Dandadan Chair Scene Controversy Explained

Dandadan anime opens with intense scenes that seem shocking and fresh to some and off-putting to others. The scene with Momo being abducted by aliens for a probing quickly changes into a blurred scene for SA trigger warning reasons.

The first episode of Dandadan is Tatsu’s way of quickly establishing its bold blend of the supernatural-occult style. Among the series’ most controversial moments is the “chair scene.” what is it all about?

1. What is the Chair Scene in Dandadan?

What is the Chair Scene in Dandadan?
Chair Scene | Source: Fandom

In the first episode of Dandadan’s anime, the protagonist, Momo, follows Okarun’s lead to investigate supernatural phenomena. They each head to check the truth behind aliens and ghosts, respectively.

Instead, she’s abducted by aliens, an expected trope among alien movies and fiction. The infamous chair scene involves Momo finding herself tied to a chair naked, facing mysterious, intimidating aliens with barely any way to escape, struggle, or call for help.

The tension and vulnerability Momo experiences heighten the scene’s eerie undertones as a normal human being at the mercy of creepy and disgusting alien lifeforms, mirroring classic sci-fi abduction tropes.

2. Why is it controversial?

Momo Awakens | Source: Fandom

The scene drew mixed responses from readers and viewers, with some being instantly hooked and praising the series for its high-stakes tension, while others felt uncomfortable with the excessive details and Momo’s helplessness in the encounter.

For some, the image of a restrained female character confronted by alien forces was unsettling and uncomfortable. Especially given the suggestive nature of alien abduction in media, being similar to many SA testimonies.

While Dandadan’s author, Tatsu, presents the scene with an almost comedic tone and later has the aliens blown to smithereens, the implications of Momo’s helplessness and the seemingly sexual nature of the chapter impact readers.

3. Intentions of the Author

Momo Fights Back | Source: Fandom

Yukinobu Tatsu, Dandadan’s creator, intended this moment to blend supernatural horror with dark humor. Dandadan explores the unknown by combining bizarre, unbelievable events with something as normal and realistic as puberty struggles or dealing with a crush.

The genius mix of humorous events with real horror elements reflects a style akin to that of Mob Psycho 100. The intention wasn’t to objectify Momo or display that moment of helplessness but to put her in extraordinary, otherworldly situations that are a part of the classic ‘Alien Abduction ‘trope.

The series doesn’t hold back and immediately uses the scene as a springboard for Momo and Okarun’s powers to take off, setting the tone and building the base for future chapters.

Momo showcases her resilience in the face of bizarre threats. This happens across the series and has become a hallmark of Dandadan.

4. Final Thoughts

The “chair scene” in Dandadan remains a memorable and controversial part of Dandadan’s debut. Although it might seem to indicate that such things could reoccur in the series and might be a constant thing, the later parts of Dandadan change drastically.

From the initial genital-stealing aliens and naked girl-restrained tropes to being cute and heartwarming, Dandadan manages to do a 180, even with ancient granny ghosts and powerful galactic destroyer aliens around.

Whether shocking or suspenseful, the scene is a powerful introduction to the wild and unpredictable world in which Momo and Okarun must navigate and grow. The beginning does a great job of solidifying Dandadan as a manga that doesn’t shy away from taking risks, making it a special Shounen.

Seiko Ayase’s Powers in Dandadan: Her Supernatural Abilities Explained

5. About Dandadan

‘Dandadan’ is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu. It has been serialized in Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ service since April 2021. An anime television series adaptation produced by Science Saru is set to premiere in 2024.

Momo Ayase is a high school student who believes in ghosts, but her classmate Okarun believes in aliens instead. To determine who is correct, they make a bet and decide to visit locations associated with both the occult and the supernatural separately.

Ayase visits places related to ghosts, while Okarun visits sites about aliens. When they reach their respective areas, they discover they are only half-right. It turns out that both aliens and ghosts exist.

Epic Dope Staff

Epic Dope Staff

Our talented team of Freelance writers - Always on the lookout - pour their energies into a wide range of topics bringing to our audience what they crave - fun up-to-date news, reviews, fan theories and much much more.

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