Goblin Slayer II

The first episode of Goblin Slayer season 1 is one of the most iconic episodes in anime history. An extremely traumatic experience for many that set the tone for one of the generation’s premiere dark fantasy stories. In the 7 years since that episode, we’ve waited patiently for more of the story(movie aside), and I’m personally really content with this second season. It’s not as edgy and gory as season 1, but still retains much of the same charm that made me fall in love with this series.

So right off the bat I’ll let you know that Goblin Slayer season 2 is quite different from ... the first. Whereas the first season had a clear narrative thanks to the wild first episode, that Goblins were evil and needed to be eradicated for the good of the world, season 2 kind of floats all over the place. It’s a lot more slice of life oriented, has more fan service and does a better job of showing the human side of Goblin Slayer. That’s not going to be for everyone, but I enjoyed it a lot more than season 1 actually. Yea, killing goblins is cool and all, but getting to know the side characters on a more intimate level has really taken my enjoyment of the series to the next level. I felt like after season 1, I still didn’t even know priestess and high elf archer were, now I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of what makes them tick as people.

Goblin Slayer himself feels more human and down to earth in this season too. We see a vulnerable side of him that makes him a more compelling character. There’s an arc in the beginning of the season with a new character, where we actually see the big guy breakdown and shed tears! I mean, for someone who seems so robotic and hell bent on a revenge mission, it can be easy to forget he’s a regular human fighting to protect those he cares about in a seemingly nevernding struggle.

For those who don’t know, the Goblin Slayer books are pretty episodic. There’s not a continuous overarching arc other than the theme of GS wanting to eliminate Goblins. The second season really reflects that with 4-5 major mini arcs over the course of the season. I enjoyed all of them, some more than others, but on the whole they were all pretty good. The action does feel a bit toned down compared to the first season, which I had a feeling would happen with the studio change, but it’s still pretty good as well.

Speaking of the new studio, on the whole I think they did a good job of replicating White Fox’s look and feel. Production quality is very solid, in fact I believe some of the old staff still worked on this so the transition wasn’t as jarring as it sometimes is.

The world of anime has changed a lot since the first season dropped. There’s more dark fantasy shows than ever now and so GS might not stand out as much as it once did to some people. The lack of an overarching story could also be a turn off for some. For me, I just love this world, I love GS as an MC and clearing out a Goblin hideout never gets old. I enjoyed this season and I’ll miss it a lot.

GS II gets 8, out of 10.

Decent art/animation -- not bad but nothing crazy.
Decent audio/sound quality -- good voice acting and sound effects; little to no soundtracks throughout the episodes; solid opening and ending songs.

It was nice getting to know new characters this season, but there wasn't a lot of development. I'm not attached to any one of these characters, which is a letdown for me. There also was little to no character development. In fact, my perception of Mr. Goblin Slayer has perhaps went down, just b/c of how stagnant he is. At least he knows what he wants and continues to chase that? (Slaying goblins)

Moreover, I actually really ... liked season 1 b/c of how intense and fast-paced it was. Season 2 was a lot slower, which again, is a bit of a letdown for me.

Overall, this was a fine sequel -- nothing crazy but not bad either. But I do think this deserves a watch if you're a Goblin Slayer fan. And the last episode actually sets up season 3 pretty well. (The not revealing of the face of two new characters.)

So after this season finale today I decided to write a review for this.

So season 1 I enjoyed it a fair bit enough to wanna watch season 2, but i'm giving this season a 4 overall because I felt like the whole show was watered down and kinda felt more like a "FeelsGoodMan" show. Season 1 left me with a gritty and realistic view on fighting goblins and stuff. Season 2 IN MY OPINION had a lot of filler and I kinda got bored and stopped watching for a few weeks then binged the rest of it. I understand seasons can't have the same kind ... of drama if that makes sense, but still I got rather bored with most of the episodes. There were maybe 2-4 I enjoyed and watched the whole way through. I understand the season was for growth for some of the characters, but we go from most of the characters were able to handle their cool in tough scenarios to freaking out and needing the Slayer to do the heavy lifting. I get that he's the main MC and needed the spotlight, but come on... I feel like growth isn't good in season 2 when you showed us how strong some of the supporting cast can be in season 1. I probably won't watch another season, if I do. Hopefully they find a way to take us back to what season 1 felt like.

Again, I understand that seasons and character growth is important, but season 1 felt good with how everything played out, then we got handed a watered down season. THAT IS MY OPINION.

Thanks for reading.