While K's story is not bad, it's a lot of the same stuff we've seen before with a different flavor. We've got some conflicting factions of superpowered individuals based solely in Japan fighting over basically nothing other than the right to exist independently of the other clans. The first season was rife with flashbacks and infodumping in order to catch viewers up with the setting, which put a lot of people off as the plot was rather simple for the amount of info being introduced. Here in season two there is significantly less of that, with most infodumping contained to introducing us to the major antagonistic force of the series. All in all, Return of Kings is a continuation of the same enjoyable plot we experienced in the first two entries into the series, but again, nothing new or groundbreaking.
Art: 10/10
If you're watching K, chances are you're here because of the soundtrack or the art style. This series is absolutely gorgeous. The backgrounds are sharp and breathtaking. The cityscapes are vast and alive. The colors are rich and rife with symbolism and suggestion, given how important colors are to the setting and the plot. Even the side characters have enough detail to be the main characters of other anime. No expense was spared on the art here, and it shows. If there is one place K shines, this is it. Just watch the first few minutes of any episode and you'll see what everyone is talking about.
Sound: 9/10
While not as overwhelmingly fantastic as the art style, K's soundtrack is a force to be reckoned with. Among the more notable tracks are Suoh Mikoto's theme, (which is what season one opened with) Kuro Yatagami's theme, which often punctuates his fight sequences or conflict scenes; and Shiro's theme, with its beautiful use of piano to convey a sense of regality accented with gentle demeanor. Every entry into the soundtrack is uniquely charming and carries with it a sense of purpose and vivid imagery.
Character: 8/10
The characters weigh in just slightly higher than the story. While not nearly as noteworthy as the art or the soundtrack, the cast is diverse and interesting. Our side characters from the first season have moved into the foreground; Mr. Kusanagi has taken a much more active role in HOMRA's activities compared to his leisurely bartending and occasional participation from season one. Fushimi and Yata continue to be at ends with each other, though the events of the movie have brought them closer and more vulnerable to each other than we're used to seeing them. The boys at SCEPTRE 4 are getting a bit more screentime and exploration this season, in response to how well we know HOMRA from season one (and the manga, if you read Memories of Red).
Enjoyment: 9/10
If you take K as it is and experience it in the moment, it is a feast for the senses. The action scenes are beautifully choreographed and intricate without confusing the viewer with unnecessary camera shifts and forced perspective. Every single location is eyecandy with beautiful backgrounds and masterful use of color to draw the eyes to important details. The soundtrack is a labor of love and every piece invokes complex feelings and vivid imagery. K doesn't have the most amazing, unique, or suspenseful story out of anything you've ever watched, and you probably aren't going to be too impressed with the plot or the characters save for a few shining exceptions sprinkled here and there, but if you're capable of sitting back and letting your eyes and ears be taken on a sensory adventure, you absolutely will not be disappointed.
Overall: 9/10
K is an interesting experience in my list. Other anime that make it into my 9's do so with masterful storytelling and intricate characters. Return of Kings makes it into the list by the good graces of its breathtaking visuals and commanding soundtrack. The imagery is sharp, detailed, and complex. The soundtrack is evocative and an absolute delight. Return of Kings slides in to the top of my list unapologetically, recognizing its faults but not being afraid to capitalize on its merits. It's a continuation of everything we loved about the first season (well, ALMOST everything) but done better, and with more style. Treat yourself: check this out as soon as you can.
