Dan-Dan continues to gain momentum with each new episode, thanks in large part to Science Saru’s stellar adaptation, which brings Yukinobu Tatsu’s original work to life. This unique series combines supernatural elements, high school romance, and extraterrestrial encounters, creating a standout narrative in the shōnen genre. One of the main highlights of the anime is undeniably its humor.
Although the protagonists Momo and Okarun contribute a lot to bringing humor to the series, Turbo Granny seemed to be the funniest element of the series. However, she also brings a surprising depth that not even the main characters can match. There is a subtle, tragic layer to Turbo Granny’s character that changes the way one perceives the anime, adding a moving realism amidst the chaotic narrative.
Dan-DanTurbo Granny leaves for a tragic reason
First revealed in episode 4, “Kicking Turbo Granny’s Ass”
After Okarun and Momo narrowly escape Turbo Granny’s clutches by tricking her by exploiting her ego, Seiko Ayase arrives on the scene and reveals tragic details about her. Seiko explains that Spiritual Mediums have long hunted for Turbo Granny, noting that she always appears in places where girls have met irrational deaths. This touching detail recontextualizes Turbo Granny’s entire presence in the seriestransforming a character who initially seemed to exist solely for bizarre humor into a character with a deeper, darker purpose.
In her first appearance, Turbo Granny verbally harasses Okarun, insinuating that she might just be a lewd old woman, as the latter comments. However, the tragic detail of how she appears in the places where the spirits of girls who suffered irrational deaths remain justifies her first action in the series. This suggests that Turbo Granny may behave this way deliberately, offering herself to men in an effort to protect other girls from similar trauma and to console the spirits of the victims.
His curse on men, symbolized by taking away their “family jewels” as he did with Okarun, now seems like a vengeful act rooted in his past experiences. But this is just the beginning, with each action suggesting a poignant reason beneath its chaotic surface.
The reason Turbo Granny saved Momo explains her character
Turbo Granny’s rescue of Momo wasn’t random
Shortly after Turbo Granny curses Okarun, she appears through Momo’s cell phone and her first action is to grab one of the Serpo aliens by their, as mentioned in the narrative, “reproductive organs”, and throw them against the wall. Initially, this scene may seem like pure fan service, in line with the bizarre humor of the series, especially with Momo’s vulnerable moment. However, in light of Turbo Granny’s role as the girls’ protector, your actions against the Serpo aliens take on new meaning.
It is likely that after possessing Okarun, Turbo Granny heard Momo’s situation over the phone and rushed to help her. Given that Turbo Granny rarely leaves her territory, something Seiko notes, explaining that spirits are most powerful within their own domains, her willingness to help Momo despite this limitation reveals her strong protective instincts. Her presence is not simply chaotic; it is deeply intentional. So, in deeper insight, his words in Episode #6 of Dan-Dan resonate with new and moving meaning.
Turbo Granny Impacts Dan-DanThe plot very well
Her every action now seems related to the tragic incidents
In episode #6 of Dan-DanTurbo Granny, now inhabiting the Cat Doll, casually mentions that it has been a long time since she entered a school. With the added context of its tragic purpose only appearing in locations linked to the loss of girls, this line takes on a deeper, more melancholy tone. This implies that your last visit to a school likely occurred under tragic circumstancesmuch like the tunnel where Okarun first found her. Given the prominence of the school environment in Dan-Dan and the vulnerability of her young students, Turbo Granny’s presence and role as protector become even more significant to the story.
The character most prepared to benefit from Turbo Granny’s help is Momo, the female protagonist, who often finds herself involved in delicate situations. From her first difficult relationship in episode 1, almost being sexually assaulted by the Serpo aliens, to the rumors spread by Aira in recent episodes, Momo is no stranger to challenges.
Turbo Granny’s instinct to protect the girls positions her as a crucial ally of Momo, whether through direct intervention or enabling Okarun to become stronger in his defense, in fact playing a key role in making the male protagonist stronger. This notion makes Dan-DanTurbo Granny is one of the most important characters in the series, becoming a symbol of tragedy and adding genuine depth to the series amidst its comedy.