Review of Mob Psycho 100 II
The second season of Mob Psycho pursues Mob’s growth as a character as he faces individuals plagued by Esper powers. He learns to become independent from Reigan and seeks to help others with similar powers as him, and along the way establish purpose in his own life as he progresses through his Middle School years. The first half of Mob Psycho consists of comedic slife-of-life with the occasional action-packed fight scenes. Mob himself has undergone substantial growth throughout, constantly pushing himself and restraining from using his powers so as to help him learn to not become too reliant on it. His personality is as awkward asever, which is the main charm I have always seen him have. His development as a character is solid and engaging, his inner conflicts captivitating the viewer as he struggles to blend into society while helping individuals along the way.
Even Reigen goes through substantial growth as a character as he steps back and reconsiders his recent decisions. His encounter with Mob, his current spirit business, and if his whole ordeal ever had a purpose. Through this realisation he becomes aware of his actions and begins to develop his friendship with Mob, aiming to act as a reliable Master.
The second half folds into one huge arc concerning Sho Suzuki’s father. His father seeks to rule the world, changing it to fit his own views based on his Psychic powers. There are multiple fights animated consistently, providing fun action, though the final boss fight is rather short-lived. Nevertheless, the story is the focus here, and Touichiro Suzuki and Mob learn from each other because of their two vastly opposing views on the world. Even the villains here learn something in the end.
Speaking of which, the villains are not exactly that special yet still show enough depth as they learn from Mob's character. Taking the same approach as the first season, the antagonists are shown to be extremely powerful, becoming even stronger than last season’s foes. Unfortunately for them, Mob prevails in the end, showing almost no effort to best them, only being restrained by his moral conviction of peace instead of violence. Some have actually reformed, as shown with one of the Upper Claw division’s decision to fight alongside Reigen and Mob. Others have found their way through the rubble, reconsidering their attempts of dominating the world, and realising there may be better ways of using their powers.
The animation looks to be a step down from the previous season. Though the action is as enjoyable and exciting as ever, it is rather short-lived, with the only real highlight in Mob’s confrontation with Mogami Keiji. Backgrounds look unimpressive with very little detail. Still though, it is consistent enough to support the weight of its hype.
The journey with Kageyama-kun and his friends has been a good one so far. Each episode pulls me in with endearing protagonists, pumping action, and a well-written story with a message that can apply to anyone. Live life to the fullest. No matter who you are, your social standing, your place in society, you contribute to the world in one way or another. I’m satisfied.