Very surprising, Dandadan continues to capture the hearts of fans with each of its increasingly exciting episodes. A major reason behind its success is the hilarious and unpredictable presence of Turbo Granny, one of the fan-favorite characters whose antics stole the show. The thrilling conclusion to the first arc saw Turbo Granny’s consciousness shockingly transform into a Maneki Neko (Japan’s iconic Lucky Fortune Cat Toy).
A still out Dandadan | Credits: Science SARU
This might immediately come to mind Bleach Kon, who also lives in a similar stuffed animal. Here it seems that Yukinobu Tatsu has managed to get things right where Tite Kubo’s approach went wrong. With the introduction of this character, Dandadan managed to take the series to great heights of comedic excellence. But how exactly?
Kon was nothing more than just an annoying creature throughout the entire period Bleach Anime
Could of Bleach | Credits: Studio Pierrot
Kon is a modified soul from Bleach and one of the most annoying characters in the series. He was initially brought to life from an ugly stuffed animal that belonged to a spoiled brat. The idea may seem funny, but his cuddly toy personality couldn’t be saved from his deeply disgusting nature. Throughout the series, his annoying jokes made him more of a nuisance than a lovable companion.
To be fair, the anime itself exaggerated Kon’s annoying qualities to almost unbearable limits. The filler episodes didn’t help much either, as his loud character was completely consistent. In the manga, however, Kon is tamer and more sympathetic. It’s a shame that the potential of how this character could have become something good was butchered by this anime version. Ultimately, fans only see him as that annoying nuisance and not as a valued cast member.
Dandadan Does much better with Turbo Granny
Turbo Grandma | Credits: Science SARU
Turbo Granny is a wonderfully put together and funny character who makes Dandadan very fun to watch. Although Kon was always a whiny, whiny and loud man, and he spent most of his screen time like this, Turbo grandma brings a lot more value and some of the funniest character interactions in the story. She has both knowledge and humor, and these two qualities make her quite an interesting and endearing figure who completely overshadows the anime Kon.
What further sets Turbo Granny apart is the actual integration of this character into the Dandadan story, giving it richness and depth. Unlike Kon, who felt like such an afterthought at times, Turbo Granny’s presence was so thoughtful and deliberate in the series’ creative process.
Her transformation into a Maneki Neko was certainly a masterclass approach from the author. While Dandadan is almost halfway through the conclusion of Season 1, fans are now eager to see Turbo Granny in action on screen.
Both Dandadan & Bleach are available to watch Crispy roll.