Durarara!! [Season 1 Episodes 1 to 25]

Durarara!! Season 1: A Wild Ride Through Ikebukuro’s Chaos

When Durarara!! first hit screens in 2010, it didn’t just introduce viewers to the bustling streets of Ikebukuro—it threw them headfirst into a world where urban legends, eccentric characters, and hidden agendas collide. Produced by Brain’s Base and directed by Takahiro Omori, this anime adaptation of Ryohgo Narita’s light novels quickly became a cult favorite. And if the first episode is any indication, it’s easy to see why.

A City of Rumors and Mysteries

The series kicks off with Mikado Ryugamine, a small-town boy who moves to Tokyo in search of excitement. What he finds, however, is far beyond his wildest dreams. Ikebukuro is a melting pot of oddities: a headless motorcycle rider (Celty Sturluson), a sadistic information broker (Izaya Orihara), and a superhuman bartender (Simon Brezhnev), to name a few. The first episode wastes no time dropping hints about the city’s darker underbelly, teasing a narrative that’s as unpredictable as it is addictive.

Fans on MyAnimeList were quick to praise the premiere’s energy. One user gushed, “This is the only anime this season I have above average hopes for. I wonder if it would be almost as awesome as Baccano! or even better?” (Comment 43). The comparison to Baccano!—another brainchild of Narita—is inevitable, and Durarara!! doesn’t shy away from embracing its predecessor’s chaotic charm.

Characters That Steal the Show

What makes Durarara!! stand out is its ensemble cast. Mikado’s wide-eyed innocence contrasts sharply with the cynicism of his friend Masaomi Kida, while Celty’s quest for her missing head adds a layer of supernatural intrigue. The internet chatroom interludes, where anonymous users dissect Ikebukuro’s rumors, feel eerily prescient in today’s meme-driven culture.

Fans were particularly drawn to Celty’s debut. “The headless motorcyclist fights the bad guys, which was cool,” remarked one viewer (Comment 1). Another speculated about the scarred girl’s connection to Celty, noting, “She’s either the motorcycle person or related to that person… why would she have those scars?” (Comment 29). The mystery keeps audiences hooked, and the show’s refusal to spoon-feed answers only deepens the intrigue.

Style Overload (In the Best Way)

From its jazzy opening theme to its frenetic pacing, Durarara!! oozes style. The OP, “Uragiri no Yuuyake” by Theatre Brook, became an instant earworm, with fans raving, “THE OP. THE. OOOPPPPP. Excuse me as I jizz my pants over here” (Comment 21). The ED, however, divided opinions—some called it “plain terrible” (Comment 23), while others appreciated its R&B flair.

Visually, the anime is a feast. The character designs, courtesy of Suzuhito Yasuda, pop with personality, and the animation fluidly switches between slice-of-life humor and high-octane action. One fan noted, “Production values were amazing… I can’t wait to see how this will continue” (Comment 32).

Why It Works

At its core, Durarara!! is about connections—how seemingly unrelated lives intertwine in a sprawling urban landscape. The first episode masterfully sets up multiple threads, from Mikado’s coming-of-age journey to Celty’s supernatural plight. It’s a narrative jigsaw puzzle, and fans were eager to piece it together. “The plot definitely has some nice mystery and action to it,” wrote one viewer (Comment 54).

The show’s humor and heart balance its darker themes. Whether it’s Simon’s deadpan delivery or Izaya’s manipulative smirk, every character feels alive. As one fan put it, “I love the characters. This is certainly my pick for potentially the most interesting show of the season” (Comment 50).

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch

Durarara!! isn’t just an anime—it’s an experience. The first episode delivers a whirlwind of introductions, leaving viewers hungry for more. Whether you’re here for the urban legends, the quirky cast, or the sheer unpredictability, this series promises a ride unlike any other.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “DURARARA IS SO GOOD F YEAH. FINALLY AN ANIME TO LOOK FORWARD TO EVERY WEEK THIS SEASON!” (Comment 53). And honestly? They’re not wrong.

So buckle up, because Ikebukuro’s chaos is just getting started.