nah that Denzel pic there was hilarious. "I'm leaving here with somethin" LMFAOOOO

[@Townzie]

😉😉

[@robertstryjak1973]

Excellent breakdown even if the specifics of their relationship and how it develops later into the manga in my opinion easily overshadow what we've seen in the anime thus far. God, I can't wait for the anime to reach them going home after the Evil Eye fight ❤

[@rinobito2]

Great video! It would be even better if you could include the specific manga chapters and page numbers for the scenes you're referencing.

[@alexfranklin7860]

He has nerd Rizz like Peter Parker

[@dudemunch87]

Okarun: the poster-boy of "Rizz 'em with the 'tism"

[@valerov837]

The fact a REAAAAAALLLY good school romance anime of a teasing future couple that it's so exciting and evident thx to having A LOT OF CHEMISTRY resulted being also a fighting shonen with a creative, dinamic and interesting use of it's shonen premise (supernatural yokais and aliens) in the form of the characters backgrounds, the comedy of the absurdness, and the writting of it's battles makes it TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, yet still exist and both parts complement each other so well that it's remarcable in both aspects (BUT a bit/lot more in the romance part)

[@leonardomaranhao2861]

Okarun is more of a Chad in just a few episodes than Issei from high school dxd during its entire run

[@DarkJustin87]

Issei is still the king though. Only difference is that Issei wanted a harem and Okarun doesn't even acknowledge his.

[@leonardomaranhao2861]

@@DarkJustin87 Of course you play that card

[@DarkJustin87]

@@leonardomaranhao2861 Play what card? Doesn't make what I said is true. Issei from EP 1 wanted a harem while Okarun isn't even aware he has one because at that point he was more focus into Momo

[@SUUNT_RP]

Bro was born with his rizz LITERALLY 😭

[@Electronica27]

3:00 Well right before this instead of being his meek self he sounds like a passionate tour guide talking about his favorite exhibit.

[@internalwhack9638]

they genuinely just want the best for each other and at the same time dont know that they are the best for each other. its adorable.

[@makima_the_control_devil]

His rizz is above 9000

[@spycookie6174]

My guy literally rizzed without c&b. I'M LOSING

[@castironspine]

Keep in mind they also fight and survive battles together, which is an aspect of their bonding which only strengthened every other part of their relationship. The author does a fantastic job of weaving the action into the romantic aspects of the story on all fronts.

[@TheVilrayMcK]

Great video homie