“It’s simply phenomenonal”: Dandadan Was Not the Best Anime Last Year as Kanehito Yamada’s Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Clearly Dominated the Popularity Race

The year 2024 was nothing less than phenomenal in every sense and Dandadan is a perfect example of this. The series topped the charts with its unprecedented views and ratings on several streaming platforms.

From visuals and plot to music and animation, Science SARU went the extra mile to carve it into a masterpiece. As a new-age anime, it was a huge win for Yukinobu Tatsu. There is, however, a new contender in the race.

Momo and Okarun in a still from the anime | Credit: Science Saru

After dethroning Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End raised the bar with its popularity. It is set to sweep the board with its ratings and reviews. Moreover, it set a precedent for several new-age anime.

On the other hand, Yukinobu Tatsu’s series redefined the shonen genre on the whole. From its characters to its writing, it reinvented the supernatural tropes in most aspects.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End soars new heights with its popularity

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a grappling tale of the titular character and her adventures. As an elf with a long lifespan, the elf mage is divorced from the human perception of time. This also ties well with her perception of emotions.

Her aloof personality coupled with her zeal and pursuit of magic parallels Maomao from Apothecary Diaries. Compared to most shonen series, Kanehito Yamada’s characterization of the protagonist is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Frieren in a still from the anime | Credit: MAPPA

Interestingly, it set a benchmark in storytelling and is a breakaway from the damsel-in-distress stereotype. It is riveting in its exploration of the heroine’s dreams and aspirations. Camaraderie and self-discovery are enmeshed beautifully with fantasy and adventure.

Precisely why the series has gained traction and positive reception. But that is not all considering its soaring popularity and dethroning of yet another popular series.

Recently, Yamada’s series was declared the favorite anime of 2024 by Redditors on r/anime. And this is how most fans responded.

MAPPA’s finesse coupled with Evan Call’s artistic brilliance renders it a visual masterpiece of all sorts. Call, who previously worked as a composer for Violet Evergarden took it to new heights with his music.

Bagging the second place, Yukinobu Tatsu’s series carved its niche through its popularity. With its visuals, premise, and enmeshing of different genres, one thing is certain. It is anything but a run-of-the-mill shonen series.

Dandadan is anything but a bog-standard supernatural series

In terms of plot and profundity, Dandadan takes the cake, especially with its fusing of different elements. Be it occult, comedy, horror, or supernatural, Tatsu did a great deal in ensuring its success. Its popularity, however, stems from its ability to create familiarity.

Okarun and Jiji in a still from the anime | Credit: Science SARU

As one of the groundbreaking shonen anime of 2024, Dandadan set a precedent for new-age anime along with Frieren. This is mostly due to its introduction of a female shonen protagonist.

Though it may not be as glorious as Frieren, the series outclasses its contemporaries through its conception. Yokai and aliens are rendered humane and fleshed out beautifully. Tatsu’s take on the legends and myths is a breakaway from the cliche portrayal of ghosts and urban legends.

By and by, the Year 2025 has kickstarted on a good note, especially with the rise in new-age anime. Both series have played a pivotal role in reshaping the course of the shonen genre as well as storytelling on the whole.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Dandadan are available for streaming on Crunchyroll. Both manga are available for reading on Viz Media.