Turbo Granny's Maneki-Neko Transformation Explained

Key things

• Turbo Granny turned into a Maneki-Neko doll after being defeated, but retained some abilities.
• The meaning of the doll shows the deeper, protective side of Turbo Granny for young girls.
• Turbo Granny's new role as a friendly ally and protector adds to the comedy effect in the series.

WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Dandadan Episode 8, “I've Got This Funny Feeling,” now streaming on Crunchyroll & Netflix.

Turbo Granny is one of the first scary ghosts that Okarun and Momo Ayase have to face Dandadan anime. Her abilities are particularly impressive as her intense speed makes it difficult for any opponent to escape. However, not long after Momo and Okaruna's final battle with the yokai, they end up in a completely different form.

Soon after the pair discover that Turbo Granny has returned Dandadanshe quickly transforms into a new form: a Maneki-Neko doll. With this transformation comes a whole other beast to deal with. But how exactly did she end up in this position, and what does it mean for her future as a yokai spirit?

How Turbo Grandma became a Maneki-Neko doll

Her unexpected transformation

Many fans of the series might wonder how exactly Turbo Granny got trapped inside the Maneki-Neko doll, which is vastly different from her original form. Most of the situation started when Okarun and Momo Ayase had their final battle with Turbo Granny in Season 1 Episode 4, “Alien Invasion”. Soon after the duo takes Turbo Granny and the location-bound spirit out of Shono City, they are led to believe that the terrifying yokai has been officially defeated as her crab form appears to disintegrate in front of them. However, it ends up not being the case.

Okarun quickly realizes after their battle that some of his 'possessions' are still missing. Much to the surprise of Momo and her grandmother, a quick look at Okaruna's aura reveals that he is still possessed. Momo brings the Maneki-Neko doll and places a talisman on it which immediately turns red and burns the second Momo pulls the negative aura from Okaruna. This negative aura soon possesses the Maneki-Neko doll in front of her and runs away.

The possessed doll is soon revealed to be Turbo Granny, judging by her very obvious tone of voice and threats towards the three heroes. Turbo Granny reveals that she went into astral form to have Okarun and had to wait a while before she could fully recover from the battle. Unfortunately for Turbo Granny, however, her powers remain in Okarun while only her consciousness was placed in the Maneki-Neko doll, rendering her powerless against the group, especially as their powers grow stronger.

What is the meaning of the doll?

The Maneki-Neko doll is a symbol of good luck

The Maneki-Neko doll, also known as the beckoning cat, is known as a traditional Japanese figurine that is supposed to bring luck and fortune to the owner. Depsite Turbo's initial terrifying appearance as a yokai spirit, this exchange for a protective and happy entity shows that the character is much deeper than just another antagonist.

After her “defeat” in the final battle, Turbo Granny is revealed to have taken up residence in the tunnel due to the fact that it was where many young girls were taken against their will and killed in gruesome ways. Turbo Grandma wanted to protect these girls and provide them with comfort while in the tunnel in hopes of allowing them to make an easier transition into the afterlife. As Turbo Grandma transitions into her Maneki-Neko form, she becomes more of an ally to the duo, trying to continue to protect Momo in particular and provide assistance to both of them as Maneki-Neko would.

The current role of Turbo Grandma

Where Turbo Grandma stands among the group

Now that Turbo Granny is in a much cuter and smaller form, her role has changed significantly. She is no longer a terrifying force that seeks to end both Okarun and Momo, but is instead a relatively harmless doll that serves as occasional comedic relief and a source of help for Okarun and Momo as they continue to attack other ghosts and aliens. . While it may not be the role she ever envisioned, her protection of Momo symbolizes a weak spot in her heart and proves that she was never just an adversary to be defeated.

Early on, in Season 1, Episode 8, “She's a Little Fool”, Turbo's grandmother seems to have become part of the family, sitting at a table with the rest of the gang, sipping ramen. Although she was originally only there to regain her powers and help return Okarun's belongings, she seems to have quickly embraced the role of friend and protector of the household. While she definitely still speaks rudely to the group, it adds to the comedic effect given her small and unimposing form.

Can Turbo Grandma return to her previous form?

Can he regain his full powers?

Some fans might wonder if it's possible for Turbo Granny to revert to her original form before marrying the Maneki-Neko doll. Although she remained in her current Maneki-Neko doll form in the anime and most likely won't be changing anytime soon, it is still possible for her to return to her original body. Her current situation requires her to remain in the doll as she attempts to return Okarun's belongings so she can regain her powers. However, she seems to have become the show's mascot in her current form, so the chances of a quick return are unlikely.

It's also possible that Turbo Granny could regain her powers but still retain her Maneki-Neko form, as she is much more appealing to most people, including the gang. It is also a source of great comedic effect and allows her to remain in the group as another member. Sure, it might not be her preferred form, but it would certainly give her an advantage in establishing herself in the future.

Dandadan is now available to stream on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix.