Everything to know about Peeny Weeny in Dandadan

Peeny Weeny or Mr. Mantis Shrimp or Dover Demon from Dandadan
Peeny Weeny or Mr. Mantis Shrimp or Dover Demon from Dandadan (Image Source: Science SARU)

Dandadan turns a quirky, crab-headed alien into one of the most emotionally powerful redemption arcs in anime. Peeny Weeny starts as hired muscle for evil extraterrestrials before discovering that human compassion can change everything. His alien physiology hides a father's desperate love for his dying child.

To truly grasp Peeny Weeny’s role is to see him as the ultimate underdog in the world of Dandadan. This weak fighter among his species becomes Mr. Mantis Shrimp through sheer determination to save his son, Chiquitita. His transformation from villain to family friend demonstrates how his kindness breaks down barriers between worlds, species, and former enemies.

Mr. Mantis Shrimp in Dandadan hails from a distant planet where he lived with his wife and son. Tragedy struck when his wife died from a hereditary illness that also affected their child, Chiquitita. The alien's weakness by his species' standards forced him to take dangerous jobs to fund his son's medical treatments.

Peeny Weeny, as seen in his fighting pose (Image Source: Science SARU)
Peeny Weeny, as seen in his fighting pose (Image Source: Science SARU)

He initially took the job with the Serpo aliens out of sheer desperation. The job required him to help capture Okarun to obtain his supernatural abilities. This mission brought him into direct conflict with the main characters of Dandadan.

The alien owns an uncommon crab-like head affixed to a muscular humanoid body. His dull yellow skin and rotating eye types make him instantly recognizable. He typically wears boxing gloves and can disguise himself as a middle-aged human when necessary.

His combat abilities center around powerful punching techniques. The Jet Punch serves as his signature move, capable of breaking through walls with tremendous force. His strength increases dramatically when underwater, multiplying by ten according to his claims.


Transformation Powers and Role in Major Story Arcs of Dandadan

An advanced form of Mr. Mantis Shrimp fighting against Okarun and Aira (Image Source: Science SARU)
An advanced form of Mr. Mantis Shrimp fighting against Okarun and Aira (Image Source: Science SARU)

The series highlights Peeny Weeny’s one-of-a-kind transformation technique, known as Dover Demon Strong Style Twenty-Four. This form resembles an actual mantis shrimp with glowing green eyes and specialized appendages. The transformation lasts only 24 seconds under normal circumstances but can be extended with special enhancement drugs.

In this enhanced state, his punching power generates shockwaves that can strike opponents from a distance. The form proves most effective in aquatic environments where his species naturally excels. After being defeated, Momo, Okarun, and Aira chose to help him recover instead of leaving him injured. This act of compassion moved him deeply, as he had never experienced such treatment before.

Throughout Dandadan, Mr. Mantis Shrimp participates in several crucial battles. During the Cursed House Arc, he assists Seiko in reaching the other characters and helps combat the Evil Eye. His spaceship proves invaluable for transportation and rescue missions.

Mr. Mantis returns and protects Ayase from the Evil Eye (Image Source: Science SARU)
Mr. Mantis returns and protects Ayase from the Evil Eye (Image Source: Science SARU)

The Space Globalists Arc showcases his loyalty to his new friends. He rescues badly injured characters and provides medical care using his knowledge and resources. His willingness to fight alongside the main cast demonstrates his complete transformation from antagonist to ally.

As of the latest Dandadan developments, Mr. Mantis Shrimp has established himself as a farmer on Earth. This peaceful occupation allows him to maintain proximity to the medical resources his son needs while contributing positively to his adopted planet.

His ongoing availability to help the main characters when required ushers his unwavering appreciation. The debt he feels toward those who showed him kindness continues to motivate his actions throughout the series.

In the end, Dandadan proves that even the most overlooked characters can leave a deep emotional mark, as seen through Peeny Weeny’s story. His story beats typical alien invasion tropes. The series uses his liability as his greatest strength, showing how openness creates genuine connections. Mr. Mantis Shrimp's evolution from enemy to Earth farmer represents Dandadan's core message about second chances.

Edited by Tanisha Aggarwal