Dan Da Dan took 2024 by storm. Fūga Yamashiro and Abel Gongora co-direct Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye, which pushes past its setup and brings Momo and Okarun to a place of understanding, if not iration. But the story isn’t the only thing that’s matured. The fight choreography and character design in Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye, which consists of the first three episodes of season 2, are not only stunning but also visually elevate the show to a whole new level. Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye jump-starts season 2 with a bang and the reassurance that season 1 was not a fluke.

While visiting Jiji’s house, Okarun and Jiji realize the landlords might be sketchier than they let on. Meanwhile, at the hot springs, Momo is dealing with similarly creepy guys who nearly make a move on her. When the gang puts two and two together, it's too late. As it turns out, they are dealing with a family dedicated to sacrificing children to prevent an ancient prophecy from coming true. It's up to Okarun (Natsuki Hanae), Jiji, Momo (Shion Wakayama), and Turbo Granny (Mayumi Tanaka) to save the day before this cult does any more damage.

Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye picks up right where season 1 leaves off and doesn’t skip a beat. The humor is just as fast and loose as ever and though they aren’t making as many jokes about genitalia, there are plenty of other wild body-centric jokes. Look no further than the styling of the show's third Kung Fu granny in a black Marie Antoinette wig.

[C]rucially, Evil Eye whets our appetites for more, leaving a lot to the imagination for what's to come.

The sexual comedy in Dan Da Dan's first season was truly one of the first times an anime found that line, but didn't cross it, all while still having something to say. As of now, Evil Eye is far less interested in making a statement about fan service, but we are only 3 episodes in.

Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye's Action Is Excellent

The Fight Scenes Are On A Different Level

The big ticket item in Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye is the fight between Okarun and the Evil Eye, which is nearly perfect. The design of the Evil Eye can be credited to Gongora, who went with a bluish purple — the perfect contrast to Okarun’s fiery red. His earrings are even cooler. The long black rainbow forms a rectangle that accents the Naruto-like eye in his forehead.

The fight between him and Okarun is perhaps where the show shows the most promise. The good will of season 1 means that, unlike practically any other anime, Dan Da Dan could use a classic showdown between two badass characters. And crucially, Evil Eye whets our appetites for more, leaving a lot to the imagination for what's to come.

Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye's Characters Haven't Changed Much

It's The Fight Scenes That Are A Standout

The only knock against Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye is in tandem with one of its strengths. Season 1 bent the mold and introduced a way of storytelling that was character-driven and not monster-driven. At the end of the day, these first 3 episodes are very pedestrian by Dan Da Dan standards in of storytelling. But the fight scenes are so lavishly set that it's hard to complain about what is onscreen. Only time will tell if the script can get back to those touching character dynamics we bonded over in season 1. But for now, we can enjoy the fight.

Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye sets up season 2 in a way that has well-balanced stakes. If season 1 was about establishing aliens and ghosts, it would seem season 2’s job is to remind us there is room to play in the realm of high-concept animes. For a show that never takes itself seriously, it always seems to know exactly what its limits are and what the audience currently wants from anime.

Dan Dan Dan: Evil Eye is in theaters now. The film is 93 minutes long and rated R for violent content.