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The first season ofDandadanwas impactful and seemingly revolutionary. From its unexpectedly fresh take on the occult and ghosts to the execution of a teenage school romance and even the openings, they delivered everything an anime fan could ever wish for.
![Momo and Okarun in Dandadan. [Credit: Science Saru]](https://i2.wp.com/fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20044638/momo-okarun-dandadan-1-1024x570.webp)
But for all the thrilling action, emotional highs, exceptional humor, and vibrant, quick-paced storyline, the first season’s conclusion left many fans across the world disappointed and disgruntled.
Due to the episode limit, the grand finale of the anime was not so grand after all. It ended abruptly, covering only half of Volume 1 of the manga by Tatsu. While this decision may seem anticlimactic and a very bad decision by the studio, if we take a deeper look, it reveals that Science SARU had no other choice.
![Momo and Okarun in Dandadan. [Credit: Science Saru]](https://i2.wp.com/fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21012425/Dandadan-Season-1-Episode-12-1024x576.webp)
Why the season ended where it did
After a great run, it seems surprising that Season 1’s ending cuts off in the middle of themanga’s Jiji arc, leaving viewers on an unsatisfying cliffhanger.
Fans are turning to the manga to continue the story quickly and sate their curiosity, and by doing so, they realized the issue—adapting the full Jiji arc would have required at least three more episodes.
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Anime series have a strict set of rules; they run in sets of 12 or 24 episodes. Given time constraints and pacing concerns, Science SARU studio opted for a strategic point to pause the arc.
The Dandadan Anime is Out to Surpass Yukinobu Tatsu’s Manga by Finding New Ways to Use Momo’s Powers
The other alternative would be rushing through critical plot developments and leaving fans hanging halfway.
Dandadan lost impact due to the anticlimactic finale
Science Saru prioritized maintaining the show’s high-quality animation and dynamic storytelling. The way thecomplex narrative was representedwhile preserving its essence and making it suitable for viewers was exceptionally done by SARU.
Attempting to fit the remaining arc into a single episode or trying to set up a filler or frag the story wouldn’t bode well for the reputation of the anime. Doing so would have compromised both the visual and narrative coherence of the story. Instead, the studio chose to leave fans wanting more while not sacrificing or cutting corners on the storyline.
The ending of season 1 of the anime is equivalent to half of vol.1 of the manga. I was so curious that I read it and understood why it stopped right there. So much happens that wouldn’t fit into the final episode. They would have to add about 3 more eps to complete this Jiji arcpic.twitter.com/n553uvLzR4
DandadanSeason 1 may haveended on an underwhelming note, but Science SARU’s decision cannot be questioned. The studio has been focused on delivering the best, driven by quality and pacing concerns.
“They look strange and mysterious”: Dandadan Director Captured the Biggest Theme of the Series Through the Most Misunderstood Characters
Moreover, the unresolved conclusion keeps fans invested, ensuring excitement for the show’s return. Even the ones turning to the manga will surely come back for more.
you’re able to streamDandadanon Netflix and Crunchyroll.
Chandra Shekhar
Anime Writer
Articles Published :856
Chandra Shekhar is an Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 800 published articles under his belt. A law student by training but a storyteller at heart, he blends his sharp analysis with a deep love for all things anime. From the old-school Yu Yu Hakusho to the eldritch horrors of Lord of the Mysteries, his knowledge spans decades and genres. When he’s not writing, he’s likely buried in webnovels, silently hoping his favorite ones get the anime adaptation they deserve.
