STORY: (10/10) This is an episodic series and is pretty much in the same format as the previous season. I'm a lot older and wiser then I was when I first saw Mushishi I think around 2007, most of the stories of Mushishi I believe are more metaphors about people dealing with their own lives, take for example the third episode known as Beneath the Snow it's about a boy who is insensitive to cold and warmth is painful for him, I see this as a metaphor for people who are closed off from humanity or are depressed. Most of these stories are all revolving around philosophy and Mushishi: The Next Chapter brilliantly incorporates the philosophy into it's stories.
ART: (10/10) Mushishi and it's sequel are in a very elite group when it comes to the quality of it's art-work, quite simply it's absolutely beautiful and stunning, the episodes change locals and change the color schemes. The lighting effects are a feast for the eyes, the only knock as has been pointed out has been at times most of the characters look exactly the same, I think it's been somewhat eliminated this time around.
CHARACTER: (10/10) There is only one character in the Mushishi universe that is in every episode and that is Ginko, the Mushishi. I think Ginko is a very interesting main character, he's kind of more of an observer, the brilliance is that each episode introduces new characters and you get so invested in these characters story that you over the course of only 20 minutes emotionally connect with them. it's truly remarkable and I cannot think any other show that manages to introduce characters so quickly, make you connect with them emotionally and put closure to their story in such a short amount of time.
SOUND: (10/10) Toshio Masuda returns to score the 2nd season of this show, he also is known for scoring Naruto, and despite the knocks that show has gotten, Naruto always had terrific music. Here again Masuda incorporates a very nature-like and earthly score. Most of it relies on traditional japanese instruments. Masuda's score is so beautiful and relaxing I could even recommend it to people who are having trouble sleeping. I should also mention the 2nd season's theme song by Lucy Rose entitled Shiver", I think this song is even better then the first season, it plays over gorgeous live action visuals, she has an beautiful voice and the song fits in very well with the mood of the show.
ENJOYMENT: (10/10) In an anime world like today, there comes a time where every season you get maybe one or two truly amazing shows. Very, very rarely do shows come around that are masterpieces. This is one of them, it has things in it that many people can relate to and has universal themes. The characters feel real they don't feel like tropes or stereotypes, they are all real people.
OVERALL: (10/10) The previous season is in my opinion the greatest anime ever made, this show is pretty much a continuation on that, I had the pleasure seven years ago watching the english language premiere of the first season at Anime Expo, it was an amazing experience and I had the pleasure of meeting the director this anime Hiroshi Nagahama, he was an absolute gentlemen and it's clear he absolutely cared about making this masterpiece.
HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
