Noragami Aragoto is a huge step up from its predecessor. I had my fair share of issues with the first season, mainly relegated to flat characters and slight lack of development and intrigue. Above all else, Noragami Aragoto has established an identity with better writing in general, greater organization, and a more refined sense of self. The change in quality is immediately evident within the first three episodes, and the entirety of the first half of the show is an impeccably strong showing in comparison to the first season of Noragami. If you are on the fence as to whether Noragami Aragoto is worth the watch (be it that you were not pleased with the first season or not sure if the second season is a great enough pay-off to watch the first), I would definitely recommend the watch for the first seven episodes alone. The well-constructed first half certainly does overshadow the weaker second half, but the second half still grabbed my interest.
Noragami Aragoto is split into two arcs. Both of which focus on the idea of being forgotten, and the central message of not letting your past define you shines through with this season. As with the last season, Phantoms are at large, but corruption in the heavens and the controlling of such Phantoms have become a larger issue than the Phantoms themselves. This season focuses a lot more on characters and the conflicts between them, which is a welcome improvement.
While I still retained my qualms with Yukine, who feels almost like a cut-out character, he actually grew on me a bit even within the first two episodes. I absolutely loved the episode with Suzuha (Yukine's friend, the boy who cared for the tree), as it brought to light Yukine's growth as a character. I think the reason why I can accept Yukine's character growth as opposed to in the first season is that growth is reasonable with time, and it feels as though some time passed between the first and second season. This growth is in direct opposition to his prior immediate and awkward forced character development from the first season.
I loved Yato's character in the first season and I love it again here. His multi-faceted personality allows him to provide both humor and austerity which I felt necessary to the show. Yato brought both comedic relief and chills; truly a rounded character. This time, though, Yato was not the only character to shine nor the lone carrier of the show. Bishamon and her team of Regalia alongside Kugaha really gripped me. For once, it felt like characters had reasoning behind their unwavering drive. Bishamon's intent was thoroughly explained with great pacing. Whereas the enemies throughout the first season of Noragami felt as if their only trait was 'evil,' Kugaha, the villain of the first arc, is cunning and actually has a goal. Kugaha is smart and employs strategy instead of brute force.
While not all characters were well written nor fleshed out, those who were really impressed me. The one character who annoyed me most in the previous season grew on me, and that was certainly part of why I enjoyed this season more than the last. Again, above all else, the portion of the anime which stood out the most was the phenomenal soundtrack. The OP is super catchy and every track fits well with what is presented.
I enjoyed this season a lot more than the first. The weaker second half did damper my score, but it is certainly a daunting task to follow the phenomenal Bishamon arc. The last few seconds of Noragami Aragoto allow some hope that there will be a new season eventually, and I'll definitely be there to watch it.
