May contain some spoilers
Continuing with my childhood flashback. Watching the first season of Yamato/Star Blazers, I get to the ending one time, and probably thought they would start from the beginning again the next morning. Surprised one morning that we get new opening animation and the same theme song but with different words. And thus the 2nd season began. I wondered how they could top the first season which was so strong and memorable. Well they didn't quite equal it, but got real close, with an amazing story of twists and turns and surprises.
The story picks up about a year after the events of the Iscandar saga. The Yamato does space patrol with Kodai/Wildstar now captain of the ship. The Earth is restored, and the Earth defense forces have adapted the Yamato engine and weapon design to their own fleet. However Yamato is seen as a relic and "chivalrous outfit," much to the chagrin of Kodai. Then a distress signal is received from the planet Telezart, that warns of a new enemy known as the Comet Empire, that takes the form of a seemingly invincible comet that can obliterate planets. Of course the Earth force don't think there's any danger, and don't want to act. Kodai reunites the crew to take the Yamato to Telezart without permission and investigate.
This is a great set up for another amazing adventure. The new villains this time, the Comet Empire fleet, seem to be much darker than Gamilus was. They simply want nothing more than universal conquest, well that's what leader Zodai (called Prince Zordar in the English version) wants. Of course someone has to throw a wrench in the proceedings. Yamato's previous nemesis Dessler has somehow survived, and wants nothing more than revenge on the great battleship.
Let's talk about the new characters. We got the CE, who's fleet and firepower are much more deadly than Gamilus was. Zodai's daughter acts as second in command, and takes liberties with her power when her father is not around. Most mysterious is Teresa (Trelaina in dub) of Telezart, who possesses an amazing but deadly power. We also meet other Earth characters such as Admiral Hijitaka (Captain Gideon in the dub), whose ship the Andromeda leads the battle against CS. He first has conflict with the Yamato but later becomes a friend and ally. Also new on board the Yamato is a troop of Space Marines, rescued from a planet assault by the CE. Headed by Saito (Knox in the dub), aboard the Yamato they act as typical army guys: rude, womanizing and do what they want, even causing trouble during battles. Later on they show their prowess as a ground assault team against the enemies.
As for characterization, we learn a bit more about our Yamato crew, particularly between Kodai and Yuki, who at first isn't welcome on board as Kodai wanted her out of danger. Shima (Venture) also gets a spotlight as he was reluctant to rejoin the Yamato and wanted tobe devoted to his family, such as his little brother. Eventually he changes his mind at the last minute, as he knows his navigation skills are missed. Later on it is he who develops a relationship with Teresa. Shima is actually a key to this saga in the end. Most surprising is the character Dessler, who at a key moment in a battle comes to a realization about his actions and I guess life in general. If they gave out oscars for anime characters performances, he would deserve one.
Again this is 70's animation so it is not superb but still looks great today. The designs for some of the tech have improved, such as the black tiger fighter designs. With a new enemy comes even more fantastic ship designs and weapons. I remember one of their fleet has a special weapon that can fire a blast and instantly teleport it to the target, so they have no chance. Even Yamato has new weapons thanks to Sanada's genius: space mines and multiple missile battery ground assault weapon that showers missiles on the enemy. And let us not forget the Earth fleet with their ship design and twin turret Wave Motion guns!
It all culminates in an all out war with the Comet Empire. I dare not give away the conclusion but it's a stunner.
The first Yamato series was a masterpiece. This second is also very strong and pleasing. As it's a sequel it's not as fresh, however with all the designs, characters, story and sci-fi action you just can't go wrong. If you loved the first season, there's plenty to enjoy in this saga.
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