Let’s review about Noragami Aragoto [ノラガミ ARAGOTO] series, the 2nd series of Noragami [ノラガミ / Stray God]. The first and second season are the same, adapted from Adachitoka's works. At first, I didn’t think that nobody would be unsatisfied with this show since it’s such a goddamned good show for me. Further research lead me to a conclusion of their reason for loathing the show, that is, the sequel bringing up the same keynote as the first and the detail about characters wasn’t explained enough. Regardless of what they talked about this show, I still have my own opinions about it. So, here we go. |
The concept of the series is about Gods with duty to slay any dangerous Phantoms which harmed humans in the world. The Gods live in The Lower Realm/Far Shore will live as long as human's wishes wouldn't stop and keep remember them (like the human continuously go to shrine and pray there).
Yato, the main character here, once was a well-known God of Calamity in his era. His reputation nowadays was pathetic that he could disappear at any moment when nobody remembered about him. One day Yato met a fresh half-Phantom who changed his life. Crushed by a truck lead Iki Hiyori to enter another world, by changing form from human to half-Phantom. Often a series focusing on main characters only to represent what is it all about, and what I love about Noragami, that it was unlike those common series. These two main characters weren't enough to substitute minor characters. To be honest sometimes I thought some minor here also major characters by their influences toward the progress for both story and other character (especially for Yato and Hiyori). That was what I love the most how everything linked to each other, even minor characters have problems and this problem soothes the story. I was touched by the characters development, such a perpetual satisfaction every timeI continued to watch it. They went up-and-down, a drop-dead past stories, stunning reactions, shocking reasons, mixed up and create a masterwork.
Noragami Aragoto is continuing the story of its 1st season, Noragami. With the same major characters with additional minor characters, it really changes the show’s interest. The 1st season is focusing on Yato God’s past events and his relation to his new Regalia to make future steps for both of them. As starter, they work together―as a delivery God service, like being a freelancer for doing simple, or should I say, silly jobs. Later, as God and its Shinki (weapon), they begin to change the way they live and support each other (this is where the chars develop). In the end of the 1st season, they head for a fight with the one who hates Yato so much and wants to annihilate him. This enemy gives slight information about Yato's past.
The story continues to 2nd season. After beating down the previous man who hates him, Yato finds out himself to be trapped in God of War’s, named Bishamon, observation. He is being haunted by Bishamon’s existence, trying hard to hide his existence from Bishamon’s sight. Starting by her hatred to Yato (due to their past), Bishamon tries to haunt Yato. The reason why she haunts him and complicated mixture of feelings here make the story goes even fantastic with a lot of truth revealed and emotions entangling. It’s revealed about Bishamon’s perspective on Yato, Kazuma’s role as Bishamon Regalia, the identities of several minor characters (Kuguha the herb expert, Norry or Nora-chan the Nora), and relation between Yato and other characters. Comprehensively belongs to a single entity, amazing storyline.
The summary of this show actually stated in the paragraph above. The character designs are remarkable. The character designs confirmed doing a good job which makes a good portion for great anime visualization here. They’re remarkable enough without being too flashy nor dull. The background is so much appealing that makes the battle feels intense with emotions and superb graphic (no wonder it’s Studio Bones). It’s enhanced by great well-experienced voice actor/esses to deal with mixture of feelings. The details aren’t drop even if it is not a battle scene time. You can feel how fancy and dramatic it is when it's involved thorough conversations.
What I have to underline here is the storyline and characters development. The 2nd season digs deeper for the characters expansion. More characters involved to reveal the truth of several things, and also more characters involved to save the world (since there is a devil antagonist harms not only God, but also mankind).
[somewhat spoiler] With just two major cases, first case focusing on Bishamon’s issue in her residence which involves her clan (Regalia) and broaden up to Heaven scale problematic event that involves relation amongst Yato, Hiyori, and Yukine at most (this case also belongs to Yato’s past related to his identity and family). It really stirs up emotion. Of course with few cases, there are enough fight scenes to enjoy. Apart from the fight and issues, the show puts in the characters’ dilemma which is the best thing I fond of from this anime. It isn’t like up to two or three major characters’ development, but it feels like the entire universe (means Heaven folks) gets its part to make it a blast.
Make sure you are not up to other activities while watching this. Pay attention to conflict between Yato & Bishamon, Noragami series has lots of scenes that makes it one of tear-jerking anime for me, such as Bishamon’s tear-stained face, Bishamon’s and Kazuma’s moments, pitiful past of Yato.
"Kyouran Hey Kids!! (狂乱Hey Kids!!)" by THE ORAL CIGARETTES is the OP for 2nd season. It has aggressive beats better than the first season. It's the best OP in the season for me, far ahead from others. The ED theme song gives same vibe like the 1st season (no offense here). “Nirvana (ニルバナ)" by Tia as the ED theme song gives a strong impression with its lyric meaning and visualization. Both of these theme songs are remarkable and still in my playlist nowadays.
As far as I caught from the storyline, the series value inter-connectedness and trust with each other. We need to fight for what we believe in, respect friendship, survival, as well as pain of being forgotten and rejection from others. Great combination of supernatural, action, comedy, and slight of romance in shounen series. It got its best from the whole plot, about existence, friendship, approval, psychologically tough to overcome hardships, and comedy! Its comedy tied me up to this show. It wasn't parody but hilarious comedy. I give 9+ rate with full consideration.
Pros:
- Personally, I really like Bishamon. In this season, Bishamon feels like the real MVP with her speech and action there. One of the best part.
- Since development of characters here concerns to large scale of characters, you won’t find it boring. You won’t find it confusing either, because every character gets right amount of portion to fill the roles.
- Theme songs.
Cons:
- 3rd Season, uh?
**FYI, there are so many Gods here but only few of these Gods related to the main events. The other Gods lend a hand to pass any information or make the story goes smoother and exciting. Regalia: God’s right hand, takes a form like human in normal situation but changes into certain weapon or tool when called by its master (God). Nora: Regalia who obeys and under name or blessing of few Gods. Nora is fearsome because they are like double-edged sword for Gods they serve. "Regalias are former humans. Though without flesh, their spirits remain. Fear, suspicion, envy, negativity... They harbor many such feelings. The pain of a Regalia with a clouded mind is also borne by its master." Bishamon #1st_ep [somewhat spoiler] "Yato God. I always, always hated you. I loathed you and myself, for having you save me. But, you weren't the one who let the Ma and Ha clans die. I actually knew all along. It was all my fault... Yato God! Hating you was the only way I could move forward! And yet... You've saved me twice now!", Bishamon to Yato. | "Your wish... has been heard loud and clear!" –Yato "He's a God of Calamity. I cannot let him live." Bishamon ×『9.』× 【増原 紀花】 |