After the hell that was Will+Dress, I had much apprehension to the next stage in Vanguard. However, quickly, Cardfight Vanguard DivineZ proved itself to be a competent show from the get go. Humor on point, and while advertising dodgy starter product(you should just buy Overdress decks 1-6, Stardust Blade, or anything that actually treats you like an intelligent human being), the character writing was great too. Vanguard/Stay Night, a battle royale for a wish. What a novel concept. Akina Myodo, a boy with a simple wish to cure his little sisters sickness, enters the world of Vanguard after a card falls from the sky, Vanguard issisters favorite game after all. And the little plush guy Gabwellius says so, the Fated Clash begins!

While Overdress began with a world of varied walks of life in its setting. DivineZ instead builds that up through its Fated Clash competitors, after all, it may be a fight for a wish, but no one is at risk..........right?

And the first reason I ask that is because unfortunately it seems like the writers weren't sure at first either, as they just write out Akina's first opponent for a couple eps after his victory even though that makes no sense from a character dynamic standpoint, and so Akina basically "starts fresh" when he meets his second opponent.

However the second reason is indeed because someone doesn't want him to fight, a strange masked entity.

But regardless, second opponent onwards its community building with all the wish seekers, as the card that collects each cards power triggers the wish, and its very fun to see this makeshift group form. After all, its just a game.

Another great surprise of DivineZ is the salvaging of Willdress characters. It was a genuine surprise to see Taizo come back as a main cast member, what a promotion from side character. Though deserved considering his voice actor was a former protagonist.

Animation wise the battle sakuga is kind of toned down, I cannot tell you any memorable cuts from the top of my head. I guess the main attraction is the Divine skill pose the players do to activate their Noble Phan-Divine Skill. Once per game moves are always cool.

Of course I wouldn't spoil how DivineZ's Fated Clash ends, its worth experiencing the miracle with your own eyes. It feels crazy to finally get a no strings attached good season that also the FIRST season to a new era. Surely DivineZ 2 won't fail us