DandaDan has been the talk of the town lately, and for good reason. It’s a unique, genre-bending series that has been capturing the hearts of many new fans. But with popularity often comes controversy. Recently, a discussion sparked within the fandom over a piece of fan art.
At first glance, it might seem like a trivial issue, but it has ignited deeper conversations about art, representation, and fandom dynamics.
An artist by the name of @Lynn6Thorex created a great fan edit reimagining Okarun and Momo as Black characters. This is not an uncommon practice—artists frequently reimagine characters across different ethnicities or genders.
The artwork gained attention from none other than A.J. Beckles, the American voice actor for Okarun, who even made it his profile picture on Twitter. What should have been a simple appreciation of fan art quickly spiraled into backlash, with parts of the fandom criticizing Beckles for endorsing it.
This raises a question: Why did such a harmless gesture result in such heated reactions?
The Bigger Picture
Some argue that reimagining characters in this way detracts from the original creator’s vision. Critics of the fan art felt that the original creator and Beckles’ support disrespected the character’s intended design and even called for him to be removed from his role as Okarun’s voice actor.
This incident mirrors other recent controversies in entertainment, such as the backlash to casting choices for the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series or the live-action How to Train Your Dragon. These reactions point to a broader cultural conversation about representation in media.
But does this qualify as “Blackwashing”? The newly coined buzz word being thrown around. While it’s worth discussing whether changing a character’s race can sometimes conflict with the original intent, it’s also important to distinguish between corporate-driven decisions and fan-driven expressions of creativity.
What we don’t need is a tokenistic approach where side characters are changed or “race-swapped” without addressing the lack of meaningful diversity in leading roles. Representation should be authentic and intentional, not just an afterthought to appease audiences.
The Renaissance of Representation
At the same time, it’s undeniable that media is entering a new era of diversity. We’re seeing a shift toward stories and characters that reflect the rich tapestry of the real world. This progress should be applauded, as it shows we’re no longer settling for minimal representation.
We all have unique and powerful stories to tell, and representation in media helps us connect with those narratives.
Fandoms and Accountability
That said, the reaction to A.J. Beckles and Lynn6Thorex highlights a troubling trend: the rush to vilify individuals over perceived disagreements. It’s one thing to disagree with someone’s opinion, but harassment and attempts to jeopardize their livelihood cross a line.
Beckles has done an incredible job voicing Okarun, and his appreciation of fan art—regardless of its reception—does not warrant the level of hate he’s received.
Moving Forward
Saturday AM, is dedicated to showcasing diverse stories and characters and has long been on the receiving end of criticism and harassment from people who are resistant to change.
Frederick L. Jones, the CEO, recently weighed in on this controversy saying this in an epic post:
View this post on Instagram
As fans, our shared love for anime, manga, and other media should bring us closer together, not divide us. Conversations about representation are essential, but they should be conducted with respect and understanding. Our hearts go out to Lynn6Thorex and A.J. for dealing with this ridiculous behavior. WE WILL NOT TOLERATE BULLYING.
What’s your take on the situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below—just keep it respectful and constructive!
One Response
I agree with your respectful opinion. I don’t feel any malice from Lynn6Thorex and A.J. like “fix” . Japanese people did not feel respect in some case, so they felt no respect this time either. But it is wrong and I feel sorry for Lynn6Thorex and A.J.. It is sad that violent opinions are amplified instead of calm opinions like yours. I hope you will continue your great work.