Dandadan Author Had to Read 100 Romance Manga

Yukinobu Tatsu's "Dandadan" manga series began in 2021 and quickly gained popularity due to its unpredictable and unique plot, which kept fans eagerly awaiting its anime adaptation. This adaptation was finally announced in 2023 and recently began streaming, allowing audiences to enjoy a story that has captured interest for its mix of action and romance, something uncommon in shonen.

What makes "Dandadan" special is the romantic relationship between Momo and Okarun, the protagonists, whose connection comes naturally and captivatingly. Through the series, both characters not only evolve individually, but also as a couple, giving a balanced dynamic that has resonated deeply with fans. The interaction between them, with witty dialogue and moments that convey complicity, brings a freshness to the series and makes the story both exciting and endearing.

However, what few know is that this romantic approach in a shonen was not Yukinobu Tatsu's original idea for the series. At the screening of the first three episodes of the anime, a fan shared a revealing interview with the author on social networks. In it, Tatsu explained that his initial concept for Dandadan revolved around battle themes. But it was his editor, Shihei Lin, who encouraged him to explore the romance genre and, to do so, asked him to read a hundred romance mangas. This proved to be key to Dandadan not becoming a mainstream combat series, but an innovative work that combines action and romance in a surprisingly harmonious way.

Shihei Lin, the editor behind "Dandadan," has an impressive track record of success in manga, having worked on titles such as "Chainsaw Man," "Spy x Family," and "Hell's Paradise." His experience in the industry and his approach to introducing romance to Dandadan were essential in giving the manga its unique identity. The way romance is woven into the story, without being forced, is evidence of the mangaka and editor's joint effort to create an engaging and emotional narrative.

Dandadan represents a refreshing shift in shonen stories that, historically, tend to relegate romance to the background. This success is undoubtedly the result of Yukinobu Tatsu's talent and the vision of his editor Shihei Lin, who managed to transform an idea of battle into a memorable story, with a romance that feels authentic and very rewarding for fans of the genre.

Source: FandomWire