paranoidphantom

14 February 2025

Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction (Review) [Anime]

Source: Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction

Release: 2024

Episodes: 18

"I remember feeling neither sadness nor fear, but a sort of relief that the day that was bound to come had finally arrived."

What Will the End of the World Really Be Like?

If there ever comes a day we call the end of the world, it will likely arrive in the most mundane way. Major changes always seem to happen somewhere far away—reported in the media, discussed on social networks—yet our daily lives remain mostly unchanged. This is exactly the kind of apocalypse depicted in Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction.

This anime is one of the most striking and original releases of 2024. But for me, it’s not just one of the best—it is the best anime of the year, without question. Nothing else that came out this year even comes close to DDDD.

It hooked me from the very first episodes. I started watching a bit late, when the first three episodes had already been released, and I devoured them in one sitting. After that, I found myself eagerly anticipating each new episode week after week.

Originally, the anime was released in Japan as two films, but for streaming platforms, it was divided into 18 episodes. Now, all episodes are available to watch, so you can binge the entire series in just a few evenings without the agony of waiting.

If you've been longing for quality sci-fi layered with slice of life, much like Steins;Gate, then please—do not overlook Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction.

A Bildungsroman in Anime Form

The story begins at the end of summer, on the last day of school vacation. Out of a clear blue sky, a massive alien spaceship appears over Tokyo. The United States immediately launches a nuclear missile at it, obliterating half the city—yet the ship remains unharmed. This event later becomes known as "August 32nd."

From that moment on, the world changes. But for the main characters—ordinary high school girls—life seems to go on as usual. However, as the story unfolds, their fates become increasingly intertwined with the alien presence, government conspiracies, and global societal shifts.

That’s as much as I’ll say about the plot. This should be enough to keep you from feeling lost in the early episodes (and trust me, it’s easy to get confused, as the anime follows a nonlinear storytelling structure).

So what makes DDDD so great? It’s not just another alien invasion story—that would be too simplistic. Instead, it’s a tale of growing up, of searching for meaning in life, of the circumstances that shape our destinies. It explores fate, coincidences, and the sheer randomness of life.

At the same time, beneath its psychological depth, the anime delivers a powerful anti-war message. Throughout the series, there is a profound aversion to violence and a strong pacifist theme.

Another major aspect of the series is its critique of modern technology and its overwhelming influence on society: AI, automation, surveillance, information warfare, social isolation, and rising paranoia.

This anime is steeped in reality. It resonates with the world we live in today—raw, unfiltered, and honest. Despite being a work of science fiction, it feels like looking into a mirror.

Characters and Their Dynamics

The anime is packed with dozens of characters, each with their own stories. At some point, their fates intertwine into a single, intricate narrative. Watching these numerous storylines converge into one grand saga is fascinating.

At the heart of it all are two girls—Kadode and Ontan. They are the central protagonists, and their journey is mesmerizing. We get to experience a decade of their lives, witnessing their transition from youth to adulthood. Their personalities aren’t built on clichés—they feel real, complete with weaknesses, dreams, and inner struggles.

Beyond them, the anime is filled with outstanding characters, all of whom develop, evolve, or sometimes even deteriorate. Yet, despite the large cast, the storytelling remains clear and engaging, never overwhelming the viewer.

Visual Style and Technical Execution

One of the most remarkable aspects of the anime is its visual style. It is based on the 12-volume manga by Inio Asano, known for his intricate character designs and photorealistic backgrounds. The anime builds upon this strong foundation and takes it even further.

The character design is exceptional—characters change outfits throughout the series, which is a rarity even in high-budget productions. The backgrounds are so detailed that you can pause and admire them frame by frame. The animators also employ unique visual techniques—flashbacks, for example, are presented in a 4:3 aspect ratio, mimicking old recordings. Tilted horizons often appear in scenes, adding to the unsettling atmosphere.

Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction is a visually stunning anime. In terms of artistic detail, it reaches the level of Makoto Shinkai’s feature films. The colors, lighting, and shot composition are all executed at the highest level. You’ll likely find yourself pausing frequently just to take in the beauty of individual frames.

Why I Consider DDDD the Best Anime of 2024

This show leaves a lasting impression and brings a genuine sense of novelty. Here’s what I mean by that.

After watching it, I once again found myself grateful that art exists in our world. How bleak life would be without it!

There are times when nothing seems to excite you anymore, when it feels like you’ve already seen all the best works. And then, out of nowhere, something appears. And from the very first seconds, you just know—this is it. This is what you’ve been waiting for. It brings back that lost sense of wonder, proving that there are still new and extraordinary things to experience. Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction rekindled my enthusiasm for modern anime.

So never give up on an industry—whether it’s anime, gaming, music, or anything else. Keep searching for hidden gems. Push away doubt and cynicism—because the future has many incredible works in store for us!

Final Thoughts

Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction is an anime that has been unfairly left out of mainstream discussions. And that’s a shame! It is powerful, intelligent, anti-war, emotional, strikingly original, and visually breathtaking.

Without a doubt, DDDD is one of the best anime of 2024, destined to be remembered in the years to come. I highly recommend watching it!