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WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Dandadan Episode 8, “I’ve Got This Funny Feeling”, now streaming onCrunchyroll&Netflix.
Turbo Granny is one of the first terrifying spirits Okarun and Momo Ayase must face in theDandadananime. Her abilities are especially impressive, with her intense speed making it difficult for any opponent to run away. However, not too long after Momo and Okarun’sfinal battle with the yokai, she ends up in a completely different form.
Soon after the duo discover Turbo Granny has returned inDandadan, she quickly changes into a new form: a Maneki-Neko doll. With this transformation comes a completely different beast they must deal with. But how exactly did she end up in this position, and what does it mean for her future as a yokai spirit?
How Turbo Granny Became a Maneki-Neko Doll
Her Unexpected Transformation
Many fans of the series might be wondering just how exactly Turbo Granny became trapped in a Maneki-Neko doll, a vastly different appearance from her original form. Most of the situation started when Okarun and Momo Ayase held their final battle with Turbo Granny in season 1, episode 4, “Alien Invasion”. Soon after the duo takeTurbo Granny and the location-bound spiritout of Shono City, they are led to believe that the terrifying yokai has officially been defeated, since her crab-like form seems to disintegrate in front of them. However, this ends up not being the case.
Okarun quickly realizes after their battle that some of his’belongings' are still missing. Much to Momo and her grandmother’s surprise, a quick look into Okarun’s aura shows that he is still possessed. Momo brings in a Maneki-Neko doll and places a talisman on it, which immediately turns red and burns the second Momo pulls out the negative aura from Okarun. This negative aura soon possesses the Maneki-Neko doll in front of it, and runs away.
The possessed doll is soon revealed as Turbo Granny, judging by the very obvious tone of voice and threats towards the three heroes. Turbo Granny reveals she swapped to astral form to possess Okarun, and had to wait a while before she could fully recover from the battle. Unluckily for Turbo Granny, however, her powers remain in Okarun while only her consciousness was placed into the Maneki-Neko doll, making her powerless against the group,especially as their powers grow stronger.
What Is The Significance of the Doll?
The Maneki-Neko Doll Is a Symbol of Luck
The Maneki-Neko doll,also known as the beckoning cat, is known as a traditional Japanese figurine that is meant to bring good luck and fortune to the owner. Depsite Turbo Granny’s initial terrifying form as a yokai spirit, this swap over to a protective and fortunate entity shows that the character is much more deep than just another antagonist.
Turbo Granny, after her “defeat” in the final battle, is revealed to have taken up residence in the tunnel due to the fact that it was a location where many young girls were taken against their will and killed in a terrible manner. Turbo Granny wanted to protect these girls and bring them comfort while residing in the tunnel, hoping to give them an easier transfer to the afterlife. As Turbo Granny moves over to her Maneki-Neko form, she becomes more of an ally to the duo, looking to continue protecting Momo in particular and providing the two with help, as a Maneki-Neko would.
Turbo Granny’s Current Role
Where Turbo Granny Stands Among The Group
Now that Turbo Granny is in a much cuter and smaller form, her role has significantly changed. No longer is she a terrifying force looking to end both Okarun and Momo, but instead, she is a relatively harmless doll that serves as occasional comedic relief, and a source of assistance for Okarun and Momo as they continue totake on other spirits and aliens. Though this might not be the role she ever envisioned having, her protection of Momo symbolizes a soft spot in her heart and proves that she was never just an antagonist to be defeated.
Soon, byseason 1, episode 8, “She’s a Little Crazy”, Turbo Granny seems to have become a part of the family, sitting at the table slurping on ramen with the rest of the gang. Though she initially was there to just get her powers back and assist in returning Okarun’s belongings, it seems she has quickly taken on a role as a friend and protector to the household. Though she definitely still speaks to the group in a rude manner, it adds to the comedic effect considering her small and unimposing form.
Can Turbo Granny Return to Her Previous Form?
Can She Gain Her Full Powers Back?
Some fans might be wondering if it’s possible for Turbo Granny to return to her original form before taking on the Maneki-Neko doll. Although she has stayed in her current Maneki-Neko doll form in the anime, and she most likely won’t change anytime soon, it is still possible for her to return to her original body. Her current situation requires her to stay in the doll as she attempts to return Okarun’s belongings soshe can get her powers back. However, she seems to have become the show’s mascot in her current form, so the chances of a swift return are unlikely.
It is also possible that Turbo Granny could have her powers returned but still keep the Maneki-Neko form, since it is much more inviting to most people, including the gang. It is also a source of great comedic effect and allows her tostay with the group as an additional member. Sure, it might not be her preferred form, but it would certainly give her an advantage in getting her way in the future.
Dandadanis now available to stream onCrunchyroll,Hulu, andNetflix.
Dandadan
Based on Yukinobu Tatsu’s popular manga that debuted in 2021 on Shonen Jump+, Dandadan blends action, comedy, romance, and supernatural thrills to create a unique and satisfying adventure. Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura believe in the extraordinary, although the former believes in ghosts and the latter believes in aliens. Determined to confirm their side’s existence, they set out to find their proof.
