At Anime Expo, fans of Dan Da Dan were treated to a deep dive into Season 2’s creative direction, exciting announcements, and teases of what’s to come. Held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the panel featured series director Fuga Yamashiro, producer Kohei Sakita from Science SARU, and English voice actors Abby Trott (Momo), A.J. Beckles (Okarun), and Aleks Le (Jiji). They offered insights into character design, color theory, and narrative themes, while also unveiling a new gaming crossover.
One of the biggest highlights was the announcement of a Dan Da Dan crossover event with the popular anime RPG Grand Summoners, which will feature an original story. Fans were encouraged to follow updates via social media and in-game notices.
Director Fuga Yamashiro captivated the audience by explaining the evolution of the show’s visual style. He broke down key storyboards and animatics, emphasizing how color theory plays a vital role in expressing the characters’ emotions. “The theme of this opening is Okarun’s perspective and how it shifts when Momo takes his hand,” he said. “The world changes from sepia to color, symbolizing Okarun’s emotional transformation.”
He also revealed Easter eggs referencing Ultraman, using shadows and silhouettes to pay homage to the iconic character. Each season now carries a deeper application of color symbolism, with figures like The Evil Eye appearing in blueish purple and the Mongolian Death Worm in yellow. Compared to Season 1, Season 2’s palette is more sophisticated, with blended color schemes reflecting who’s in control of a scene.
In a discussion about the English dub, Abby Trott and A.J. Beckles praised the use of cross-talk in the script, which adds realism and energy to the dialogue. “It’s harder to do, but it really enhances the experience,” said Beckles. They also credited the Japanese voice cast as a reference point for their performances.
Actor Aleks Le highlighted Turbo Granny as a standout character, praising Barbara Goodson for her comedic timing and vocal range. “Hearing her in this series is a blessing,” he noted, referencing her legacy in shows like Power Rangers.
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Music will also take center stage in episodes 18 and 20, with complex concert hall and band scenes. “These sequences were really hard to work on,” Yamashiro admitted, “but we’re proud of how they turned out.”
In closing, Yamashiro thanked fans for their ongoing support, stressing its importance in extending the show’s future:
“Your energy at last year’s premiere motivated me through Season 2. If you keep watching and supporting, we can make more seasons happen.”
Dan Da Dan Season 2 continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling and emotional depth, and with fan support, it may have many more chapters to come.
