Review of Mob Psycho 100 II
Expectations and prerequisites matter, thats what I learnt after finishing Mob Psycho 1 and 2. To preface, I heard of Mob psycho a lot in the community and was looking forward to watching it. Everyone I saw discuss it stated that s2 was better s1, like a lot better. However in the end, I believe this expectation I went into the series with hurt my opinion and kind of invalidated it. I don't feel good making this review and I want to re-watch the show eventually and give it another shot. On to the actual review. I will be comparing S2 to S1 here The story was verymediocre, especially in the latter half of the 12 episode season. Events that unfolded didn't feel impactful as Mob, our main character, isn't there for a majority of the time. This wouldn't be a bad thing if the other characters were interesting to watch as well. Individually they are great and when they are just talking its fun to see their dynamics. But when shit hits the fan, it doesn't really feel like shit is actually hitting the fucking fan even though shit is definitely hitting the fucking fan. Gonna be honest for one of the arcs I was half asleep not because it was boring but because it was like 3am I should have gone to bed. I wont comment on it here but it was from episode 4 to 6 I think.
The art and animation are gorgeous as always but I think they used it a bit too much and too often. Fights in S1, especially when Mob hits 100%, Ooh its bouta get real. But expectedly, as he gets stronger he is gonna have to fight stronger opponents more frequently. This lead to each fight having less impact, namely the last fight which was awesome, but was mediocre compared to the finale of S1 in my eyes, although this wasn't the animations fault which was better in S2. All in all nothing to complain here, I loved the art style in S1 and its even better here.
Sound is not something I'm too familiar with but it was good, accompanied the art well.
More characters develop way more in s2, but something about the themes portrayed through our 4 psychics (including Reigen) in s1 will always have a special place in my heart. Obviously Mob and Reigen are awesome and go thorough an amazing arc but they do drop a few characters to accomodate for the larger cast. It honestly felt more like an Avengers movie than an Action shounen. Wow that is a great analogy i just came up with good job me.
The story didn't feel like it complimented the characters well and characters I loved suddenly were completely out of the picture. Again, I do feel obligated to rewatch the series to fully grasp the themes and messages, as well as appreciate the animation fully. Watching s2 right after s1 blew me away just didn't surprise me. I firmly agree with anyone who might rate this season higher as a 8 or 9 but I can't lie to myself. This is because like I said, I think my expectations that s1 was was worse and s2 was going to be better ruined it for me, it was my fault though. S1 surprised me a ton so my expectations for S2 were way too high. I kept waiting for some mega epic twist or revelation or development, without paying attention to what was in front of me.
So, if you do plan on watching this show, which I do reccommend, maybe wait a few days to rid yourself of any major expectations and go in looking for a good time, with an open mind.