Is Dandadan a harem?

The "Dandadan" series has gained popularity thanks to its blend of supernatural elements, comedy, and romance, which offer a unique and exciting narrative. However, a frequent debate among fans revolves around the question: is Dandadan a harem anime?

This type of questioning arises due to the presence of several important female characters around the protagonist. However, "Dandadan" does not fit within the harem genre, since its focus is not on multiple romantic dynamics, but on the development of its characters and a plot full of supernatural action.

The story follows Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura (Okarun), two protagonists who explore a world full of aliens, ghosts, and other supernatural beings. Although Okarun shows a clear romantic interest in Momo, romance does not dominate the narrative or turn the secondary characters into mere love competitors, as is commonly the case in harem anime.

Rather than focusing on a protagonist surrounded by multiple romantic interests, Dandadan focuses on the genuine relationships between his characters and how their interactions enrich the story. The female characters in the series are not treated as simple "waifus", but as figures with complex personalities, their own goals and a significant weight in the development of the plot.

The misunderstanding of labeling "Dandadan" as a harem often stems from an oversimplification of its characters. For example, although Momo is Okarun's romantic interest, her development as a protagonist goes beyond this relationship. At the same time, Okarun moves away from the typical harem protagonist archetype, as his feelings towards Momo are clear and there is no confusion around his emotions.

Beyond romance, "Dandadan" stands out for exploring themes such as friendship, loyalty, and personal growth. The interaction between Momo and Okarun forms the emotional core of the series, while the other characters complement the story without being reduced to clichés of romantic rivalry.

Source: Reddit