Durarara!! [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 25]

Durarara!! Season 1: A Wild Ride Through the Chaos of Ikebukuro

If you’re looking for an anime that throws you into a whirlwind of eccentric characters, urban legends, and interconnected stories, Durarara!! is your go-to. The first season, spanning 24 episodes (plus an OVA), is a masterclass in weaving multiple narratives into one chaotic yet cohesive world. Produced by Brain’s Base and directed by Takahiro Omori, Durarara!! first aired in 2010, adapting Ryohgo Narita’s light novel series.

The Plot: Welcome to Ikebukuro

The story kicks off with Mikado Ryugamine, a bored teenager who moves to Ikebukuro, Tokyo, hoping for excitement. Little does he know, Ikebukuro is anything but ordinary. From a headless motorcycle rider (Celty Sturluson) to underground gangs, shady informants, and even a superhuman bartender, the district is a melting pot of the bizarre.

The brilliance of Durarara!! lies in its nonlinear storytelling. Each episode shifts perspectives, revealing how seemingly unrelated characters—like the manipulative Izaya Orihara, the violent but lovable Shizuo Heiwajima, or the mysterious Black Rider—are all connected. It’s like peeling an onion; every layer uncovers something new and unexpected.

What Fans Are Saying

Scouring through discussions (especially on MyAnimeList), it’s clear that Durarara!! has a cult following. Here’s what stands out:

1. “The Characters Steal the Show”
   Fans can’t stop gushing about the cast. Whether it’s Celty’s hilarious struggles as a headless Dullahan or Shizuo’s absurd strength, the characters are unforgettable. One fan put it perfectly: “Izaya is the kind of villain you love to hate—charismatic, unpredictable, and downright terrifying.”

2. “The Pacing Can Be Confusing”
   Some viewers admit the first few episodes feel overwhelming. With so many characters introduced at once, it’s easy to get lost. But as one Reddit user noted, “Stick with it. By Episode 6, everything starts clicking, and you’ll be hooked.”

3. “The Soundtrack Slaps”
   The OP (“Uragiri no Yuuyake” by Theatre Brook) and the ED (“Trust Me” by Yuya Matsushita) are fan favorites. The jazzy, energetic soundtrack perfectly complements Ikebukuro’s chaotic vibe.

4. “Watch Order Debates”
   A recurring topic is the confusion around the sequel seasons (Durarara!!x2 Shou, Ten, Ketsu). Some fans jokingly argue (“Just watch Baccano! first!”), while others insist on release order. The consensus? “Start with Season 1, then follow the sequels in order—Shou, Ten, Ketsu.”

5. “The OVA is a Must-Watch”
   Episode 25 (the OVA) wraps up loose ends with a lighthearted tone. Fans adore the “#1 Couple” subplot, calling it “a perfect blend of humor and heart.”

Final Verdict: Why You Should Watch It

Durarara!! isn’t just an anime; it’s an experience. It’s chaotic, stylish, and packed with characters who feel alive. If you love stories where every detail matters—where a random encounter in Episode 3 becomes a major plot point in Episode 20—this is your jam.

As one fan perfectly summarized: “Durarara!! is like a puzzle. At first, the pieces don’t make sense, but when they finally click, it’s pure magic.”

So, grab some popcorn, brace yourself for the madness, and dive into Ikebukuro. You won’t regret it.