The first episode of one of the an excitingly weird premise based on the unusual coexistence between two paranormal phenomena, ghosts, and aliens. While episode 1 introduces two antagonists from the start, the inspiration behind Dan Da Dan's most disturbing villains shows that the anime not only stands out as the perfect option for fans of shōnen with romantic comedies and paranormal series, but also for tokusatsu lovers.

Tokusatsu is a genre that has conquered Japan and Western fans by inspiring some of the biggest franchises of all time, like the MonsterVerse and the Power Rangers. Both franchises feature alien races in their plots, demonstrating the influence of these creatures on the genre. However, the Ultra series is the one that has developed the most imaginative creatures from outer space, featuring the most iconic Japanese hero, Ultraman. Because of this, it isn't strange that Dan Da Dan pays homage to Ultraman's franchise in the form of the creepy alien race, the Serpoians.

The Serpoians From Dan Da Dan Are Based on the Alien Race Dada From Ultraman

The Serpo Aliens Stars Several Ultraman's References in Dan Da Dan's Anime

In Dan Da Dan episode 1, Momo, trying to prove Okarun wrong, goes to an abandoned building famous for being an alien sightseeing hotspot and is abducted by the Serpo Aliens, an alien race that multiplies through cloning, but as this is insufficient for their evolution, they try to steal reproduction organs from humans for their research to advance their species. While their human disguise is certainly creepy, the Serpoians true form is a clear reference to the Dada, the humanoid alien race from the original Ultraman series.

The Dada race was first introduced in episode 28 of the original Ultraman series of 1966, and their name and design were inspired by the art movement Dadaism. Just like the Serpoians, the Dada alien is monochromatic and features numerous stripes in a pattern that extends throughout their body. Although the Serpo Aliens also have a big mouth similar to the Dadas, their heads resemble more the Alien Pegassa, a race from the planet Pegassa from the 1967 series, Ultraseven.

Additionally, the hands of the Serpo Alien and the way they launch attacks recall the Alien Hipporit from Ultraman Ace, who has three antennae on his head, which can release a powerful beam and blinding sparks. Also, the production team included in Dan Da Dan’s opening a sequence of the Serpoins doing the iconic pose of the Storium Ray from Ultraman Taro. Another reference is when the Serpoians used their hypnotic powers, which is similar to the scene in Ultraman episode 16 where the Alien Baltan is trying to take control of Dr. Mori’s mind.

Dan Da Dan’s Creator Has itted the Series Is Inspired by Ultraman

The Serpo Race Isn't the Only Aliens Based on the Ultra Series

While the references are pretty obvious, Dan Da Dan’s author, Yukinobu Tatsu, has already confirmed that he draws inspiration from the Ultraman franchise in his series. In a recent interview shared by Comicbook, Tatsu said that he often referred to Ultraman when deg Dan Da Dan's aliens and monsters.

I really like Narita Toru, who is best known for his Ultraman designs. When I was in grade school and saw Ultraman reruns while on summer break, I thought it was just a superhero tale. But when I looked at Toru's designs as I got older, I discovered... a raw, creepy element that I really like. -Yukinobu Tatsu

This inspiration can be seen not only in the Serpoins but in several aliens throughout the manga, as later in the Dandadan's story some characters are reminiscent of other iconic Ultraman designs by Tohl Narita, the Alien Baltan, and the Kaiju Gomora. Since Dandadan's manga features many references to other tokusatsu series besides Ultraman, and the anime is just starting, waiting to see these amazing tributes animated will surely keep viewers thrilled.

Studio Science Saru Embraces Ultraman's Influence on Dan Da Dan’s Anime

Dan Da Dan’s Opening Is a Love Letter to Ultraman

Yukinobu Tatsu isn't the only fan of Ultraman, as the studio Science Saru included numerous references from the franchise in Dan Da Dan's anime adaptation. Dan Da Dan's opening feels like a love letter to the original opening of the Ultraman 1966 series by paralleling the silhouettes of the different monsters. Additionally, the way that Momo's earrings glow makes her silhouette appear like Ultraman.

Also, at the end of the opening, the sequence shows Okarun doing a similar pose to the Ultraman Rise. However, in addition to Dan Da Dan's unpredictable story, the fact that it features multiple references, especially to a beloved franchise like Ultraman, makes the viewing experience richer. The Ultraman's references in the Serpo Aliens and in the opening generate expectation among the viewers, who should keep an eye open to see what other tributes are present in Dan Da Dan's anime.

Source: Comicbook.