Which is better, Dandadan or Sakamoto Days?

If you’ve been following Shonen Jump’s recent lineup, you’ve probably heard people buzzing about Dandadan and Sakamoto Days. Both are relatively new series compared to long-running giants, yet they’ve quickly carved out loyal fanbases. That raises the big question: which is better, Dandadan or Sakamoto Days?

As someone who’s been reading both week after week, I can tell you the answer isn’t as simple as picking one over the other. They’re both wildly entertaining, but in very different ways. Let’s break down what makes each manga special, how they compare, and which one might suit your reading style more.

The premise of each series

Dandadan throws you headfirst into a world where aliens, yokai, and bizarre supernatural events are part of everyday life. At its heart are Okarun and Momo, two teens who get caught up in chaotic encounters that blend comedy, horror, and action. The series thrives on unpredictability, with every chapter feeling like a surprise ride.

Sakamoto Days, on the other hand, is more grounded while still being over-the-top in its own way. It follows Taro Sakamoto, a former top assassin who retires to run a convenience store. The twist? His past won’t leave him alone, and despite his dad-bod appearance, he’s still an unstoppable force. The manga balances family life comedy with intense action sequences that feel cinematic.

Tone and storytelling style

This is where the two series diverge.

Dandadan is chaotic energy in manga form. One minute you’re laughing at Okarun’s awkwardness, the next you’re staring wide-eyed at a grotesque alien design. It thrives on sudden shifts in tone.
Sakamoto Days feels smoother, more polished. While it’s packed with action, the tone is consistent: stylish fights with a comedic undertone. The humor is subtler compared to Dandadan’s loud, wacky moments.

If you like your manga to keep you guessing, Dandadan is the wild card. If you prefer something more grounded with clean storytelling, Sakamoto Days may be your pick.

Characters that stand out

Both series shine when it comes to characters, but they do it differently.

In Dandadan, Okarun and Momo’s dynamic is the heart of the story. Their chemistry, teenage awkwardness, and evolving bond keep the narrative relatable even when the plot spirals into absurd territory. Supporting characters like Turbo Granny add that extra spark of humor and weirdness.
In Sakamoto Days, the character work revolves around Sakamoto himself. Watching him balance being a father, a husband, and a retired assassin creates endless comedic potential. Add in characters like Shin (the telepathic partner) and Lu Xiaotan, and you get a strong ensemble cast.

Both casts are memorable, but Sakamoto Days feels more character-driven, while Dandadan leans more into the world-building and supernatural madness.

Action and artwork

Let’s be real: most of us pick up shonen manga for the fights and visuals.

Dandadan has a raw, sketch-like energy. The art style is messy in the best way, capturing the chaos of battles with aliens and yokai. You can almost feel the noise and motion spilling out of the panels.
Sakamoto Days is all about precision. The fight choreography is smooth, creative, and easy to follow. Each action scene feels like it could be lifted straight into an anime without losing clarity.

So, if you prefer stylish, fluid fights, Sakamoto Days might impress you more. But if you love over-the-top, unpredictable clashes with supernatural beings, Dandadan wins.

Popularity and community buzz

Both series have strong followings, but they attract slightly different audiences.

Dandadan appeals to fans who loved the chaotic storytelling of Chainsaw Man. That’s no accident—its creator, Yukinobu Tatsu, once worked as an assistant to Tatsuki Fujimoto. Readers who want something bold, strange, and unpredictable flock to it.
Sakamoto Days has a more universal appeal. Its mix of comedy, family themes, and sharp action makes it easier for casual readers to jump in. It doesn’t demand as much tolerance for weirdness as Dandadan does.

Communities around both are active, but you’ll often find Dandadan discussions diving deep into theories about aliens and yokai, while Sakamoto Days fans gush over choreography and character growth. If you want to stay updated with the latest chapters and fan theories, sites like read Dandadan Online are great for joining those conversations.

Which one should you start with?

If you’re new and wondering which manga to start with, here’s my take:

Go with Dandadan if you enjoy wild supernatural concepts, teenage banter, and a manga that refuses to be predictable.
Pick Sakamoto Days if you love sharp action, clever comedy, and a protagonist who proves you don’t need to be young and flashy to be a hero.

At the end of the day, neither is “better” than the other—they simply serve different moods. Personally, I read both because they scratch different itches. One gives me chaos, the other gives me precision.

So, which is better, Dandadan or Sakamoto Days? The truth is, it depends on what you’re looking for in a manga. Dandadan is unpredictable, wacky, and supernatural, while Sakamoto Days is sleek, stylish, and character-driven. Both have carved their own unique space in modern shonen.

If you ask me, the best choice is not to choose. Read both. Let Dandadan take you on its wild alien-and-yokai rollercoaster, and let Sakamoto Days ground you with its heartfelt, action-packed story about a retired assassin trying to live a peaceful life. Together, they represent the incredible variety modern manga has to offer.