Review of Shakugan no Shana: Season II

I thought I had seen it all until Shakugan no Shana Second, but this series just about blew me away with character development. All of the characters introduced in season one are involved, and just as important. The plot is fresh, and brings forth even more dangers. I didn't start watching the English dub until episode 17, and I can honestly say the soundtrack is just as great as the Japanese. Justin Cook (Alastor), Colleen Clinkenbeard (Margery Daw), and Kent Williams (Marcosias) were a pleasant surprise to my ears, to hear voice actors from Funimation come into roles that they fit so well. I really didlove this.

The story was almost perfect. The only things I dislike was Yuji Sakai's new-found rebellion in the series. It seemed that he slowly becoming a character that annoyed me. I am not sure if this is supposed to be the case, but I found myself shifting to want to see more Margery Daw near the end. Yuji does become a better character in terms of use, as a Mystes, but he also gains a new attitude that set me off.

Shana is just as loveable, and I didn't hate on Yoshida Kazumi as much. In fact, the series made me love characters that I once hated. I really did enjoy the first eight episodes being about school life. The anime became more slice of life, and the plot came into play near the middle of the series. I think the pacing was well done, and the story kept me wanting more each episode.

I really did enjoy the opening/ending themes. KOTOKO and Mami Kawada outshine their performances once more, and bring forth new catchy ear candy.

Shakugan no Shana Second is a great series, and I highly recommend watching either Japanese subs or English dub. Fans of Season 1 dub may be disappointed with the new voices since Ocean Group no longer is dubbing, but I thought the voices fit perfectly in Funimation dub.

Characters never seem dull, except for when I listed Yuji's "moments" in S2.

Great watch, check it out for yourself.