MANGA REVIEW | "Dandadan" - Volume Fourteen
There are some folks who’ll say, “They don’t make shonen manga like they used to.” If you ever hear one of these old crones utter that phrase, then I’ve got some great advice. First, take the fourteenth volume of Dandadan, and hold it high above your head. Then, as hard as you can, smack the living tar out of them with it. Because — holy shit! — this is peak shonen!
For the most part of the fourteenth volume, readers will be treated to the conclusion of the gang versus the Invaders From Outer Space. The battle is amazingly detailed, with even the tiniest of building rubble looking ever-so glamorous to look at. However, the real treat is seeing Momo, Okarun, Aira, Jiji, Vamola, and even Kinta give it everything they’ve got to fight against the aliens. And honestly, I wouldn’t blame you if this whole conclusion felt like a grand finale.
Everyone in Dandadan gives their S-game, from Jiji and Aira’s mighty kicks and Okarun’s speedy attacks to Momo’s psychic powers going straight to eleven. Even with the absence of Granny, who’s got her own shit to do, the teens showcase why no threat can take them down. However, the real surprise comes in the form of Kinta, who arrives Kaneda-styled and feeling all the more heroic.
And then, we go full-blown tokusatsu! Kinta builds his mech, whereas the aliens have taken control of Vamola’s suit. We first get a strength battle, which has Kinta using Tokyo Tower while the aliens have the SkyTree. It’s a classic sword fight, and while SkyTree is the bigger of the two, Tokyo Tower’s got something a little extra special that makes it more powerful. Either that, or it’s just Kinta spouting gibberish.
But then, Dandadan goes deep into Kinta’s mentality. While he is shallow with his love of robots and beautiful women, it’s enough for him to never give up in fear of losing both. For a moment, Kinta gets to be the hero of the story, and does so with the heart and soul of any Kamen Rider or Ultraman. With that, he’s earned his place with the rest of the gang.
However, it’s not over yet, with more threats incoming. That’s when an unlikely candidate for Hero of the Day appears, and it’s a scenario that leaves both Momo and Okarun baffled. With one glorious look into their mirrors, the battle ends. Is it a batshit crazy finale? Absolutely! But it wouldn’t be Dandadan if there was a sane way to go about ending it.
Honestly, Yukinobu Tatsu could’ve ended Dandadan right there if he wanted to. He delivers a fight that other shonen manga could only wish to have as their finale. Thankfully, the story does go on. There’s the traditional post-fight dinner, a yokai who finds a new purpose in life, and the next big threat hinted via some well-coded seaweed. On top of that, there are people from Vamola’s past who are itching to reunite with her.
So yeah, Volume Fourteen is peak shonen. Don’t let anyone dare say that the golden era ended with the likes of Dragon Ball or Fist of the North Star. Dandadan has reminded us that there’s a whole lot more in the shonen manga tank, and it’s nowhere near empty. Ergo, I suggest you keep on running onward towards whatever is next for Momo, Okarun, and the rest of the gang. If this is what Yukinobu Tatsu delivers for a mid-card fight, just imagine how insane the finale will be!
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
