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Fan theoryUpdated Nov 15, 2026 · 7 sources

Okarun as the True Lead? Fans Debate His Role and Momo's Amnesia

Recent discussions on r/Dandadan focus on whether Okarun is stepping up as the primary protagonist or remains an equal co-lead alongside Momo. Following the backstory revelations in Chapter 252 and Momo's ongoing memory loss, readers are divided on where creator Tatsu is taking the overarching narrative.

Okarun Stepping Into the Spotlight

Following recent manga developments, fans on r/Dandadan are debating Okarun's exact status as a protagonist. One prominent fan discussion argues that Okarun should be viewed as a true main character rather than a sidekick or deuteroprotagonist, especially while Momo currently takes more of a supporting role due to her memory loss.

Another community theory suggests that creator Tatsu's current setup points to Okarun becoming the true center of the saga going forward. While readers often expect the narrative focus to simply shift back and forth between the two leads after an arc concludes, some believe this new setup signals a longer-term change.

Momo's Amnesia and Chapter 252's Backstory

The reveal of Okarun's backstory and intimate memories has also sparked theories about how Momo's amnesia is being handled. One Reddit user noted that Tatsu chose to have only Turbo Granny witness Okarun's intimate memories rather than Momo, theorizing that this prevents Momo from loving him out of pity rather than for who he truly is.

At the same time, fans are looking closely at how Momo's actions and words affect Ken, even without her full memories. A post analyzing Chapter 252 highlighted the power of Momo's words of reassurance to Ken regarding his past performance, present comfort, and future safety.

Readers also pointed out a major detail yet to play out in the current arc: Momo with amnesia still has not heard Okarun's full name, knowing only his family name so far. Fans are eagerly anticipating the moment she finally hears his full name again.

Who Truly Answered Okarun's Prayer?

Beyond the two leads, the community is debating who actually fulfilled Okarun's childhood wish for connection. One fan perspective emphasizes that while Momo was the first and most important person to answer his prayer, she served as the catalyst that brought him a wider circle of real friends who care about him.

Taking a more literal approach, another fan joked that because Okarun always wished for an alien rather than to be saved by a gyaru, Vamola is technically the exact answer to what he had been waiting for his whole life.

Two sides of the debate

Okarun Is Taking Center Stage

  • Okarun is a true main character rather than a sidekick or deuteroprotagonist, stepping up while Momo's memory loss puts her in a supporting role.
  • Tatsu's narrative setup suggests Okarun may become the center of the entire saga going forward, rather than just being the focus of a single arc.
  • His newly revealed backstory and intimate memories seen by Turbo Granny drive the emotional weight of the latest chapters.

Momo and the Group Remain Essential

  • Okarun is normally one of two main characters, and the narrative historically shifts focus between him and Momo depending on the arc.
  • Momo remains the essential catalyst who first answered Okarun's prayer and helped bring real friends into his life.
  • Even during her amnesia arc, Momo's words of reassurance in Chapter 252 hold immense power over Ken, and the upcoming reveal of his full name to her is a major anticipated moment.

Your turn

How does this make you feel?

Poll: How do you view Okarun's role in the story going forward?

Vote to see what other fans think.

Do you think Okarun is taking over as the central protagonist for the rest of the saga, or is Momo just temporarily on the sidelines during her amnesia arc?

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