Serpoians: The Alien Invaders of Dandadan
The Serpoians are one of the primary alien races in Dandadan, serving as recurring antagonists in the series. Towering, grotesque, and merciless, they embody the science-fiction side of Yukinobu Tatsu’s world, contrasting the traditional yokai and spirits that Momo and Okarun also face.
The Serpoians are infamous for their abductions, brutal experiments, and obsession with human reproduction and anatomy. Their bizarre, unsettling designs highlight the series’ blend of horror, absurdity, and dark humor.
Alien Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Serpoians |
| Type | Alien race |
| Origin | Outer space (exact homeworld unknown) |
| First Appearance | Dandadan Chapter 1 |
| Appearance | Tall, grotesque humanoids with reptilian features, large heads, and glowing eyes |
| Abilities | Advanced technology, abduction methods, energy manipulation, brute strength |
| Personality Traits | Cold, experimental, predatory |
| Known For | Alien abductions, obsession with reproductive organs, human experimentation |
| Status | Active antagonists in Dandadan |
Who Are the Serpoians?
The Serpoians are the first aliens introduced in Dandadan and one of the most prominent extraterrestrial threats throughout the series. They embody classic UFO folklore tropes—abduction, experimentation, and obsession with human biology—but are drawn in a grotesque, exaggerated style that makes them both terrifying and absurdly comical.
Their primary fixation lies with stealing reproductive organs, turning their encounters with humans into both horrific and ridiculous events. This obsession ties directly into Okarun’s first supernatural misfortune, as he is abducted and targeted by the Serpoians alongside his curse from Turbo Granny.
Appearance and Personality
- Appearance:
The Serpoians resemble distorted humanoid reptiles with elongated heads, glowing alien eyes, and monstrous physiques. Their designs lean into uncanny valley aesthetics, amplifying their creepiness. - Personality:
They are cold, calculating, and sadistic. Unlike yokai (who often act on instinct or folklore logic), Serpoians operate with scientific cruelty, viewing humans as experiments rather than beings. They lack empathy or morality, focused only on their objectives.
Abilities and Technology
- Abduction Technology
Serpoians use advanced spacecraft and energy fields to abduct humans. - Physical Prowess
They are unnaturally strong, towering over humans and overpowering them with ease. - Energy Manipulation
Some Serpoians are shown using alien energy weapons or emitting beams capable of immobilizing targets. - Experimentation
Their disturbing fixation on human reproductive organs is central to their experiments, creating a grotesque comedic-horror element in the manga.
Key Encounters
- Chapter 1 (First Appearance)
Momo Ayase dares Okarun to investigate aliens, leading him straight into a Serpoian abduction attempt. This event kickstarts the series’ mix of alien sci-fi and yokai folklore. - Battles Against Momo and Okarun
The Serpoians become recurring adversaries, forcing the protagonists to confront both their physical power and their bizarre obsessions. - Alien vs. Yokai Contrast
While yokai like Turbo Granny represent Japan’s folkloric fears, the Serpoians represent modern paranoia about UFOs, abductions, and experimentation—solidifying Dandadan’s unique genre fusion.
Quotes (Representative)
As aliens, the Serpoians rarely speak in human language, but their intent is clear through their grotesque actions. Representative dialogue (translated from manga moments) includes:
- “Specimens secured. Proceed with extraction.”
- “Organs… essential… for continuation.”
- “This world will serve our purpose.”
Legacy of the Serpoians
The Serpoians represent Dandadan’s science-fiction side, balancing out the folkloric horror of yokai with extraterrestrial menace. Their grotesque designs, disturbing obsessions, and recurring presence ensure they are both feared and ridiculed by fans—embodying the manga’s unique blend of creepy and comedic.
They aren’t just one-off monsters—they symbolize the series’ ongoing theme of confronting the bizarre unknown, whether it comes from outer space or ancient folklore.