Turbo Granny's Maneki-Neko Transformation, Explained

Important takeaways

• Turbo Granny turned into a Maneki-Neko doll after being defeated but retained some powers.
• The meaning of the doll shows a deeper, protective side of Turbo Granny for young girls.
• Turbo Granny's new role as a friendly ally and protector adds to the comic effect of 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 spirits that Okarun and Momo Ayase have to face Dandadan anime. Her abilities are particularly impressive, with her intense speed making it difficult for any opponent to run away from. But not too long after Momo and Okarun's final battle with the yokai, she ends up in a completely different form.

Soon after the duo discover that Turbo Granny has returned inside Dandadanshe quickly changes into a new form: a Maneki-Neko doll. With this transformation comes an entirely different beast they must 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 Granny became a Maneki-Neko doll

Her unexpected transformation

Many fans of the series may wonder how exactly Turbo Granny got trapped in a Maneki-Neko doll, a very different look 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”. Shortly after the duo take Turbo Granny and the place-bound spirit out of Shono City, they are led to believe that the terrifying yokai has been officially defeated, as her crab-like form appears to disintegrate in front of them. However, this ends up not being the case.

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

The possessed doll is soon revealed to be Turbo Granny, judging by the very obvious voice and threats to the three heroes. Turbo Granny reveals that she switched to astral form to possess 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 luck

The Maneki-Neko doll, also known as the beckoning cat, is known as a traditional Japanese figurine meant to bring good luck and happiness to its owner. Despite Turbo Granny's initial terrifying form as a yokai spirit, this switch to a protective and happy entity shows that the character is much deeper than just another antagonist.

Turbo Granny, after her “defeat” in the final battle, is revealed to have taken up residence in the tunnel due to it being a place where many young girls were taken against their will and horribly killed. Turbo Granny wanted to protect these girls and give them comfort while they lived in the tunnel, hoping to give them an easier transition to the afterlife. When Turbo Granny transitions into her Maneki-Neko form, she becomes more of an ally to the duo, wanting to continue to protect Momo in particular and provide assistance to the two, as a Maneki-Neko would.

Turbo Granny's current role

Where Turbo Granny 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 out to end both Okarun and Momo, but instead is a relatively harmless doll who serves as temporary comic relief and a source of help for Okarun and Momo as they continue to take on other spirits and aliens. While this may not have been the role she ever imagined herself to have, her protection of Momo symbolizes a soft spot in her heart and proves that she was never just an antagonist to be defeated.

Soon, by Season 1, Episode 8, “She's a Little Crazy”, Turbo Granny seems to have become part of the family, sitting at the table and slurping on the ramen with the rest of the gang. Although she was initially only there to regain her powers and help return Okarun's belongings, it seems that she has quickly taken on a role as a friend and protector of the household. While she definitely still addresses the group in a rude manner, it adds to the comedic effect given her small and unimposing form.

Can Turbo Granny return to her former form?

Can she regain her full powers?

Some fans may wonder if it is possible for Turbo Granny to return to her original form before taking on the Maneki-Neko doll. Although she has remained in her current Maneki-Neko doll form in the anime, and she is unlikely to change anytime soon, it is still possible for her to return to her original body. Her current situation requires her to stay in the doll as she tries to return Okarun's possessions 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 get her powers back but still retain the Maneki-Neko form, as it's much more inviting to most people, including the gang. It is also a source of great comedic effect and allows her to remain in the group as an extra member. Sure, it might not be her preferred form, but it would certainly give her an advantage in getting her way in the future.

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