Over the history of anime, we have seen how some series manage to captivate more in their second season, while others seem to lose the shine that characterized them at the beginning. It is a recurring conversation among fans to ask “Is the second season of an anime better than the first?“. Fortunately, in a popular Japanese forum this topic was brought up, and a wide variety of opinions from fans of otaku culture could be appreciated.
Anime that shined (or not) in their second installment
In the first instance they mention the anime Gravion as an example, a series that generated divided opinions. Some fans feel that the first season failed to captivate as expected, making the second season perceived as having a stronger narrative and more developed characters. This perspective opens the debate as to whether a “looser” start may favor expectations for subsequent seasons.
On the other hand, Jashin-chan and Minami-ke have been able to maintain consistency in their storytelling and it is evidence of the balance that a series must have so that, regardless of the season, it manages to keep its audience hooked and reap even more popularity. Although the aforementioned raises the following question: Is it really necessary for a second season to surpass the first one, or is it enough to keep its essence?
World Trigger is another fascinating case in point, as the series has found a fan base that feels the story took off stronger in its second season and the plot proved to be to the liking of many, offering battles and drama that exceeded expectations.
On the other hand, Mushoku Tensei generated debates on the internet, although it is an anime that managed to capture attention from the beginning, the second season brought criticism about the behavior and development of Rudeus. Despite this, it cannot be denied that the adventures and situations he faced during his travels provided moments of high narrative quality.
The Quintessential Quintuplets has earned a special place in the hearts of fans. The wait and speculation as to who will be the true heroine of the story has kept fans on edge, and many hope that future seasons will provide the longed-for answers.
Other anime, such as Spy Classroom and Vinland Saga, have their own charms and challenges. Specifically, the farm arc in Vinland Saga is evidence of how an anime can take narrative risks, showing a different side of its characters, even if it is not always to the general liking.
Adaptations of original work: manga, light novels and other sources.
It is important to note that anime adaptations of manga and light novels often face significant challenges in dealing with second seasons, and the revelation of plot twists can cause continuations to lose impact. However, this does not detract from the fact that some adaptations manage to overcome these barriers and deliver memorable sequels.
The evaluation of a second season of anime is better or worse than the first is subjective and varies according to the preferences of each viewer. What is indisputable is that anime, in its many forms and genres, will continue to generate debates, emotions and unforgettable moments for all its fans.