When talking aboutDandadan, fans immediately think of its chaotic energy, absurd humor, and supernatural narrative. The series thrives on its unpredictable twists, yet beneath all the eccentricities of the anime,there’s one character who serves as the heart of the series. Since the beginning,Momo Ayasehas been the cornerstone ofDandadanand deserves recognition for this.
In a recent interview, Yukinobu Tatsu, the creator ofDandadan, sang high praise for Momo’s character and her role in the series.Tatsu even compared her to Supermanin the most wholesome way, a comparison that speaks volumes about her character. In a world filled with ghosts, aliens, and bizarre threats, characters like Momo are essential.

One Character Is a Clear Favorite for Dandadan’s Creator
Yukinobu Tatsu Always Makes Sure Momo Is Drawn Just Right
It’s not uncommon for manga creators to have a favorite character, butTatsu’s admiration for Momo Ayase goes beyond simple preference.In an interview, Tatsu has stated,“My favorite character is Momo. If I ever feel that I haven’t drawn her as cute as I want her to be, I’ll redo the drawing over and over again, and it can really hold up progress on the final draft.” This level of dedication shows how important she is not only to Tatsu but toDandadanas a whole.
Momo’s importance is further reinforced by how much care is put into her design and expressions.Dandadanis known for its dynamic and exaggerated artwork, but Tatsu takes the time to ensure that Momo is always visually striking. This type of attention to detail reflects the way Superman is often depicted—always larger than life, yet grounded and real. By refining Momo’s appearance and personality, Tatsu effectively makes her stand out from other heroines and makes her the anchor for both the story and the audience.

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Beyond her visual appearance, Tatsu’s favoritism towards Momo is clear in how she drives the narrative forward. WhileDandadanhas a colorful cast, many of the series’ most important moments are centered around Momo’s decisions and reactions. Whether it’s standing up to supernatural threats or inspiring her friends to be better, Momo is the cornerstone of the series. The fact that Tatsu prioritizes her character so carefully also suggests thathe seesDandadanthrough her lens, making her more than just another characteras she pushes the series onward.

Momo Receives High Praise and Is Dandadan’s Version of Superman
Yukinobu Tatsu Reveals the Reason Why He Holds Momo Ayase in Such High Regard
Momo is the character that Tatsu holds in the highest regard. His admiration for her does more than shape his artistic process and driveDandadan’sstoryline. During the same interview, he openly spoke about his dedication to drawing her just right andthe real reason she resonates with him so much. He has stated:
“Momo is like Superman. Superman helps people with his superhuman powers, but I don’t think that’s the core of who he is. In the face of violence or injustice, ordinary people often look away. But Superman’s presence inspires people, giving them the courage to stand up against such evil. In the same way, Momo’s actions and words inspire those around her, motivating them to rise up, just like Superman.”

Tatsu’s comparison to Superman reveals how he envisions Momo to be more than a fighter but as a symbol of inspiration for those around her. While many shonen protagonists grow stronger through sheer determination and willpower,Momo’s strength comes from both who she is as a person and what she is capable of. Her presence encourages those around her to be braver and act when necessary. This perfectly aligns with Tatsu’s vision of Superman, who isn’t only defined by his powers but also through the way he instills hope in others.
The Series Would Be Much Different if Momo Weren’t Around
Momo Ayase Is an Irreplaceable Part of Dandadan
It’s impossible to imagineDandadanwithout Momo in the front and center.She’s the catalyst that keeps the story movingand remains a necessary anchor in a world full of aliens and supernatural entities. Momo’s presence in the series turnsDandadanfrom another wild supernatural narrative into one witha strong emotional backbone where personal growth and relationships matterjust as much as comedy and action.
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Momo is more than just a central figure, she is the glue that holds the main cast together, always strengthening their bonds and pushing them to grow. Though she may not be the strongest in raw power,her determination and leadership make her the one that everyone rallies around. Without Momo, the group’s dynamic would crumble, and key moments, including Okarun’s confidence andAira’s growth, might never happen. Her absence wouldn’t just alter relationships, it would completely shift the series’ tone, proving that she is an essential part of the story that cannot be replaced.

Momo’s Strength and Spirit Embody Superman’s Heroic Ideals
Momo Is Deserving of High Praise and Relation to Superman
Momo’s strength inDandadanisn’t just about her combat abilities but more so about the way she carries herself in the face of danger. While other characters have flashy powers, Momo’s defining characteristic is her resolve. Even in the face of supernatural threats,she never hesitates to step up, even when the odds are stacked against her. This mirrors Superman’s most iconic qualities, as Momo has shown thatshe stands firm and refuses to let fear dictate her actions. Momo’s heroism comes from her willingness to act when others may have faltered, earning her the praise of beingDandadan’sSuperman.
Momo Ayase’s combination of bravery, resilience, and ability to inspire make her worthy of being called the series Superman. Without Momo,the series wouldn’t have the same emotional weight or dynamics between the cast. Just as Superman represents more than just his superpowers, Momo represents more than a strong fighter with the ability to shape the story and characters in ways that can’t be replicated by anyone else. Without Momo,Dandadanwould be missing more than just a protagonist, it would be missing its heart.