Key Takeaways
- Momo and Aira evolve from rivals to allies, showcasing growth and character development. (86 characters)
- Romantic tensions arise as Aira shows interest in Okarun, fueling jealousy between the characters. (95 characters)
- Momo and Aira form an effective partnership to battle supernatural enemies, recognizing each other’s strengths. (109 characters)
Momo and Aira are two interesting characters who star in the anime series Dandadan. These two girls started as rivals because of their different personalities. Momo is aggressive and direct, while Aira is self-centered and arrogant, and putting these two together is an explosion waiting to happen. However, as the plot of the anime progresses, they are forced to become allies gradually as they find themselves entangled and facing supernatural threats.
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Momo and Aira’s forced collaboration, especially when they are in a battle against enemies, has come with them disagreeing on petty and important issues, but it has also caused them to understand each other and develop mutual respect, signifying growth and character development. In addition, Aira’s recurring presence has caused Momo to navigate and acknowledge her feelings for Okarun as she finds herself constantly jealous when Aira and Okarun interact. Momo and Aira’s growth from rivals to allies highlights the complexities of human relationships amidst the chaos of the supernatural world.
How It All Started
Before Aira Joins Momo and Okarun
Aira’s first appearance showcases her petty and vain personality. She believes Okarun has never talked, let alone been friends with a cute girl like her. She teases him with kindness, trying to befriend him, then mocks him to her friends, thinking she fooled him. Momo watches this unfold at a distance and is annoyed that Aira would toy with Okarun’s feelings, so she uses her spiritual hand to push a tub over Aira’s head.
Unknowingly to Momo and Okarun, Aira had stumbled upon one of Okarun’s testicles and was in possession of it. This testicle gave her the ability to see supernatural things, and as Momo walked away from her with her hand latched on Okarun, Aira saw Momo’s spiritual hand. This sight convinced Aira that Momo was a demon, and her mission was to get rid of demons like Momo. Because of this, she sets up a meeting with Momo, and what was supposed to be something like an exorcism for Momo turns out to be a rescue mission for Aira.
An Intervention Set Up By Aira For Momo Gone Wrong
The Acrobatic Silky Incident
Momo and Aira’s relationship undergoes a quick turn as Aira’s possession of Okarun’s spiritual testicle attracts a strange spirit to her, who is later identified as Acrobatic Silky. Acrobatic Silky is the spirit of a scorned woman looking for her child, and when Aira was younger, she saw this woman, mistook her for her mother, and called her mummy. For years, Acrobatic Silky has been looking after Aira, and now that Aira has a spiritual aura and can see spirits, she came looking for her daughter.
Acrobatic Silky grabs Aira and desperately tries to make her call her mommy again, but Aira is not forthcoming. Unaware of the danger she is in, Aira is lucky as Okarun, and Momo, despite her hands being tied, springs in to save her. Acrobatic Silky swallows Aira while Okarun and Momo try to save her and defeat Acrobatic Silky. They were successful, but their excitement turns sour when Turbo Granny tells them that Aira is dead. At that moment, Momo and Okarun try to do CPR, and Momo uses her spiritual hands to give Aira’s heart a direct cardiac massage.
Their efforts were in vain until Acrobatic Silky, in her dying state, suggested that Momo use her last aura to revive Aira. This move ultimately saves Aira and kills Acribatic Silky, but before she disintegrates completely, Aira hugs her and promises not to forget her. Momo and Okarun are glad Aira is alive, and this incident only draws them closer, much to Momo and Aira’s dismay.
Now That Aira Has Become Acquainted With Momo
Romantic Tensions and Acknowledgment Of Feelings
Since Aira started hanging out with Momo and Okarun, her presence has added a layer of complexity to Momo and Okarun’s relationship as Aira shows romantic interest in Okarun. This fuels their disdain for each other, and Momo is jealous whenever she sees Okarun and Aira interacting with each other, and the same goes for Aira when she sees Okarun and Momo interact.
While this romantic subplot initially fuels some of the tension between Aira and Momo, it also serves as a vehicle for character growth. Rather than allowing jealousy to dominate their interactions, both characters gradually learn to navigate their feelings with maturity, prioritizing their shared mission over personal rivalries.
From Rivals To Partners To Fight Against Common Threats
The Aftermath of Acrobatic Silky
Momo and Aira’s relationship slightly improved after the Acrobatic Silky incident, and they were quickly thrown into the Serpo arc, where the Serpo aliens came to capture Okarun’s banana. Momo and Aira had to work together to defeat their opponents, and it was not an easy task. During this arc, fans see them clash, but despite how much they cannot stand each other, Momo takes her well-being into consideration as she tells Okarun,
If we don’t hurry up and save that stupid girl, she’ll drown.
Aira was in danger and needed to be rescued immediately, so Momo and Okarun hastened their steps to subdue the threat so they could get to Aira fast.
As the story continues to progress, Momo and Aira are repeatedly thrown into situations that require them to work together against formidable supernatural enemies. These encounters serve as a crucible for their relationship, forcing them to set aside their differences and pool their strengths. Aira’s assertiveness and determination complement Momo’s level-headedness and strategic thinking, creating a partnership that is as effective as it is unexpected. Through these shared battles, the two develop a grudging respect for each other, recognizing the value each brings to the table.
Dandadan is now available to stream on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix.
Based on Yukinobu Tatsu’s popular manga that debuted in 2021 on Shonen Jump+, Dandadan blends action, comedy, romance, and supernatural thrills to create a unique and satisfying adventure. Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura believe in the extraordinary, although the former believes in ghosts and the latter believes in aliens. Determined to confirm their side’s existence, they set out to find their proof.
- Studio
- Science Saru
- Creator
- Yukinobu Tatsu
- Number of Episodes
- 9
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