Attack on Titan 2nd Season - Reviews

Its been 3 years since I watched AOT's first season and I finally decided to get to this show. I had forgotten most of the first season but I felt like I remembered enough to keep trekking. I was equally wrong and right, luckily though the second season helped me out here with its character building flashbacks. The second season definitely felt like a character building season with lots of more twists and unanswered questions to finish us off. I know a lot of people hate unanswered questions but as long as the series is still ongoing (and I know it is) I LOVE unanswered questions because being kept in the dark and anxious until the bigger reveals is just so exciting and leaves me full of anticipation for the things to come.

Watching season 2 reminded me of all the things I loved about season 1. Misaka and her low-key yandere self of course <3. Honestly Misaka is just...ugh perfection. 

I also really love the sense of real fear and anxiety the show gives you. I know Eren has like a ton of plot armor but for everyone else, the sense of their morality is so real and vivid on the characters that you just feel that. Even Eren gets me worried sometimes, although I know his death is unlikely I wouldn't but it past the author to do something crazzyyyyy-er with him. 

The art in this show is wonderful, each character has their own individual features to a point that you could identify them if they all went bald; this can't be said for most animes XD. I'm giving the art a 9 though because that 3D animation always ruins things for me. Absolutely hate it. 

Also the soundtrack of this anime is amazing. Short story real quick, I modded skyrim to play the AOT soundtrack in the background and basically replaced all the music from running around to fighting, so now when I hear it I associate the soundtrack with skyrim and its just like seriously...seriously girl-chan this isn't skyrim. 

Anywho I know this series gets plently of hate but I really enjoy it. There are some dumb things that happen but overall its not dumb enough to ruin this series for me. There are animes out there sooo much worse man...just so much I...*moment of silence for wasted time*. 

If you liked the first season you'll definitely be down for this. And if you don't just remember its following the manga which is always a good sign in my opinion. 

This is a really good anime that I can recommend for all people who likes a good story that is not overfilled with fillers.

The second season gets to the point, where I’ve dropped the manga and anime makes it quite clear why. Because there are several moments, when the author dropped the ball. The story of second season departs more from military atmosphere and steers toward titans fighting. Problem with this is the fact that titans are self-regenerating meat-bags, which makes stakes very low. It is completely different from when soldiers are flying around with those grappler hooks. If they make one mistake it’s instant game over. It also makes other soldiers a cannon fodder even more at best they can delay stuff and occasionally help a bit. More impactful and better characterized soldiers are killed in the first season and during the first half of the second. In second half of this season, it seems author doesn’t bother to characterize soldiers anymore and most of them are as I said just cannon fodder. What really made me strongly want to just stop watching further was lazy ass reveal during this season [1]. The flashbacks to foreshadowing weren’t much convincing, because it could be either premeditated decision or shoehorned later in by author, but it’s least important issue. Eren gets abducted again for a change. While there is an attempt to make it like a big issue. I just don’t buy the idea he couldn’t return back later. He is still raging, crying over his weakness and gets instant power up by his feels, when he needs. There is another reveal, that made me say: “Really, is this what are you going for!?” [2] The good thing is after this season more has been revealed about titans. Even if their main objective and organizational structure has to be revealed yet. There was a hint to reasons why titans eat people, but it wasn’t elaborated much. At least the story is moving somewhere.

The animation and visuals are still pretty good in my opinion. The first season’s opening is still the best so far, but the second season’s opening is way better, than second opening of the first season. Background music is ok. I didn’t notice any issue, but I’m not that impressed either.

Overall, the second season is worse than first by some story decisions, which made it to shift towards pretty much average fighting shounen series as far as the story and characters are concerned. I have increasing suspicion that if the series were seinen it could be better. As the shounen tropes increase everything else decreases. This season is also shorter, but it has better ending, because one does have feeling the season concluded unlike in the first season, where ending felt really open without any sense of closure.

Spoilers

[1] I’m speaking of colossal and armoured titan identity. It has to be in top 3 most anti-climatical reveals of all time.

[2] Eren’s convenient ultimate broken power of controlling all brute titans.

Attack on Titan is a action filled anime that gets you from the start. It has a ton of gore but it's not without cause. From the very start you're introduced to three children, two of them follow around the main character around everywhere and do whatever he wants. He is a hot headed fool for the most part who tends to get into a lot of fights. Within the first ten minutes you get a feel of what the series is about and it only gets crazier from there.

The animation is beautiful, I love the colors, the fluid movements, and how different each character looks. You can tell a lot of love and time was put into it and it does not fail. Each character has their own traits none are the same and each one have their own path's to take. Though the main focus of course is on Eren.

The first season was filled with Titans, learning, flash backs and making you want to know what was in that basement! It left me with more questions than answers and a thirst for more. The second season was relatively the same in that aspect. You learnt a lot from the second season and honestly it will shock you quite a lot if you haven't read the manga, or you don't pay attention to the subtle clues through out.

Where the first season is all about Eren and learning his abilities the second one is more about his squad of people and finding out their lives as well. It has so much more character development that I absolutely loved. The first season felt like there was so much missing and the second season isn't much different. You are left feeling like so much more could have been done but it leaves you excited for season three.

All in all this is an exciting anime with two meaty seasons that leave you wanting more. It's fast paced, action packed and full of development. It's honestly a greatly anime that if you don't mind gore and action then I suggest give it a try.

The second season picks up where the first left off, delving further into the mysteries of the Titans, the history of the walls, and the secrets of the characters. The season explores the origins of the Titans and introduces new threats, adding layers of complexity to the overarching plot. While the episode count is relatively short compared to the first season, each episode is packed with revelations and plot progression.

Season 2 continues to develop the main characters, especially Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, as they confront new challenges and face the consequences of their actions. The season introduces new characters whose backstories and motivations contribute to the overall depth of the narrative. The character interactions and evolving relationships remain a strong point, maintaining the emotional core of the series.

One of the strengths of Shingeki no Kyojin 2nd Season is its ability to unravel mysteries and deliver unexpected revelations. The backstory of certain key characters is explored, shedding light on the complexities of the world they inhabit. The season keeps viewers engaged by introducing new questions even as it answers existing ones, creating a sense of anticipation and intrigue.

The animation quality remains high, with dynamic and fluid action sequences that showcase the ODM (Omni-Directional Mobility) gear used by the soldiers to battle Titans. The Titan transformations are visually striking, and the animation effectively conveys the scale and terror of these creatures. The attention to detail in both character designs and backgrounds enhances the overall viewing experience.

The pacing of Season 2 is generally well-executed, with a focus on character development and plot progression. The shorter episode count may leave some viewers wanting more, but the narrative efficiency ensures that each episode contributes meaningfully to the overarching story. The balance between action and exposition is maintained, keeping the audience invested throughout.

The soundtrack, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, continues to be a highlight of the series. The music complements the emotional beats of the story, enhancing the impact of key scenes. The opening and ending themes contribute to the overall atmosphere of the series, creating a sense of anticipation for each episode.

Shingeki no Kyojin 2nd Season successfully builds upon the foundation laid by the first season, delivering a compelling continuation of the story. The mysteries deepen, character arcs progress, and the animation quality remains top-notch. While the shorter episode count may leave fans hungry for more, the season manages to deliver a satisfying and impactful narrative that sets the stage for future developments. Fans of the series will find Season 2 to be a worthy and thrilling installment in the Shingeki no Kyojin saga.