Review of Mob Psycho 100 II
Ever seen a show that makes you wish you could give it more than a 10/10? That makes use of its medium so fully and with so much care and passion that everything compared to it looks dull? That's Mob Psycho 100 season 2. Everything about this show is artful in its execution. After an absolutely fantastic first season that made its way into my top five anime of all time within the first six episodes and then stole top spot when it came to a close with almost no competition, it was difficult to imagine that it could be topped. Calling Mob Psycho 100 season2 a masterpiece almost feels like an understatement.
If you're familiar with the first season, you'll know the story is pretty unique. Insanely powerful esper boy works under fraud psychic and is afraid of his own powers but eventually learns some really great lessons from the people around him. This season goes even further with that premise and provides an experience so mindblowing in its execution that I'm honestly astounded it exists.
The art, as with the first season, is leagues above any TV anime coming out right now. Season 2, in particular, takes its multi-media approach to the next level and provides movie level animation almost every episode. The character animation is outstanding, the fight animation will surely go down in anime history as some of the best the medium has ever seen, and the preservation of ONE's art style works wonders in allowing every frame to be fluid and a treat for the eyes.
The sound design does what it needs to do but besides the OP and ED, as well as a standout track or two, it isn't really anything to write home about. It doesn't take away from the experience at all, but I wasn't itching to buy the OST.
If you liked the characters in season 1, you're going to love them in season 2. From the very first mini-arc, Mob is getting character development. Reigen gets an entire arc of his own that cemented him as my favorite anime character of all time - and I'll be shocked if he's knocked off his throne any time soon (or ever). Managing such a large cast is no small feat on the part of the author, but he manages it with such care and precision that I don't think it's much of an exaggeration to call the man a genius. Almost every character is at the very least likable, and the villains perfectly foil the main character and/or Reigen. There are hardly any characters around that can rival the best written of the Mob Psycho cast, and this season stuck the landing so hard on character development that it's almost crazy.
Overall, you'd be hard-pressed to find a reason not to watch Mob Psycho 100, and even if you did find a reason you'd be doing yourself the disservice of a lifetime. The slice of life elements of this show work just as well as the more typical shounen elements, each arc is important for the story and character development, the emotional beats hit hard and stay hard, and the art could and should be put into museums for future generations to see.
Witness a masterpiece in motion. Watch Mob Psycho 100.