The controversy over the design of the grandmother in Dandadan, Seiko Ayase, has surprised many fans, who were expecting some typical anime fan service, but the grandmother’s appearance has not lived up to their expectations, provoking a wave of criticism. This debate not only highlights the public’s desire to see elements that traditionally appeal to male viewers, but also raises the question: should studios listen to fans or take risks with more creative approaches?
Dandadan fans unhappy with grandmother’s anime design
In Dandadan, the design of the protagonist’s grandmother, Seiko Ayase, has attracted attention not only for her youthful appearance, but also for the way the characters and situations are combined with supernatural elements. Seiko, despite being Momo’s grandmother, has a design that defies typical anime conventions, which may be surprising to fans. These kinds of design choices are due in part to the vision of creator Yukinobu Tatsu, who is known for his dynamic and detailed art style, which is influenced by iconic works such as Berserk and Akira.
The result is character design that feels fresh and appealing to a wide audience, although it is often debated whether these styles serve audience expectations or simply seek to surprise. In Seiko’s case, her apparent youth and skills as a medium add layers to the narrative, allowing the story to unfold in an interesting and captivating way.
The controversy highlights an interesting dynamic in the world of anime: the delicate balance between what viewers want to see and the creative decisions of studios. While fan service can be an effective tool for capturing the audience’s attention, it also raises questions about the depth of the narrative and characterisation of the characters. In this context, Dandadan fans find themselves debating whether anime should stick to tried and tested formulas or dare to offer more innovative and less conventional approaches.
On the fans’ side, they expect a bit of fanservice and “highlighting” the grandmother’s “attributes” in an exuberant way like in the manga. Such scenes are common in many series, where the aesthetics and sexualised characters become an additional attraction, especially for the male audience. However, in this case, the choice of design in the anime has surprised fans, who feel that it does not align with the expectations of the manga.
The use of fan service, however, has divided opinions: some fans see it as a necessary attraction to maintain interest in the series, while others argue that character design in anime can do justice to the manga and is no slouch at all. This controversy reflects the constant clash between ‘what fans expect’ and ‘what anime gives us’, questioning to what extent studios should follow the preferences of their audience or go for unexpected proposals, even at the risk of generating discomfort.
Yukinobu Tatsu, who began his career as an assistant to the famous mangaka Tatsuki Fujimoto, has created characters that are not only visually appealing, but also full of personality and depth. In Dandadan, the focus on the supernatural is intertwined with the everyday lives of the characters, and Tatsu strives to maintain a balance between reality and art, making sure that every background and visual element in his work contributes to the overall atmosphere.
Dandadan has quickly established itself as one of the most talked-about series of the season, combining its unique style with a plot that blends action, romance and the supernatural. Since its premiere, the series has kept fans on the edge of their seats with unpredictable moments and high quality animation, animated by Science SARU studio, known for productions such as Devilman Crybaby, has put its unique stamp on Dandadan to capture the zany essence of the original manga, contributing to its continued success with every broadcast.
With each episode, Dandadan not only maintains the anticipation, but continues to establish itself as one of the year’s top titles, attracting both loyal manga fans and new anime viewers.
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