10 Must-Read Manga Recommendations for Dandadan Fans

Dandadan is a manga featured in Shonen Jump+, created by Yukinobu Tatsu. This gripping supernatural thriller, infused with elements of romance and comedy, follows the thrilling escapades of Momo Ayase and Ken "Okarun" Takakura, two high school students with contrasting beliefs - Momo fervently believes in ghosts while denying the existence of aliens, and Ken passionately believes in aliens while denying the existence of ghosts.

However, their perception is completely shattered when they stumble upon the undeniable truth that both aliens and ghosts are indeed real. Soon, they find themselves embroiled in a mesmerizing world of supernatural phenomena, spanning from psychokinetic powers to astonishing demonic transformations. Along the way, they encounter a host of peculiar and eccentric allies, including Momo's remarkably youthful grandmother, the enigmatic Turbo-Granny, and an otherworldly alien resembling a mantis shrimp, all of whom add a splash of vibrant colors and oddity to the narrative.

Jujutsu Kaisen, and nine other mangas worth checking out for any Dandadan fan

Fans adore the captivating interactions and intriguing relationships among the central ensemble of characters, as well as the thrilling convergence of supernatural and paranormal elements in the narrative. Here are ten manga series that should be explored by any Dandadan enthusiast.

1) Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku

Protagonist Gabimaru, among other protagonists of the series. (Image via Studio MAPPA)

Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku by Yuji Kaku takes readers on a thrilling journey through Edo-era Japan. The captivating story revolves around Gabimaru the Hollow, an invincible ninja who is unwaveringly devoted to his wife. Despite surviving his own execution and seeking a peaceful existence, Gabimaru finds himself embarking on a perilous mission. Alongside other prisoners and samurai escorts, he must venture into a treacherous, supernaturally infested island in search of the legendary Elixir of Life. The diverse group of survivors must unite against terrifying monsters, their only chance at outlasting the island's brutal reign.

2) My Hero Academia

The characters in this series truly stand out, as they navigate the intricate dynamics among themselves, undergo personal growth, and demonstrate remarkable determination to overcome the island's challenges and return home with dignity. These dynamics bear a striking resemblance to those found in Dandadan, making it an essential read for devoted fans.

In Kohei Hirohoshi’s popular manga series, Izuku ‘Deku’ Midoriya finds himself in a world where nearly everyone possesses a unique superpower, except for him. However, a fateful encounter with the No. 1 Pro-Hero All Might offers him an extraordinary opportunity to become one of the greatest superheroes ever known. Amidst facing fierce rivals and cunning villains who conspire to undermine his newfound power, Deku discovers the unwavering determination to continue fighting for a world that never anticipated his remarkable abilities.

3) Sakamoto Days

With its impressive ensemble of characters and unexpected character twists, My Hero Academia captivates both newcomers and long-time fans of the shonen genre. Its global popularity extends even to fans of Dandadan and individuals from diverse backgrounds, thanks to its widespread appeal.

Sakamoto Days, authored by Yuto Suzuki, is a captivating manga that delves into the life of Taro Sakamoto, a retired hitman. In his quest to shield his loved ones from the perilous realm of assassins that he once belonged to, Sakamoto now manages a humble convenience store. Assisting him in this endeavor is Shin, a former hitman who possesses the ability to read minds. As the story progresses, the initial premise expands, drawing the protagonists further into the treacherous world of assassins, prompting them to form new alliances while encountering unknown adversaries.

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Focused on exhilarating and visually captivating action, Sakamoto Days delves into a captivating world that exists parallel to our own, infused with extraordinary abilities. It shines a spotlight on eccentric characters and their hilarious clashes, offering a delightful experience akin to Dandadan's unconventional universe. Fans of the peculiar realm of Dandadan are sure to find enjoyment in the pages of Sakamoto Days.

4) Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen, the popular manga series created by Gege Akutami, delves into the extraordinary exploits of Yuji Itadori, a young boy plagued by an unfortunate fate. Following his unintended consumption of one of Sukuna's decomposed fingers, Yuji becomes subjected to the possession of the malevolent curse. Obliged to embrace sorcery, he joins forces with his comrades to outmaneuver the perilous schemes devised by those yearning to unleash a new era of curses upon the world. Meanwhile, Sukuna's sinister intentions loom over Yuji's loyal friends, further heightening the suspenseful narrative.

5) One Punch Man

When it comes to high school stories featuring students exploring the supernatural realm, comparisons to Dandadan are bound to arise. However, Jujutsu Kaisen offers a different focus, placing less emphasis on its characters and more on its power system. Nonetheless, fans who enjoy the high school setting found in Dandadan will certainly find Jujutsu Kaisen worth checking out.

One Punch Man, a comedic superhero manga written by ONE, follows the exploits of Saitama. With his extraordinary ability to obliterate any adversary with a single blow, he has earned the moniker of the One Punch Man. Growing increasingly weary of the lack of excitement in his fights, Saitama embarks on a quest to unite with fellow superheroes and discover the thrills he so desperately craves.

6) Dai Dark

One Punch Man, despite its flashy and grandiose action, does not present itself seriously. It embraces playful and absurd monster designs while maintaining a heartfelt essence. The narrative delves into the dynamics between characters and their relationship with the world, much like the captivating series Dandadan.

Q Hayashida's work on Dai Dark (Image via Q Hayashida) showcases a manga that stands out from others. Instead of focusing on humans, the story revolves around Zaha Sanko, a teenager who happens to be a 'dark alien'. He finds himself being pursued by relentless assassins who are lured by the promise of granting wishes in exchange for Sanko's bones. Determined to save his own life, Sanko embarks on a journey across the galaxy in search of the person responsible for this scheme.

7) Phantom Seer

Dai Dark offers fans of Dandadan a bizarre alien backdrop, where macabre yet lighthearted adventures unfold, alongside other extraterrestrial allies like Avakian, a shapeshifting guardian, and an individual who claims to be the God of Death.

The protagonist of Phantom Seer is Iori Katangi, an unmotivated and lazy shaman. In this short and fast-paced manga by Togo Goto, Iori is presented with the opportunity to seek revenge against an old enemy. Accompanied by allies like Riku and his sister, he embarks on a mission to defeat the powerful phantom known as Senjudoji.

Although its setting may not appear particularly distinctive at first glance, Kento Matsuura's artistic contributions elevate it. Despite its brevity, Phantom Seer is a compelling choice for fans craving supernatural realms and peculiar creatures, an appetite that will undoubtedly be satisfied by most Dandadan enthusiasts.

8) Mieruko-Chan

Mieruko-Chan, authored by Tomoki Izumi, revolves around Miko Yotsuya, a high school student gifted with the ability to perceive ghosts and other supernatural beings. Despite her strong desire to deny their existence, Miko strives to protect her friend Hana from these spirits, who are inexplicably drawn to her due to her insatiable appetite and innate life force.

9) Chainsaw Man

Mieruko-Chan presents a captivating blend of horror and slice-of-life manga, setting it apart from the usual offerings. What sets it further apart is its protagonist's proactive attempt to evade the call to adventure, a rarity in the manga world. This unique element is sure to be appreciated by fans of Dandadan.

Tatsuki Fujimoto's intense manga, Chainsaw Man, delves into a treacherous and savage realm where nocturnal creatures embodying mankind's deepest fears, known as devils, pose a constant threat to everyday existence. Denji, a young man burdened by insurmountable debts owed to the Yakuza, seeks solace in his companion Pochita, a diminutive and docile devil. However, when Denji is betrayed by the Yakuza, he merges with Pochita to form the formidable and invincible entity known as Chainsaw Man.

Employed by the enigmatic Makima, Denji embarks on a treacherous journey as a devil hunter, facing a realm immersed in brutality, demise, and betrayal. Throughout it all, Denji grapples with the challenges of being a detached and emotionally challenged young teenager. It is worth mentioning that Dandadan's creator, Yukinobu Tatsu, was initially an apprentice to Fujimoto before venturing into his own manga, making it an appealing choice for fans of Tatsu's distinctive artistry.

10) Dorohedoro

In Dorohedoro, a captivating series by Q Hayashida, the focal point is Kaiman, a character cursed by a sorcerer to possess a lizard head and suffer from amnesia. Interestingly, Kaiman possesses the extraordinary ability to resist magic, making him impervious to the spells cast by sorcerers. Exploiting this advantage, he embarks on a quest to track down the sorcerer who inflicted this curse upon him, relentlessly interrogating every magic user he encounters.

Accompanied by his loyal companion Nikaido and a diverse range of supporting characters, Dorohedoro unravels a distinct and intricate narrative within the backdrop of 'the Hole,' an underground world governed by spellcasters. Fans of Dandadan will appreciate the parallel dynamic between Momo and Okarun and the captivating friendship between Kaiman and Nikaido. Brace yourself for a gripping tale filled with action, peril, and a multitude of peculiarities.

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Editor's P/S

As a fan of Dandadan, I am always on the lookout for new manga series that offer a similar blend of supernatural thrills, comedy, and romance. Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku is a great choice for fans of Dandadan who are looking for a more mature and action-packed read. The story follows Gabimaru the Hollow, an invincible ninja who is sentenced to death for his crimes. However, he is given a chance to redeem himself by embarking on a mission to find the legendary Elixir of Life. Along the way, he must battle not only other prisoners and samurai escorts, but also terrifying monsters and demons.

What I love about Hell's Paradise is the way it combines elements of horror, action, and adventure. The story is full of suspense and gore, but it also has a lot of heart. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and I found myself rooting for them as they faced the challenges of the island. If you're a fan of Dandadan and you're looking for a new manga series to read, I highly recommend Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku.