After the slightly successful, often enjoyable first series, J.C Staff fires off with the continuation of Touma's dilemma within Academy City.
Story: 8/10 - The story that made the first series popular returns in its sequel. Here, the story kicks off with Touma attempting to finish his summer homework before the next day. Those who despised the slow pacing of its predecessor can rest easy - the series so far does a decent job of getting right into the action while reintroducing the familiar cast at the same time.
Art: 10/10 - I always loved Toaru's artstyle. But here, the character designs are more polished and proper, mixed with more than a fair share of loveable and humorous expressions.
Sound: 9/10 - Mami Kawada returns with her new single "No Buts!" as the opening. The song is very catchy and upbeat; a perfect blend of Techno and Pop. Maiko Iuchi of "I've Sound" is once again in charge of the series musical score, and DAMN, the music this time around is awesome and fitting at the same time. The ending theme "Magic∞World" by Maon Kurosaki is pretty cool too.
Character: 10/10 - The series has always been filled with loveable, colorful characters, and here is no different. New characters, bigger character development - what else can I say?!
Enjoyment: 8/10 - Despite the amusing, interesting (and at times, absolutely hilarious) interactions between characters, it still struggles with the long and boring speeches on magic (seriously!). However, the fight scenes and special effects are better than before.
It's obvious that J.C Staff invested a much, MUCH bigger budget on animation and special effects this time around. With a start-up more enjoyable than the first, and the Academy Sports Festival coming up, I rate this series 9/10... for now.
Why are you still reading?! Go watch some Index!!!!
