Review of Noragami Aragoto

The second season of a show is usually one of two things, more of the same or an extension of the original premise. Only the very best shows are able to include both of these things without seeming overlong or, even worse, the product of filler. Noragami Aragoto is one of those shows that IS able to pull this off with resounding success. Not only that, but Noragami Aragoto expands from the original, focuses on the loose ends that were left from last season and finally gets over the teenage angst that pretty much drowned out the first half of the first season. Noragami Aragoto isthe story of an unknown war god known as Yato and his band of misfits. In the previous season, there was very little team spirit between the main cast. The first arc was all about Yukine and there was a lot of disconnect between him, Yato and the rest of the world. The second arc, which was much shorter, had a very vague and all around detached plot about Yato's past which didn't really reveal too much and left some incredibly interesting characters hanging. On top of that, the first season portrayed Yukine as a whiny, hormonal b*tch and it rendered the rest of the anime very 'slice of lifey' which, for such a cool premise, didn't do it justice.

Noragami Aragoto fixes ALL OF THIS

Story -
As mentioned just then, Noragami Aragoto has a far superior plot to its predecessor. This is because it provides us with historical relevance, modern events, past problems and current solutions - It possesses everything you need for a decent story that fits in perfectly with the world that's been built around us.

The first arc is all about Bishamon and Yato. Something that has been brought up in the past but never really been indulged in, at least not further than a light scuffle. This arc is jam-packed full of action and could probably be named my favourite arc of all time. Besides the characters, which I will discuss later, the plot behind this arc demonstrates an extreme amount of competence towards the overarching story and most of all satisfies every loose end left over from the first season. It's overwhelmingly satisfying to watch because of its as if the creators knew exactly what they needed to improve on in order to provide the most intriguing, bad-ass and cohesive arc possible.

The second arc, while providing less Yato, is just as satisfying. Much like the first one, it serves to tie up loose ends, provide a satisfying climax and put as many characters as possible on the show. It also does well to give us a peek into the politics of the gods. I personally loved this because it showed us how even the gods are accountable for their actions and are therefore vulnerable to the nature and condemnation of hierarchies.

Overall, there is very little I could scrutinise Noragami Aragoto for when it comes to its plot. It maintained that sense of wonder from the first season while developing on that and eventually provided us with something that we couldn't have fathomed being any better.

Art and Sound -
The art is imaginative. From the design of the world to the depiction of the god's realm. As a side note, Bishamon's little corner of the world is depicted so well in this anime. It starts off as a paradise but slowly dissolves along with the story to the point where only chaos is left. Anyway, there are a few cut corners but overall, I was impressed by how fluid and colourful it was. Good job on that front.

Sound wise? Hang on... let me just listen to its intro again.....
F*ck yes.

On my review for the last season, I mentioned how I disliked the soundtrack (Except for the intro, that shit is my strawberry JAM). The same distaste for the music applies here (Except for blah blah blah) except I have to say I grew fond of it simply because of how well applied it was. Although I disliked it, I feel as if I've been conditioned into enjoying it simply because of all the bad ass moments that come with it. Had I enjoyed the sound track from the get-go, I think I would have scored this topic higher. however, I can't ignore my opinion in a subjective review, now, can I? That would just be pandering.

Character -
Bishamon is probably one of my favourite characters in all of Noragami... and no, its not because she has her tits hanging out half the time. It's actually because she has such as strong demeanour but behind closed doors, she is caring, guilty, sympathetic, vulnerable and, in some cases, impulsive. This is another reason that I loved the first arc, all of this behaviour comes flooding out as the true history between her and Yato is revealed and it makes her so much better than a typical 'strong woman with power' that you often see in anime, who end up having very little humanity.

So ya know, Bishamon, if you ever need a safe place from Tumblr or whatever, I'm a MAL comment away. Just saying. (No, I don't own a body pillow of Bishamon. Yes, this is a (bad) joke. Yes, I'm stable)

Of course, many of the other characters are worth your time. Yukine finally got out of his emo phase and Yato is less like Gintoki (branching out, good for him). Hiyori is still the same despite a few existential crisis'. Overall I would say that What you get from these characters is an amazing variety of comedy, seriousness, intelligence, ignorance and fun... always fun. They have developed a lot from the first season and continue to do some in some extreme ways despite the short amount of time they are given to do it in.

Enjoyment -
You're probably getting just as bored of reading this as I am tired of writing this. Horizon: Zero Dawn unlocked a few days ago and It just got around to downloading it so I've got to get on that before I pass out in this chair.
TLDR; I'll keep these next bits short.

Yes. I loved Noragami Aragoto, Don't believe me? Then you clearly weren't reading. Its ability to bring so much to the table and truly distinguish itself from its predecessor is incredible and makes it so satisfying to watch.

Conclusion -
In summary, everything that matters is amazing (to me). [[Editing Note: I have no f*cking idea what that was supposed to mean.]]
In summary, everything IN THIS SHOW is amazing (to me). I wholly recommend that you watch this season, even if you were ended up on the fence over the previous one, this is one of those few shows that rise above its first season and truly take you on a journey.
Please, If you're even partially into this kind of genre or any neighbouring genres then this will be worth your time. Probably.

(For real, though, the intro is so f*cking good. Everything from the music to the art is just incredible, Its the f*cking theme tune to my life... if only there were any interesting points in my life that could make for good intro scenes.... /cry)