Dandadan Season 2 Episode 12 leaves a cliffhanger with its unexpected ending

Characters as seen piloting inside the giant robot
Characters as seen piloting inside the giant robot (Image Source: Science SARU)

Dandadan Season 2 Episode 12 throws a devastating curveball at Momo's romantic hopes with its season finale. The episode builds through epic robot battles and supernatural chaos, only to slam the brakes with an alien girl kissing Okarun right in front of a devastated Momo.

The unexpected ending transforms what seemed like a straightforward kaiju battle into a relationship-shattering bombshell. Vamola's sudden appearance and intimate gesture with Okarun create the kind of cliffhanger that leaves no resolution in sight. This finale proves that even giant robot fights can't compete with the destructive power of teenage romance complications.

Kaiju gets defeated by a powerbomb (Image Source: Science SARU)
Kaiju gets defeated by a powerbomb (Image Source: Science SARU)

The Dandadan Season 2 Episode 12 opens with the gigantic robot battle that fans have been eagerly waiting for. Kinta finally gets his moment to shine as he takes control of the giant Nanoskin mecha built from Momo's house. His expertise with robots proves invaluable as he navigates the complex machinery while facing off against the huge space kaiju.

The animation quality reaches new heights during these combat sequences. Science SARU utilizes a classic kaiju film aesthetic, using lower frame rates to grasp that classic monster movie feel. This stylistic choice makes the CGI elements meld seamlessly with the overall tone.


Character Development Shines Through Action in Dandadan Season 2 Episode 12

Vamola as seen inside the Kaiju suit (Image Source: Science SARU)
Vamola as seen inside the Kaiju suit (Image Source: Science SARU)

While Dandadan Season 2 Episode 12 has spectacular fight scenes, it also gives meaningful character moments. Kinta's backstory acquires proper attention, showing his fondness for robots and how he's been ridiculed for his interests.

The episode doesn't make victory easy for our heroes. Both Okarun and Evil Eye get ejected from the robot early in the fight, leaving Kinta to figure things out on his own. Meanwhile, Momo and Aira once again prove they're the real powerhouses of the group, working together to execute the final decisive attack against the kaiju.

Even outside the main fight, Dandadan Season 2 Episode 12 showcases incredible animation craftsmanship. An anime-original sequence featuring Okarun trying to wrangle Evil Eye while carrying the deflated kaiju adds charm and personality to the episode. Though likely added to fill runtime, these moments enhance the characters' relationships and provide necessary breathing room between intense action sequences.


The Shocking Cliffhanger That Changes Everything

Vamola kisses Okarun just after waking up from inside the suit (Image Source: Science SARU)
Vamola kisses Okarun just after waking up from inside the suit (Image Source: Science SARU)

The true surprise of Dandadan Season 2 Episode 12 comes in its final moments. When Okarun opens the kaiju's stomach compartment, he discovers it's actually a mechanical suit housing an alien girl. This revelation alone would be significant, but the episode takes it further by having this mysterious character, later identified as Vamola, spontaneously kiss a shocked Okarun.

The scene deliberately parallels the series' opening episode, showing how this unexpected kiss affects Momo similarly to how she reacted to Okarun's initial encounter with the supernatural. The symbolic imagery of Momo crushing Nanoskin that forms into a heart shape before melting perfectly captures her emotional state. Her house exploding behind her serves as a dramatic punctuation mark to this relationship-altering moment.

The introduction of Vamola opens up new story possibilities while developing romantic tension that will certainly push future episodes. The episode adapts content up to Chapter 71 of the manga, leaving plenty of source material for future seasons.

Dandadan Season 2 Episode 12 thrives as both a thrilling finale to the current season and an adequate format for what's to come. The episode balances breathtaking action with meaningful character growth.

The cliffhanger ending will definitely leave fans eager for more, though it may discomfit those hoping for a resolution to existing romantic tensions. Instead, the episode problematizes matters further by introducing new elements that promise to shake up established relationships.

Edited by Akihito Chakma