MiNiSoTaN's Kaguya-Sama: Love is War Season 2 Review
What I loved so much about season one was its ability to take a simple concept (i.e. two students who want each other to confess) and amplify it in the most dramatic way possible. This is evermore true within season two of Kaguya-Sama. You have your reoccurring psychological battles between our favorite student council members packed full with strange situations and gut busting twists. It delivered on everything season one began with and ran with cranking the dial up to 11.
Along with the normal escapades between Kaguya and co, we also have a more cohesive overarching story line, something that I thought season one was lacking. Sure there was character development, but there were per say real classic anime arcs. This all changes within season two. The two most prominent story lines tow point out are the Student Council Election, and the Sports Festival.
During the Student Council Election we are met with a slew of new and unique characters including Miko and Kobachi. Both are introduced as a sort of main antagonist in the series but are quickly adopted into the the main cast and bring forth welcoming personalities. Miko especially was a fine addition as she brought forth a sort of sturdiness the student council was lacking.
Ishigami is the shining start during the sports festival. Although we didn't see too much of him during season one, his screen time is more than double here. A lot of details are shown that bring forth his somber and mellow personality which only added to the greatness of the story line. Although this part was probably my least favorite of the season, I still enjoyed learning about our blue haired gamer.
Season two eases off the gas a little bit on the quarrels between Shirgane and Kaguya which allowed it to further develop its supporting cast along with a more structured story and did a phenomenal job doing so.
Miyuki Shirogane The class president's development comes in forms of learning rather than discovery. Chika teaching him how to sing and dance improves his self confidence. He becomes a lot more comfortable talking with Kaguya as seen with them star gazing. Still, there are the classic overthinking moments that are sprinkled throughout the season where he tries to crack whatever mischievous plans Kaguya has. All in all, it was a good season for out favorite prez.
Kaguya Shinomiya Kaguya goes through quite a bit of development during this season. There's always her battles of confession with the president, but there are also battles going on inside her as well. Whether it be losing the memories and photos from her old phone, or thinking she isn't good enough for the president. We learn about the mentality of Kaguya throughout this season which made her than much more enjoyable. Although this anime is heavily dramatized, I'd say Kaguya is probably the most "human" out of all of them.
Yuu Ishigami The development of Ishigami was a job to watching during season two. During the beginning parts there were references as to why he was as quite as he is. We finally get our answers throughout episodes 8 and 9. That and along with the bromance with Shirogane were extremely satisfying to see. In season one they had barely anything resembling a friendship, here in season two its easy to see that they're friends who have each others back. They talk about and do guy things frequently which added a breath of fresh air in. I can't wait to see how he progresses further in future seasons.
Miko Iino The first year pig-tailed hall monitor was someone who at first I thought would be annoying and drag the story. I was pleasantly surprised to see how much I ended up liking her by the end of the series. We learn a lot about her in a short period of time and she lets herself be exposed to unfamiliar territory and allows herself to change. This is something I loved watching. You see a completely different character on screen from the episode shes introduced to episode 12.
Chika Fujiwara Chika doesn't receive all that much in terms of development. Which in her case, is fine, she's suppose to be the goofy and fun one that people will always laugh at while on screen. Her antics and response to situations are the times where I probably laughed the most. Chika is probably the easiest character in the show to understand, but also the funniest.
Hayasaka, Ai I've been a major Hayasaka fan all the way back during season one where she didn't recieve NEARLY as much screen time as she does here. I even made this post calling for more favorites on here character page. Now she is triple of what she was then. She's easily my favorite character in the show and it isn't only because we share the same birthday, she personality and wittiness is always amusing. How she deals with Kaguya and her responding quips are always a joy to watch. Still has and will always be the best girl.
The art and animation department delivers once again. A-1 pictures did an amazing job yet again with this series. It ain't reinventing the wheel here, but it is utilizing it to its fullest potential. The still images they have are as funny as ever. I really should applaud Akasaka, Aka for his amazing drawings that are animated into this season. The mental pictures and animations they have are great too. Whether it be
a street fighter scene, or something ripped straight out of Indian Jones, Everything is great. No complaints here
The music is the only area where I was just satisfied with. It did its job, but nothing stuck out matronly to me. I wasn't a huge fan of the OP "Daddy Do" but it did grow on me a bit. I still don't think it's as good as "Love Dramatic" however. The ED is nice. I've said it before, music is a difficult area for anime's to strive in, rarely will you find one that blows your mind. As long as the music isn't so bad that it takes you out of the anime, it'll meet my expectations.
The sophmore iteration of Kaguya-sama: Love is War did an incredible job. I loved just about every minute of it and anticipated each new episode. For the first seven episodes I was so impressed with how much better the comedy got. I thought there was no way it could get better but it just kept on improving. Overall, very satisfied with where the season ended, and am excited to see more!
Favorite Episodes
Ep 1.
Ep 2.
Ep 3.
Ep 4.
Ep 5.
Ep 6.
Ep 7.
Ep 10.
Ep 11.
Ep 12.
Official Scores
Story: (9/10)
Characters: (9/10)
Art: (8/10)
Music: (7/10)
Personal Enjoyment: (9/10)
FINAL SCORE: (9/10) AMAZING
@MiNiSoTaN