In Dandadan, Turbo Granny’s wild personality and strange fixation on “men’s jewels” make her one of the series’ most unforgettable characters, initially mistaken for a classic villain. But episode by episode, it becomes clear there’s more to her than meets the eye: Turbo Granny is an unlikely hero, a character with empathy, humor, and a fierce drive to protect, even if her ways are unconventional.
While she may seem misunderstood at first, Turbo Granny is a brilliant example of Dandadan’s genius at blending horror with heart.
Turbo Granny: How Folklore Shaped a Unique Hero in Dandadan
Turbo Granny’s character is inspired by Japanese folklore, specifically “Turbo Baba,” infamous in urban legends for terrorizing late-night drivers and punishing those who break traffic laws. The myth speaks to themes of respect, morality, and feminine power—qualities Dandadan gives a fresh twist.
Instead of just scaring, Turbo Granny is reimagined as a rough-around-the-edges anti-hero who, despite her intense nature, ultimately wants to protect. She’s no mere urban legend but a complex character who, for all her quirks, is ironically heroic.
Turbo Granny’s Rough Exterior Hides a Guardian’s Heart
Turbo Granny’s chaotic energy might first cast her as a villain, yet her story hints at a deep compassion. She haunts her tunnel because of the tragic history tied to it: Momo’s grandmother explains that many young girls were assaulted and murdered there, suggesting that Turbo Granny remains to comfort their restless spirits.
When she first encounters Okarun, she warns him, “Oh, a lone boy coming into my tunnel at night. Looking for girls, huh? I’m gonna neuter this bastard!” Although intense, her words imply a protective instinct toward young women, scaring off men she sees as potential threats. Her actions reflect a misunderstood drive to defend.
More Than Humor: Turbo Granny’s Fixation on “Men’s Jewels” Explained
One of Turbo Granny’s most memorable quirks is her strange fixation on “men’s jewels,” which adds humor and shock, but some fans think it may also hint at deeper folklore influences. In myth, Datsueba, the “Hag of Hell,” strips the dead of their clothing to weigh their sins.
Turbo Granny’s obsession with “disarming” those she sees as harmful may reflect her brand of justice. Her bizarre method of stripping dignity from unworthy men blends her humor with a fierce value system, making her someone who, in her own chaotic way, fights for her values—even if that means protecting girls by scaring off potential predators.
Fan Theory: Turbo Granny’s Heroics
The latest popular fan theory suggests that Turbo Granny’s protective instincts extended to her traveling through a phone. This theory ties back to the intense moment when Momo is held hostage by Serpoians, who were planning to harvest her reproductive organs for their cloning-based, all-male population.
Just as Momo resists, the phone rings, and Turbo Granny appears as though rushing to protect her when she heard her through the line. According to fans, this could have been Turbo Granny’s way of jumping in to protect Momo when she heard her through the phone.
Turbo Granny—the Unlikely Hero
Turbo Granny’s character arc is a mix of humor, protection, and a rough-edged kindness that makes her stand out as a uniquely layered anti-hero. She is not a traditional hero, she’s more of a girlboss in a turbo-charged, grumpy grandmother’s body.
Turbo Granny’s transformation from folklore terror to anti-hero underscores Dandadan’s strength in storytelling. Turbo Granny’s strange mix of quirks and hidden empathy shows that heroes come in many forms, proving that even the most unconventional characters—a turbo-charged girlboss granny included—can inspire loyalty and protection. Dandadan is redefining what it means to be a hero, and we’re here for it.
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.
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