This quick review aims to focus primarily on the aspect that has sparked the most discussion since the very first frames of this second season: it’s unacceptable for a manga like Blue Lock to receive such a superficial adaptation.
As a manga reader, I really appreciated the idea of dedicating an entire season to the U-20 arc. Even the "14-episode format" felt somewhat acceptable, considering the actual length of the events. However, the overall quality made it difficult to enjoy the less significant parts — essentially the entire first half of the season, which only shines in two or three moments.
The real Blue Lock Season 2 only begins with the U-20 match, a well-written arc that seemed almost impossible to ruin... and yet, they almost managed to do so.
Though I'm not particularly drawn to Shidou's character, his presence becomes fundamental throughout practically the entire season. In the first episodes, he almost feels like a protagonist, capable of scoring innovative goals and, most importantly, saving the otherwise dull Third Selection. Without him, it would have focused solely on Reo’s new abilities, which would have been underwhelming.
On the downside, Yukimiya and Otoya serve as perfect examples of "how not to introduce new characters." Initially presented as the “fresh meat” for this new arc, they ended up being practically irrelevant once their primary playstyles were showcased. The fact that they were ranked in the top six still feels completely unjustified. Karasu, on the other hand, fared a bit better. He was consistently involved in the critical plays against Japan and proved to have a key role in the midfield.
The 8 out of 10 rating is largely thanks to Sae, who remains one of the coolest anime characters in the football genre. However, it’s a shame his plays weren’t properly represented.
We’ve now reached the critical point. I won’t beat around the bush: the animations aren’t always terrible, but they only exist during the key moments of the match against the U-20 national team. At the end of the day, you could say the season was carried entirely by
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Nagi’s goal, Shidou’s doubleAs for the earlier episodes, no one can honestly say the animations were good, because it would be a lie to say the animations existed at all. The only saving grace of the anime, as I mentioned, is a handful of scenes that are so inherently epic that even fan animations manage to do them justice. In my opinion, they butchered so many other goals.
One thing needs to be clarified: adding brighter colors doesn’t equate to “quality". Please, don’t be fooled so easily, or Season 3 will end up just as lackluster.
I also have serious complaints about some of the OST choices, which made certain moments downright embarrassing compared to the hype conveyed by the silent panels of the manga. Just take Sae’s very first counterattack as an example—but there are dozens of similar scenes. In my opinion, these moments weren’t ruined, but they certainly weren’t represented to their fullest potential.
The opening, however, earns its respect, and the overall quality in this regard is upheld by solid, if unremarkable, voice acting.
In conclusion, I have to say I was quite disappointed with this adaptation. Yet, somehow, when you’re a football fan, you find yourself able to watch anything that features a ball. That said, I’d like to highlight how Blue Lock is, without a doubt, one of the most innovative sports anime in recent years. As such, it truly deserves an adaptation worthy of its manga. Hope that something changes with the next season.