by The explosive popularity of the anime and manga Dandadan continues to dominate headlines. The hit series by Yukinobu Tatsu has officially surpassed 1 billion cumulative page views on the manga app Shonen Jump+, marking a historic achievement for the platform.
This is the first time any serialized title on Shonen Jump+ has reached the 1-billion-view milestone, highlighting just how influential Dandadan has become among modern manga readers worldwide.
The announcement was made on February 25 by editor Shihei Hayashi via social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In his statement, Hayashi expressed gratitude to both the creator and fans, noting that the achievement was made possible by the author’s extraordinary passion and the loyal support of readers.
What Is Dandadan About?
Dandadan is a high-energy supernatural battle manga that blends occult horror, alien science fiction, action, and romantic comedy into a unique coming-of-age story.
Serialized weekly every Tuesday on Shonen Jump+, the series follows:
- Momo Ayase — a high school girl from a family of spirit mediums who believes in ghosts but not aliens
- Ken “Okarun” Takakura — her socially awkward classmate obsessed with UFOs and extraterrestrial life
After a heated debate about the existence of ghosts versus aliens, the two encounter terrifying supernatural phenomena — and discover that both are real. From that moment on, they are drawn into bizarre battles against curses, yokai, aliens, and otherworldly threats, all while navigating their awkward teenage relationship.
Why the Story Stands Out
Unlike typical battle manga, Dandadan is known for its unpredictable tone and genre-blending style:
- Fast-paced action sequences
- Horror elements mixed with comedy
- Emotional character development
- Absurd yet creative enemy designs
- A strong romantic subplot
- Cinematic panel layouts and dynamic art
This unusual combination has made it especially popular with younger audiences and international readers.
Record-Breaking Success on Shonen Jump+
Shonen Jump+ is Shueisha’s digital manga platform, home to many successful modern titles. However, Dandadan reaching 1 billion views is unprecedented in the app’s history.
This milestone reflects several broader trends in the manga industry:
✔ Rise of Digital Reading
More fans are consuming manga through mobile apps rather than print editions.
✔ Global Accessibility
Official translations and online availability have expanded the international fanbase.
✔ Viral Social Media Buzz
Memorable scenes, characters, and humor frequently trend online.
✔ Strong Word-of-Mouth Growth
New readers often discover the series through recommendations rather than traditional advertising.
Anime Adaptation Boosts Popularity
The anime adaptation, produced by acclaimed studio Science SARU, played a major role in expanding the franchise’s reach beyond manga readers.
- Season 1 aired in 2024
- Season 2 followed in 2025
- Season 3 is scheduled for 2027
The anime received praise for its bold visual style, fluid animation, and faithful adaptation of the manga’s chaotic energy.
Hit Theme Songs
Music has also contributed significantly to the series’ global recognition:
- Season 1 opening: “Otonoke” by Creepy Nuts
- Season 2 opening: “Kakumei Dochu” by Aina the End
Both songs achieved strong international performance, ranking on the Billboard Global 200, an impressive feat for anime theme music.
Awards and Upcoming Milestones
The franchise continues to collect accolades and major milestones:
- Winner of the 71st Shogakukan Manga Award (January)
- Fifth anniversary celebration scheduled for April
- Expanding merchandise and collaborations
- Growing overseas licensing and streaming deals
Industry analysts expect Dandadan to remain one of the defining shonen titles of the late 2020s.
Why Dandadan Appeals to Modern Audiences
Several key factors explain the series’ explosive growth:
Unique Genre Fusion
Combining aliens, ghosts, romance, and comedy creates constant unpredictability.
Relatable Characters
Momo and Okarun’s awkward bond resonates strongly with teen and young adult viewers.
Visually Striking Artwork
The manga’s detailed action scenes translate beautifully into animation.
Global Appeal
Themes of friendship, courage, and identity transcend cultural barriers.
Perfect for Digital Consumption
Short, intense chapters work well for mobile reading.
What to Expect Next
With Season 3 planned for 2027 and continued manga serialization, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Fans can look forward to:
- New story arcs and enemies
- Deeper character backstories
- Potential theatrical projects or spin-offs
- Expanded international promotion
- Anniversary events and special releases
If current trends continue, Dandadan could become one of the most influential supernatural action series of the decade.
Final Thoughts
Surpassing 1 billion views on Shonen Jump+ is not just a milestone for Dandadan — it signals a shift in how manga succeeds in the digital age. With its genre-defying story, memorable characters, and high-quality anime adaptation, the series has captured a massive global audience.
Whether you are a longtime manga fan or a newcomer searching for an exciting modern title, Dandadan is widely considered essential reading in today’s anime and manga landscape.
