*might contain some minor spoilers*
Bonjour, people!
It's been a year and a few months since I last saw the T&B franchise and I must say, wow, it's like 11 years have not passed since the last season. The animation and designs stay almost the same, with only a few character changes. Just like the last season, there's comedy in between serious situations (but it's really well done).
But we're not here to reminisce about the familiarity of the anime. Let's talk about the new stuff.
Plot/Story (8/10):
After the last incident, heroes now work in pairs (I forgot why; Agnes tells why in either ep1 or ep2). In later episodes, NEXT villains have declared war against NEXT heroes. Ourobouros is involved, yet again.
The first few episodes of the anime are like a repetition of its predecessor. The first few episodes show the relationships between the NEXT hero duos, or "hero buddies", whereas in every episode Barnaby and Kotetsu help others have a better partnership with each other, since the two of them are the veteran "hero buddies" or duo.
After episode 8, things start to take a darker turn, and the plot moves. I won't spoil but it does. Stakes are high and it's frighteningly scary for every duo. I don't know if I'm satisfied or what with the end, but I'm sure looking forward to the other half of the anime.
Sound/Music (9/10):
It's kinda nostalgic, idk but it is.
The opening is by Unison Square Garden, who also sang the anime's first opening in s1. It's really good (it's a bop!)! I'm not that fond of the ED, but probably because it's not my type of music, but it's not bad.
The voice acting is also really good! Many VAs voiced their characters yet again, making it more nostalgic for viewers. So yeah, in terms of VA, nothing much has changed. Emotions can also be heard through their voices, which explains a lot.
I can say nothing bad about the sounds in the background; it's always on time. Whatever is playing on the back emphasizes the current event in front of you, so no complaints.
Characters (9/10):
I think this is where T&B shines most.
I might sound exaggerating when I say I love every character, but I do. They're really fleshed out and are not at all perfect. I love how every new character's backstory was told in a way that we, the viewers can understand without taking a whole episode for it. I also love how their backstory reflects why and how they act the way they do (Ryan, Subaru, and Thomas, for example; you'll see what I mean when you've viewed the anime). The old characters are just like what they are in the past anime, so if you liked them, you'll also like them here.
Personally, I still like Barnaby and Kotetsu the best. Probably because they're the duo with the longest history (and best chemistry within the Stern Build NEXT hero buddy system). I'd say I really love Blue Rose and Ryan's partnership as well, but nothing tops T&B. Like, the respect and trust for each other; no other duo has both. Either it's only respect, trust, or nothing at all. You can see in each episode how much trust and respect the two have for each other, so yeah.
Okay, but after watching the last episode, it feels like each duo is heading towards the path Kotetsu and Barnaby once took, and yes, to a better partnership. Istg nothing beats the last episode (ep13).
Art (8/10):
Still the same as 11 years ago. Still the same as the previous movies. It's like the anime was produced after a year of s1's release, lol. It's still pretty, though. There are little to no inconsistencies in between scenes too! :'))
Overall enjoyment?? 10/10
To be honest, I was afraid that things might change because of the many changes in personnel, but it seems like there's nothing to worry about! I still absolutely adore the anime, the characters, and the music! I'd say a decade of wait was too long, but it was worth the wait.
