Review of Mob Psycho 100 II

As is the case with sequels of critically-acclaimed and popular anime, Mob Psycho's second season was among the most anticipated anime of 2019, with lots of hype being built even before it aired. Many claim that the second managed to actually surpass the first one by leagues, praising the character development and the plot's shift to more dramatic and slice-of-life elements. Is it worth all the hype and praise? Can it be considered a masterpiece? Let’s find out. [1. Beginning with story and characters...] During the first season, the first 3 arcs were character introductions and episodic adventures, whereas the last two (episodes 6 to 12) were morestraightforward and linear, with clear antagonists in mind. In the second, Mob Psycho followed a more episodic slice-of-life approach up until the 8th episode, this changing to more linear action-based narrative later on.

(a) Up until the 8th episode, although there were fine examples of supernatural action, its emphasis was actually on prominent coming-of-age and more dramatic elements, with plenty of character development involved.

These are what made this part shine. Mob in particular received plenty of character development, with each episode emphasizing on how interactions as well as his supernatural job shaped him into steadily becoming a more balanced and better-rounded individual.

Also, both sides of the coin as far as his relationship and partnership with Reigen are shown in great detail. Multiple flawed and complex aspects of Reigen’s personality are brought into question. And the 8th episode did a poignant turn towards the next arc, with its action-focused arc.
(b) And now about the parts from the 9th all the way to the end. Known as the World Domination Arc, it shifts to action elements. In my opinion, although this arc showed tremendous quality in a technical level, it’s also the part that deteriorated the anime story-wise. Why?

First of all, because it contradicted a certain twist of the previous arc in a very anticlimactic way. Rather than leave events ambiguous, the creator chose the safe way in order not to displease fans by reassuring them too early. This way, Mob Psycho’s plot didn’t dare to grasp its full potential and fell into the trap of becoming way too shonen-like. Second, it introduced and reintroduced way too many supportive characters rushedly, making certain parts dazzling and barely fun at times, at least in my opinion.

Negativity outside, this arc also had brilliant things to showcase. Displaying the fruit of Mob’s labors, this arc showcases him becoming wiser and much more willing to use force. Also, this arc presented us with unrestrained sakuga action with brilliant choreography and display of supernatural powers and also had certain very heartwarming moments that got into me.

[2. Art and music...]
a.) Its art style remains largely the same unusual, identifiable and psychedelic style of season 1. Animation-wise, Mob Psycho II has consistent quality and neat art shifts that amplify comedic or dramatic elements of the show. What this season has improved in comparison to the first is the quality of the animation of its battles in particular.

Both the part up until the 8th and the World Domination Arc showed sublime examples of sakuga, which really proved how skilled Bones’ animators were at animating sublime telekinetic action.

b.) The music is great, with the iconic Kanjou no Bakuhatsu returning for action and hype-filled scenes, three ending themes and a fine opening. However, I consider the first season's opening to be much more iconic and pumped-up, as well as with better introductory visuals.

Conclusion: all in all, I believe that Mob Psycho II was a good sequel, but though it had the potential to become a masterpiece, it played way too safe at times and did not attempt to be more intriguing than just another shonen arc. Also, I felt the plot was based too much on the Mob-Reigen duo at times. Nonetheless, a highly enjoyable experience I would more than happily recommend, not only as a comedy-action anime, but also as a genuinely touching coming-of-age anime.