The manga continues to surprise its readers by raising the bar for narrative and action chapter after chapter. In chapter 189 , officially released on April 7, 2025, the series shifts from the expected focus on flashbacks to a visceral combat sequence, where strategies fail, alliances crumble, and powers evolve.
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The fight between Okarun, Kinta, Hase, and the mysterious Jet Booster Exosuit Kur reaches a new climax — and with it, revelations that promise to change the course of the plot.
Kur shows signs of humanity while being betrayed by her own ally
The chapter opens in the heat of combat, with the Kur Exosuit on the offensive against Okarun. During the attacks, glimpses of the character's past begin to emerge, indicating that there's much more behind the armor. We briefly see an intimate moment with her potential husband, and soon after, she's attacked by unknown monsters—one of them injuring her left eye.
This subtle construction, between blows and flashbacks, not only deepens the character but also plants the seed of empathy in readers, paving the way for a potential narrative twist. However, before there's time for this to blossom, betrayal occurs: Hase, overcome by a desire for revenge against Okarun, turns on Kur, brutally attacking her.
The Fusion of Okarun and Kinta: A Visual Upgrade with Unexpected Consequences
In chapter 189 of Dandadan, as Hase loses control and attacks his own ally, Okarun and Kinta realize they need to change their approach. After a coordinated attack narrowly fails, they opt for a risky strategy: merging their suits and abilities to create a new type of armor. Using nanoskin technology, the two fuse, resulting in a unique look—with Kinta, in his robot form, literally riding on Okarun's shoulders.
Despite the comical visuals and the clear reference to Bleach, the fusion symbolizes something deeper: the union of combat instinct and technical control. Kinta has the strength and mastery of the suit, while Okarun possesses the reflexes and direct combat experience. The union, however, doesn't go as planned. The new suit is heavy, clumsy, and movements become slow—which ultimately becomes a critical disadvantage.
Hase takes the role of central villain with brutality and obsession
More than just a momentary antagonist, Hase reveals himself as a character driven by rage and obsessed with defeating Okarun at any cost in chapter 189 of Dandadan. His narrative transformation is clear in this chapter: he doesn't hesitate to threaten and harm his ally, even when she clearly no longer represents an obstacle. The scene in which Hase throws Kur to the ground with a devastating kick is symbolic—a definitive break between allies.
This betrayal marks a turning point in the story, making Hase a more complex villain. His blind rage prevents him from realizing that Okarun is no longer in full combat condition, leading him to pressure him to use powers he no longer possesses. Hase's arrogance, coupled with the failed fusion of the Okarun-Kinta duo, creates palpable tension: both sides are at a disadvantage, and the battlefield descends into chaos.
The battle continues in Dandadan, but the real conflicts are just beginning
Chapter 189 of Dandadan not only upends expectations by focusing on the present struggle rather than the past, but also redefines the character board. The fusion of Okarun and Kinta, though flawed, demonstrates the protagonists' desperation in the face of an unpredictable enemy. Hase, now clearly positioned as a central villain, gains prominence with his emotional instability and unbridled aggression.
Meanwhile, the Exosuit Kur, who initially seemed like a cold-blooded fighter, begins to reveal an emotional dimension that could be crucial in the coming chapters. Her possibly tragic past, combined with the betrayal she suffered, could be the trigger for an unexpected alliance with the heroes.
With the battle still ongoing and neither side truly victorious, Dandadan proves once again why it's one of the most talked-about manga among otakus. The mix of intense action, pointed humor, and character development ensures that each new chapter is a must-see.
