Review of Mob Psycho 100 II

In 2019, Mob Psycho 100 returned in full force, to deliver a second season even better than the first. Everything great about the first season was present in this season, but was elevated by the addition of a stronger story, and some very satisfying characterisation for some of the characters. The audiovisual presentation this season was as excellent as always. Mob Psycho 100’s manga has a very distinctive art style, and one that would be rather difficult to adapt to animation, but somehow Bones were able to faithfully adapt the character designs and overall art style. The elasticity of the animation lends itself excellently tothe kind of fights that the series features, and with the incredibly talented animators at Bones, Mob Psycho 100 consistently features some of the most well animated fights in the medium of animation.

This season explored both Mob and Reigen’s character in a much more thorough way than the first season did. The odd nature of their relationship was finally addressed, leading to some very fitting character progression for the both of them. Episode seven was one of the best episodes of the year, it being the culmination of every interaction that Mob and Reigen had ever had up to that point. The end of this episode in particular, finally delivered some closure to their relationship, in an absolutely brilliant scene wrought with emotion.

However, despite loving Mob and Reigen’s arc this season, my absolute favourite episodes were four and five. These episodes featured some of the cruelest moments in the series, showing what Mob’s life could be like without his powers. This all contributed to the fantastic character arc that Mob eventually completed by the end of the season. Everything that took place in the dream was beautifully directed, animated, and scored, these were some of the absolute best episodes of the year. The final fight with the villain of these two episodes, being perhaps one of the best animated fights that Bones have ever produced, and easily within the top three fights of the year.

The only thing holding this season back, is the slightly disappointing last few episodes, that drastically increased the scale of the series, and also the narrative stakes. I didn’t dislike these episodes, but I felt as though they betrayed the appeal of the series in a way. The last few episodes turned into a rather standard battle series, which isn’t what anyone wants from Mob Psycho 100.

Despite having some flaws, this season of Mob Psycho 100 had more than enough brilliance to push it past the first season, and catapult it all the way up to being my second favourite anime of 2019.