#Actual-world origins of the mantis shrimp alien in DAN DA DAN – Destructoid

One other extraterrestrial being makes its debut in DAN DA DAN, and it has definitely made waves, actually. The Serpoians nonetheless haven’t given up on taking Okarun’s banana organ, and so they’ve introduced some assist this time round. One is the mantis shrimp alien and the opposite is the Nessie.

Since everybody is aware of concerning the Nessie, let’s discuss concerning the mantis shrimp alien as an alternative. Similar to Turbo Granny or Acrobatic Silky, this alien follows a sure real-world lore, particularly that of the Dover Demon. Moreover, it makes quite a lot of popular culture references.

Warning: The next accommodates spoilers for Dandadan manga.

The mantis shrimp alien in DAN DA DAN

The mantis shrimp alien or the Dover Demon UMA, which is able to later be often known as Mr. Mantis Shrimp, is a mercenary employed by the Serpoians. Nevertheless, its service gained’t be a one-time factor. Will probably be one of many mainstay aliens within the collection.

Very similar to most of us, the rationale Mr. Mantis Shrimp works for the Serpo is cash. He has a household from his house planet, however they suffered a tragedy. His spouse met an premature demise, leaving him and his son. Along with his son needing a blood transfusion, Mr. Mantis Shrimp is compelled to tackle harmful gigs — like working for the Serpo to take Okarun’s schlong.

Mr. Mantis Shrimp has a muscular human-like physique, whereas his head is that of a crab. Curiously, his eyes alter from that of a crab to that of a human. He additionally has yellow pores and skin and makes use of boxing gloves as a weapon. Whereas his look is extra crab-like, his preventing abilities are extra akin to a mantis shrimp. Regardless that his punches are already packed on land, the pressure will increase ten instances in water. The draw back, nevertheless, is that he can not breathe underwater. Due to this, he’s compelled to ceaselessly floor throughout his battles.

Actual-world lore of the Dover Demon

The Dover Demon will get its title from a collection of sightings in Dover, Massachusetts, which occurred over two nights in April 1977. The primary sighting occurred on the night of April 21, when 17-year-old William Bartlett claimed to have seen a wierd creature whereas driving down a darkish, rural street. Bartlett pictured it as a small humanoid determine. Moreover, he described it as having a disproportionately massive, egg-shaped head, glowing orange eyes, and spindly limbs.

Bartlett’s account was quickly corroborated by two different youngsters, John Baxter and Abby Brabham, who reported comparable encounters in the identical space over the subsequent day. However because of the temporary sightings, solely the off-looking look is understood concerning the Dover Demon.

Mr. Mantis Shrimp’s popular culture references

The lack of understanding behind the cryptid provides loads of room for artistic freedom, which is generally used to make popular culture references. For one, Mr. Mantis Shrimp’s transformation after being injected with Serpo’s serum is closely impressed by Ultraman‘s Alien Baltan. This isn’t stunning because it’s not the primary time DAN DA DAN took inspiration from the franchise. As a matter of truth, the Serpo’s authentic type is paying homage to the collection’ Dada Race.

Different references are extra music-inclined. The extra apparent one is a reference to ABBA’s “Chiquitita,” which Mr. Mantis Shrimp was singing throughout his preliminary showdown with Okarun and Aira. One other intelligent homage attracts from classic Japanese power drink commercials. These commercials grew to become famend in Japan for his or her catchphrase “Are you able to battle for twenty-four hours?”. This reference cleverly underscores Mr. Mantis Shrimp’s battle as an overworked gig employee.