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Feb 8, 2023
There isn't much to say about this anime, except that the remake is excellent, and allows newcomers and veterans of the franchise alike to enjoy this philosophical space opera. This season is much more political than the previous one, and not battle heavy. So it could be considered more boring, however this just isn't the kind of anime that you watch for the action alone. This is the kind of anime you watch sipping a glass of wine, pondering about political philosophy, which is what its all about. The anime is basically a commentary on political systems and is absolutely excellent.
I truly hope that they
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do the entire series in the remake style. I want to see this through to the end. There's just too many interesting themes to think about. Even watching modern events such as the current war in Ukraine, you are given new perspectives when you watch this anime. And above all the dilemma: What is better? A corrupt inefficient Democracy, or a Tyranny with happy people?
9/10, very worth a watch if you like strategy, politics, and anime that makes you think about existential questions.
It can't be said enough but the characters (mainly Yang Wen Li and Duke Lohengramm) are absolutely amazing.
And the parallels with modern Western countries (the free planet alliance) are very strong.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jan 29, 2023
Having read the entire arc of the manga (and well after that), and having watched 3 episodes, I believe I am qualified to write a review of season 2 of Vinland Saga. The second arc of the manga (farm arc) is a masterpiece and IMO one of the best arcs of the manga (probably the best arc in fact). It's very unconventional and less about fighting, and more about psychological themes such as PTSD or the depiction of Norse slavery (in addition to the implications of being a slave), and also destroying the myth of the warrior and showing the impact of killing. This arc
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will FOR SURE get bad reviews from the crowds, simply because it's a U turn from the previous arc which was all about fighting, with a pretty shonen style hero in the dual blade using Thorfinn. This arc shows Thorfinn in the worst state possible (slavery) but also is an amazing story about gaining your life purpose back. It's simply a masterpiece with great characters such as Snake, Einar (Thorfinn's best friend), Arnheid (a female slave), and Olmar/Thorgil.
From watching the three episodes, you know it's a 9/10. The animation is equal to the first season, and the opening & ending themes are beautiful. Knowing (without spoiling viewers) how the arc escalates to a crescendo of things happening, I can say this will be a definitive masterpiece, and probably the real fan's anime of the year. Just like when Vinland Saga season 1 came out.
This anime/manga is a gem amongst the medium, because it's very rare that we get anime from this genre.
This is psychological & coming of age drama set in the Viking age. It's not an action anime.
It's also very relevant to the current generation of young men and women living in the world. Many themes will hit hard.
I strongly recommend watching this.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jan 29, 2023
Similar to season 1, we have a second season of "Record of Ragnarok" which doesn't have Fate or Demon Slayer level animation. In my opinion, the animation is acceptable for a viewing. All of this is made up by the amazingly fun premise, which as you know, pits the "best" humans against Gods in one on one matches that always result in death, to decide the fate of humanity.
For me, the premise/scenario of the manga already sold me the show. It's just exciting by nature. Basically, the Gods are overpowered so humanity's picks are the most outrageous characters, picked to beat the Gods. Jack the
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Ripper, Adam (the first man), Sasaki Kojiro (most famous Japanese swordsman, etc). If you enjoyed the absurdity of drifters, you will love this show. The premise is basically an excuse to create spectacular battles...And it just works and is just EPIC.
A similar anime would be Baki, especially in the tournament arc. But you know what? I find Baki to be less interesting, even though it has better animation, because the scenario/premise is just less interesting that Ragnarok (exception would be the escaped convicts arc of Baki which is hilariously fun).
In season 2, we get Jack vs. Hercules, Shiva vs. Raiden, and Buddha vs. Zero. All of which are fantastic fights.
The character's rendition are very colorful and simply entertaining and hilarious. Special mention for Buddha who is basically a chad who doesn't give a S about any God because "I reached enlightenment all by myself".
Yes we would like Madhouse type million dollar animation. Yes it could be done better.
But it's still an 8/10 for enjoyment's sake alone, if you like "absurd fights between historical celebrities" anime.
Out of drifters and Baki, Ragnarok is my #1 in the genre. I can't wait for season 3.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Nov 15, 2022
Unfortunately the second season does not replicate the greatness of the first season. It is all down to the writing, as everything else is more or less the same quality. The same voice actors, art, music, etc. What made the first season very enjoyable were the innovative plot elements. You followed a protagonist driven partly by revenge and dark emotions, in a fantasy world that seemed devoid of goodness, unlike most stereotypical fantasy worlds (very similar to the appeal of a much darker anime, Berserk). In season 1 you had a very satisfying revenge arc, a main character who builds his strength satisfyingly, satisfyingly annoying
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antagonists, and a fair share of gore for good measure.
In season 2 there is none of this. Everything is of the same quality except the plot. The plot follows a very boring quest to kill a benign enemy, and the main hero faces no adversity. Even the previous antagonists (the other three heroes) don't hamper the main character. It's all very uneventful and boring, but this is the problem with light novels whose authors write periodically without intending for a satisfying ending.
Let us hope that season 3 can bring back the satisfying dark themes of season 1.
I would only recommend watching this so you can be up to date for season 3. Otherwise if you aren't interested, don't waste your time.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Nov 7, 2022
I've watched a number of Isekai animes and this is one of the best ever for reasons I will elaborate on. The premise of this anime is simple: an overpowered max level MMO guild leader gets sucked into his own game which becomes reality. Similar to the "slime" Isekai, the protagonist is basically in God mode compared to the other people. Here are the top reasons why this anime is worth watching:
1. The comedic aspect of the story & characters: Simply put, this anime has hilarious moments. The characters, whether it's the MC or his NPCs are very unique and colourful, and the situations created
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are comedic in themselves. I'll give you an example: Some kind of evil faction gets countered by the MC. The evil character act all tough and mighty, just to get obliterated by the MC or his overpowered guild lieutenants. Basically, the entire premise of this show is "What if you were a maxed out character in an MMO like WoW, leader of a Guild, and the game became real life"? It's a very interesting premise with many plot possibilities.
2. Continuing from point 1, the premise of the anime & light novel is interesting in itself, and it has more depth than one might think. The anime talks about deep points, such as a gamer's estrangement from mainstream society (which enslaves him to a pointless job), and the fact that the MC only find solace in the gaming community and his guild. This is a very common mindset in the modern world, and thus a relevant topic.
3. The moral dilemmas: The MC has been sucked into his own game, and the MC is an undead. Meaning his mind (and morality) is forced to be that of an undead. The MC tries to be moral, but the point of the plot is that the MC slowly loses his morality as the body count keeps increasing. It will be fascinating to see how far the LN author will go with this. Without spoiling the story, it suffices to say that by season 4, the MC has committed a number of atrocities already.
4. The plot itself, as mentioned, is interesting and I am engaged and wondering as to how it will end. Will the MC conquer the entire world? Will he find other players like him in that world? Will he finally be countered by a major force that will wreck him and his crew? All of this is unknown and that is what makes the anime interesting. You do feel like a character discovering an MMO on day 1, except that since the world is real, death is perpetual. It is also hinted that there are great mysteries in that world. Such as why the MC was sucked in the game to begin with. All of these mysteries keep the plot interesting.
Downsides:
1. The art is basic and serviceable at best. It is not insane production such as Youjo Senki or Made in Abyss. However because the art does its job perfectly, and you don't technically need more as it's not an overly complex anime (historical, sci-fi, etc), that is fine.
2. The plot is erratic and episodic, as it's based on a light novel which is erratic in itself. You basically have arcs similar to a TV-series. Not an A-Z plot. But this is common with Isekai based on LN. So sometimes you will have a great number of episodes covering a very entertaining event (ie: an amazing one was a bunch of characters invading the guild base/tomb of the MC), but sometimes they go through an arc that is just terrible, boring, insipid. The great episodes make up for the bad ones though.
3. Some of the dialogue with the underlings of the MC is tiresome. They are basically creations of the guild (NPCs) so they are made to be 100% loyal. Lots of these moments are comedic. But sometimes it gets tiresome to hear the NPCs constantly praising the MC (especially the female characters who are programmed to love the MC like a harem). Most of the time it's extremely comedic and well done dialogue that will make you laugh however.
Conclusion: To me, this is my favorite Isekai so far. Mainly for the combination of the following reasons.
1. Colourful characters.
2. Comedy mixed with extremely brutal seinen moment (blood & gore).
3. Medieval-fantasy setting.
4. Plot that leaves many mysteries to be uncovered.
There are a couple boring/tiresome episodes but overall the entire anime is well worth it if you don't take yourself too seriously and want to laugh (for mature audiences). I guess the only danger would be the anime ending (we waited years to get season 4), but in this case I guess reading the light novel is an option, and the author will probably finish the story (I believe he has said so).
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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