Weekend Watch: Dan Da Dan: First Encounter

Last weekend, GKIDS released Dan Da Dan: First Encounter in theaters. It did solid business in a small number of theaters ($1 million from around 600 screens, I think), solid enough that it's getting an encore this weekend. 

It's a great way to get a headstart on the hotly-anticipated anime. I went into it blind and found the whole thing such a delight. The program starts with a series of interviews, including the two main voice actors, the writer and editor of the manga the show is based on, and the anime adaptation's director. Their insights are as fun and interesting as you'd hope (and sometimes wild, especially if you're new to the franchise). There's appropriate reference from those involved in the adaptation, and amiable humility on the part of those involved in the source material. Good vibes all around as the stage is set for the main event.

In these interviews, there's a lot of talk about the mish-mash of genres, and the nimble pacing that allows the story to move between and through them at rapid speed. There points are brought up over and over, and it ends up for good reason.

The show is a hoot. There's a hefty dose of sci-fi, some occult fantasy stuff, horror elements, a lot of comedy, maybe some romance (I think that bit will be more prominent later on). It's a really fun ride that takes some truly weird turns, moment-to-moment and episode-to-episode. And the pacing is quick, fluid, but never makes you feel left behind. More like you're holding on for dear life, and reveling in every second.

The animation is so vivid and vibrant and cool. Cool color choices, bulging facial features, dynamic action. It's just a really fucking cool show.

First Encounter lets you catch the first three episodes of the show, ending on a nice cliffhanger that definitely has me wanting more. And thankfully, the show premieres soon. It starts its normal release schedule on Crunchyroll and Netflix starting October 3.

So if you want to get a sneak peek, as well as a peek behind the curtain, and it's playing near you, Dan Da Dan: First Encounter is highly recommended as a weekend watch.

(Also, I cannot wait to find out who that little cat dude is who features during the end credits sequence. I'm already obsessed!!!)