Let’s be honest—reading Yukinobu Tatsu’s Dandadan for the first time feels oddly familiar, especially if you’re a fan of Chainsaw Man. It’s no coincidence; Tatsu once assisted Tatsuki Fujimoto, and it shows. These two chaotic masterpieces—Dandadan and Chainsaw Man—are like twisted siblings raised on horror, humor, and existential dread.
While Chainsaw Man delivers trauma and gore with devil-hunting madness, Dandadan throws psychic powers and alien chaos into a high-school rom-com. Together, they define the wild heart of supernatural manga.
In this showdown, we’ll explore how the core characters of dandadan chainsaw man contrast yet feel spiritually connected—Okarun’s hilarious optimism vs. Denji’s brutal nihilism—and why the upcoming Dandadan anime could be the next breakout sensation.
Dandadan vs Chainsaw Man: Character Differences Explained
| Aspect | Dandadan (Okarun & Momo) | Chainsaw Man (Denji & Power) |
|---|---|---|
| Protagonist’s Drive | Seeking optimism and validation amid chaos. | Seeking basic human needs (food, affection) fueled by cynicism. |
| Humor Vibe | Whimsical, dramatic, slapstick rom-com. | Dark, nihilistic, absurdist gore-comedy. |
| Supernatural Power | Psychic hands, yokai/alien transformations, strategic. | Chainsaws, blood manipulation, visceral and brutal. |
| Character Foil | Momo’s empathy grounds Okarun’s anxiety. | Power’s chaotic egotism fuels Denji’s development. |
| Overall Tone | High-energy, hopeful, adventurous. | Gritty, trauma-fueled, tragic. |
Who Are the Main Characters in Dandadan?
In Dandadan, we meet two high-school weirdos. Momo Ayase, the fiery gyaru, is a fierce believer in spirits but rolls her eyes at aliens. Her partner-in-crime, Ken “Okarun” Takakura, is the shy, bespectacled occult-obsessed nerd who believes in UFOs but scoffs at ghosts. Their disastrous bet, to prove whose belief is right, literally rips their reality apart, forcing them into a turbo-charged, often hilarious alliance.
Their start is the classic “accidental hero” trope. They are everyday teens who are forced to unlock incredible psychic powers after alien abduction and a hilarious encounter with Turbo Granny (R.I.P. Okarun’s ‘kintama’). They’re fighting to regain normalcy and, let’s face it, they’re definitely falling in love while they do it.
Who Is Chainsaw Man Denji? And What Is Power’s Blood Devil?
Over in Chainsaw Man, normalcy is a joke. Denji, a dirt-poor teen with a literal engine in his chest, is hunting devils for Public Safety just so he can afford basic things like jam on toast or a hug. His partnership is born not from a wacky bet, but from poverty and a blood contract with his devil-dog, Pochita. He’s a weapon of desperation.
His running mate, Power, the Blood Fiend, is pure, unadulterated chaotic greed. She’s a devil in human form, assigned to the squad but primarily interested in hoarding food and lying her butt off. This duo is not here for a high-school romance; they’re here for survival and basic creature comforts.
Why Is Okarun More Optimistic Than Denji?
This is where the fan debates truly heat up. While both Okarun and Denji are underdogs, their mindsets are diametrically opposed, and it dictates the entire tone of their respective series.
Despite being constantly bullied and riddled with anxiety (which is hilariously visualized), Okarun is fundamentally altruistic. He constantly puts himself in harm’s way for others, especially Momo. His arc isn’t just about gaining strength; it’s about shedding his isolation and embracing the loyalty of his friends. His drama-king expressions and formal politeness are classic Dandadan humor, pure, chaotic fun that feels lighter even during a terrifying yokai fight.
Chainsaw Man’s Denji is the embodiment of cynicism, forged by poverty and betrayal. He is a blunt, often vulgar, and surprisingly naïve mess driven by simple, base desires. His evolution is one of the most compelling arcs in shonen anime: going from a debt slave concerned only with survival, to a young man grappling with profound trauma and finally finding genuine, complicated purpose in caring for Nayuta. His humor? Dark. Think twisted quips during a gore-filled rampage.
Best Supporting Chaos: Momo vs. Power
The supporting stars are the key to the series’ hearts. Momo and Power make for the ultimate character foil.
Momo Ayase is the anchor of Dandadan. She is confident, proactive, and fiercely empathetic. She’s the one who steps in to protect Okarun, and her ability to understand the pain and tragedy of even her enemies—from cursed yokai to misunderstood aliens—is her defining power. She’s the protector and the strategist, and frankly, she’s a female protagonist we deserve more of.
Power is, well, Power. She’s driven by pure, glorious egotism, often abandoning fights and compulsively lying. She’s the wildcard. Yet, her arc is arguably one of the most powerful in Chainsaw Man. Her selfish chaos gradually gives way to a messy, complicated, sibling-like loyalty to Denji (and her precious cat, Meowy). Her final acts of sacrifice are what cement her as an unforgettable, tragic figure.
Why The Crossover Hype is Real
It’s no wonder fan theories and crossover art are everywhere online. The creative link is undeniable: Yukinobu Tatsu assisted Tatsuki Fujimoto on Fire Punch and Chainsaw Man. They share a willingness to blend genres, push shocking comedy, and prioritize expressive, dynamic artwork.
If you love the visceral, dark themes of Chainsaw Man, you’ll appreciate Dandadan’s take on survival and found family, just with a much-needed shot of optimism and high-school silliness. If you’re waiting for the next big thing in supernatural anime, you need to be ready for the Dandadan anime adaptation; it’s going to be a wild, beautiful, psychic ride that feels like the best version of what Chainsaw Man started.
What do you think? Could Denji’s chainsaws take on Okarun’s psychic speed? Let me know your dream crossover pairing in the comments! And don’t forget to visit Shinime Anime for the latest anime news and reviews.