Dan Da Dan: Okarun’s Turbo Granny Powers Explained

Okarun is cursed by Turbo Granny in the very first episode of Dan Da Dan, and transforms into a beastly spirit-creature when Momo isn't around to keep him in check. A cruel, popular yokai (Japanese ghosts or spirits) bound to a nearby tunnel, Turbo Granny possesses extreme speed as well as an insatiable hunger for private parts. What would otherwise be quite an inconvenience for Dan Da Dan's split protagonists, however, becomes their strength when Okarun transforms and gains control of Turbo Granny's powers.

Episode #2, titled, "That's a Space Alien, Ain't It?!", follows Momo and Okarun's second extraterrestrial encounter, in which the hulking, sumo-inspired Flatwoods Monster invades Momo's home. In desperation, Okarun suggests that Momo try and repress the curse from taking over his mind, while allowing its power to run through his body. Just before being crushed, Okarun transforms sporting a sleek and stylish new look.

Okarun Inherits the Fearsome Power of Turbo Granny

Under Pressure, Okarun Powers Up

Turbo Granny, or Turbo Bachan, is a modern yokai tale in Japan, revolving around the spirit of an old lady appearing in highways or tunnels, running as fast or faster than a car, and causing incidents in some versions of the story. The character is quite popular in Japanese modern folklore, and she even appeared in other anime such as Mob Psycho 100.

When Okarun lets Turbo Granny take over his body, he gains a protruding jawline and teeth while becoming a bit taller with a hunched, animalistic posture, Okarun's Turbo form is brimming with style thanks in large part to Studio Science Saru's distinct use of colors. In this form, he gains full use of Turbo Granny's explosive speed and strength. And although inexperienced with his newfound powers, Okarun immediately puts his new abilities to use, evading the alien's attack, while cutting off a few of its fingers in the process.

Without Momo's help, Okarun is not able to maintain control of his body, leading to Turbo Granny taking over, providing a somewhat inconvenient hurdle when its powers are needed. Extended uses of the Turbo Form also drain Okarun's strength. In short bursts, though, he's able to increase his speed to levels that are nearly impossible for the eye to follow. As a team, Okarun and Momo make a formidable duo while using their newfound abilities, but the former's Turbo yokai transformation is not without its weaknesses.

Okarun's New Power Has Drawbacks

The Turbo Form Offers Great But Limited Power

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After going all-out in his showdown with the Sumo Alien, Okarun throws up and eventually reverts back to normal. Unfortunately, if not predictably, the human body isn't quite made to sustain the abilities of an all-powerful, evil spirit. While Turbo Granny's inhuman speed and strength are helpful, they're only able to be used a few times before beginning to tear Okarun's body apart.

The downtrodden attitude the transformation comes with might also be somewhat of an annoyance, though it seems to provide more comedy than any quantifiable drawback at this point in the series. Okarun's lack of physical fitness likely doesn't help in dealing with the effects of Turbo Granny's powers either, as he isn't in the best shape as far as shōnen protagonists go.

Future weird and wonderful episodes of Dan Da Dan are guaranteed to put Okarun's new powers to use, and, as manga fans know, he will gain a better hold on the power of Turbo Granny as his wacky and exciting adventures continue.