Turbo Granny: The High-Speed Yokai of Dandadan

Who Is Turbo Granny?

Turbo Granny (ターボババア Tābo Babā) is one of the most infamous yokai in Dandadan, initially appearing as an antagonist and later evolving into a pivotal supporting character. Originating as a cursed spirit terrorizing a tunnel in Shono City, Turbo Granny eventually forges a reluctant alliance with Momo Ayase and Okarun. Following her defeat, her powers are sealed within Okarun, while her consciousness is confined inside a maneki-neko (beckoning cat) doll.

Despite her grotesque behavior and vulgar language, Turbo Granny remains one of the most complex and intriguing spirits in the series.

Turbo Granny’s Appearance

Turbo Granny manifests as a terrifying elderly woman with reddish-brown, wrinkled skin, shaggy white hair, bulging yellow eyes that point sideways, and a giant mouth capable of gruesome bites. When she possesses others, they take on her likeness with the same grotesque features. Post-defeat, she is seen inhabiting a lucky cat doll, which adds a bizarre contrast to her frightening aura.

The Twisted Personality of Turbo Granny

Turbo Granny is cruel, sadistic, and delightfully vulgar. She’s a trash-talker, quick to insult and quicker to play dirty. Yet, beneath the coarse surface, glimpses of empathy emerge—especially in how she comforts the spirits of girls who met tragic ends. Her pride in her speed defines her self-image, and she doesn’t take being underestimated lightly. In fact, she once cheated during a game of tag with Momo and Okarun, manipulating the countdown to gain an edge.

Turbo Granny’s Tragic Background

Known in urban legends as the 100 km/hr Granny (100キロババア), Turbo Granny was feared for cursing those who entered her tunnel. She targeted victims by stealing their reproductive organs, a grotesque act that made her both feared and infamous. Her haunting presence in Shono City is later revealed to be partially motivated by a desire to comfort suffering spirits, particularly those of girls who died tragically.

Turbo Granny’s Incredible Speed and Powers

Turbo Granny and Her Supernatural Speed

As her name implies, Turbo Granny possesses superhuman velocity, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h. She maintains her speed even around tight corners, making her faster than many vehicles. She uses this speed not only for movement but also as a core weapon to ensnare and curse her victims.

Teleportation via Phone Lines

Turbo Granny can teleport through phone lines using spiral-shaped magnetic fields. This unique ability allows her to manifest in distant locations, such as when she appeared aboard an alien spaceship via Momo’s mobile phone.

Turbo Granny’s Spiritual Form

In her spiritual state, Turbo Granny can possess humans and other spirits. She retains her super speed while possessing another’s body and used this form to hijack Okarun and later, the Earthbound Spirit Crab. This possession also makes her extremely dangerous, as she can wage attacks remotely.

The Devastating Curse of Turbo Granny

Turbo Granny’s signature curse steals the genitalia of those who attempt to flee from her, causing victims to physically morph into her likeness. This form of possession is contagious, leading to severe psychological and physical side effects, including heart attacks and bleeding. The only known cures are genital restoration or performing an exorcism.

Turbo Granny’s Spirit Fusion Abilities

She can merge with other spirits to increase her power, as seen when she fused with the Earthbound Spirit Crab in Shono City. This fusion gave her control over local terrain, such as summoning hands from the ground and manipulating tunnel dimensions.

The Lucky Side of Turbo Granny

Now trapped inside a maneki-neko doll, Turbo Granny has gained the supposed ability to bestow good luck. This happens randomly and without her control, which can sometimes backfire by also benefiting her enemies.

Turbo Granny’s Former Abilities: Fusion with the Earthbound Spirit Crab

Territory Control in Shono City

While fused with the Earthbound Spirit Crab, Turbo Granny could manipulate the environment—summoning disembodied hands, distorting tunnels, and commanding other spirits. She even used the city’s cemetery spirits to possess citizens and launch surprise attacks. However, this power was limited to Shono City; beyond it, her dominance weakened.

Turbo Granny as a Modern Urban Legend

Turbo Granny is based on a Japanese urban legend about a terrifying elderly woman who races at vehicular speeds. Though varying across regions, she’s generally portrayed as a vengeful figure. Her myth may be inspired by ubasute, a folklore practice where elderly family members were abandoned to lessen the household burden. This would explain her bitterness and hostile attitude toward the young protagonists in Dandadan.

Final Thoughts on Turbo Granny

Turbo Granny is more than just a creepy yokai with a dirty mouth and lightning speed—she’s a multidimensional character driven by resentment, loss, and a twisted sense of justice. Her transition from antagonist to unlikely ally shows the depth of storytelling in Dandadan. Whether cursing her enemies or awkwardly aiding the heroes, Turbo Granny remains unforgettable.