shakugan no shana ii review

Right now, I don’t know where I’ll turn to soothe my need for Shana’s alluring loli-moé appeal. The final episode still manages to keep numerous questions regarding the series in the air while retaining the atmosphere of a final Shana episode, but I assume it does so in order to bring an end to the season by paving the way for a potential follow-up (forget about the light novel/manga as it’s irrelevant in this case; the anime is a show in itself). On that subject, should a third season be made ascertain then I’ll definitely be checking it out; however, I’m not expecting one anytime within the next year or two as we’re currently lacking in content to cover.

Art du sabre by Ootani Kou

Season two was definitely an anime that made my impressions fluctuate repeatedly with its ever-alternating sense of pacing. From episode one, we’re immediately thrown into the fray with an encounter with what appears to be a Tomogara from the PS2 game, but after that the character development kicks in, and while some of it is necessary, the remaining does adversely detract from the series’s tempo. In that respect, many were fillers which served to only insinuate facts that were previously established and/or set in stone (I mean… Ike and Kazumi), or to provide some slice-of-life moments courtesy of our favourite Flame Hazes; it wasn’t until about halfway that the plot was set into motion. And on that subject, I’ve noticed that I’ve had difficulty describing the series to people in as few words as possible; the premise is simple enough, but I can’t shake the feeling that that alone is doing the series an injustice.

Shakugan no Shana - given that it’s aimed at the seinen demographic - is something I found to be unlike many other action/fantasy/romance-related works. It’s something that utilises an abundance of series-specific concepts to help accelerate the engaging plot, and rightfully as such, it does sit on the fairly technical side; every ordeal appears to introduce a flurry of terminologies, even if they are just fanciful titles given to the show’s considerably large cast (don’t be over-analytical as they’re just names after all). In either case, that in itself would probably be one of the more appealing elements that kept me hooked on the show (though honestly speaking, I just love Shana so I’m anything but impartial).

Shakugan no Shana is really one of those special series that many may find to either be a hit-or-miss because of its anomalistic nature regarding the genre, so it may drive those away who were looking for an action-packed episode every time. The primary story focuses on the few subliminal themes which explore the perspective of somebody who was taught only how to fight, which resulted in being initially indifferent towards life, and even more so unable to provide explanations for feelings of romantic affection; with her journey down the more humane path, I believe Shana’s character has developed significantly within the span of these two seasons. As for Yuuji? He was suddenly thrust at with a world unknown to him the entire time, and as he begins to acknowledge the realities and the potential dangers associated with them, a determination is forged from his wishes and desires.

With all that’s done and said, I honestly enjoyed season two and I’m satisfied. Why? Because I’m expecting a third season. I’ve been reading some of the user feedback, and sure, certain aspects could have seen improvements, and there are no doubt many who have qualms about the presence of flaws regarding the series’s propriety and subsequently abrupt ending, but it happened for good reason! Know that there’s still a good amount of content to be covered and that J.C. Staff could’ve just opted to rewrite the entire story ending with the destruction of all the baddies, but they didn’t, and now it’d be a mistake to leave season three out (from your friendly optimist Espybuns); in other words, it’s not over yet. I’m overlooking any flaws because of those particularly epic scenes like episode 21’s fight against Sabrac, or even 22 when Shana asked Kazumi how to make babies. In the end, watch it for what it is and don’t let those who are fussed about picking out inconsistencies with the novel deduct from your enjoyment. I’m expecting a season three because of the way the series set itself up, so the final episode was merely a break.

To conclude this, Shana is not a series for everyone and I really cannot stress this enough. Personally I love it, but this is the type of anime that will always spawn mixed opinions. Here’s to waiting for the Snake of the Festival!

~ by Espydon on 1 April, 2008.