Review of Mob Psycho 100 II

We've all heard it before: the sequel is worse than the original. Well, I'm glad to say this isn't the case for Mob Psycho 100 II. Wow. This anime made me think, laugh, and cry. I do have one issue with it, but wow. I can't stop thinking about Mob saying, "I am the protagonist of my own life." I can't stop thinking about Reigen's struggles -- ones that are so real and relateable and heartfelt. I can't stop thinking about how much this season developed on what was already built in the first one. They fit together like puzzle pieces. Story: 9 for Great. We're notsupposed to comment on other people's reviews, but I have to. Someone commented that the lightheartedness in this series is lacking. I disagree, but I do understand where that perspective originates from. This season is definitely less lighthearted than the last, but there are still moments of comic relief: Ekubo, Reigen, the press conference arc, etc.

However, the arcs in this season can get so dark. I actually think this is a good thing. Mob is not the same kid from the last season. His mentality has changed. He fears losing the support system he's built and so do the other characters. This is a difficult fear to face and one that we face everyday. Of course, nothing about this fear is lighthearted.

It makes sense that things get dark, that things change. Mob is older and he's seen so much. So have the other characters. I like the story WAY more in this season because it feels more purposeful. I understand the appeal of a slice of life anime. But I do think that we get tastes of life in this season: the marathon, Tsubomi, Reigen's life, the Body Improvement Club, etc. This all culminates into the end of the series and ties together perfectly. Mob gets his strength from his successes and failures, all which were detailed through the story in this season.

I've criticized the story in both MP100 and OPM for being too lackadaisical. Last season, it seemed like there were a few introductory episodes before the Claw arc. This season, the arcs follow each other and build off each other.

The only thing I will say is that I feel like the story ties up together too perfectly in the end. The characters faced injuries that I feel would kill them or severely damage them. Even citizens should be crushed by the fallout but there is no detail of actual death in this series and it doesn't make much sense to me. I understand Mob is a middle schooler and so death would SEVERELY damage him. But I don't like how this series evades permanent damage.

Art: 8 for Very Good.

I feel like I enjoyed the art more in this series than in the last. The same techniques are utilized and the art style is consistent. With a few exceptions, I really loved how the anime looked. I just think this series was more vivid, especially with the battles. The last two episodes are beautiful. You can see the effort that the artists put into the series, at designing and arranging characters in beautiful and unique ways. I love it.

I didn't like the art in the opening sequence too much because I felt like things were a little too scattered and didn't build off each other, unlike the opening sequence in the first season.

Sound: 9 for Great.

The soundtrack in this series fit perfectly with what was transpiring on screen. I love the song in the opening sequence as well.

Character: 8 for Very Good.

THIS is how you do character development. EVERY character developed. Major development from Mob, Reigen, Shou, and Serizawa. The character development from Ritsu, Ekubo, and Teru didn't fade into the background either. They changed last season and it was evident in this one, which I enjoyed.

I didn't like the way Reigen was written at certain points during this series, though, especially during the press conference arc. He cares a lot for Mob but it wasn't too evident then. Even though I know why, I didn't expect it so much at that moment. Reigen is definitely not a flawless character but I still disagree with the way he was presented there.

Enjoyment: 8 for Very Good.

This series fits perfectly with the last one. It takes weaknesses -- like the story -- and makes them into strengths. It's great for fans and newcomers alike. It's funny, thoughtful, and consuming. There is so much intention in this, so much work, and the funny part about this is that some people don't watch MP100 for the art style. I HATE to sound like a hipster here, but the art isn't something that can be grasped from one promotional picture. There's so many great things about this series and it sucks that people are missing out on it.

Overall: 8 for Very Good.

I love Reigen Arataka.