Immediately following the events of Season 1, Attack On Titan Season 2 follows the Survey Corps as they try to answer the terrifying question of why there is a titan embedded inside the wall, and the origin of titans on the attack inside Wall Rose. At the same time, a never before seen abnormal titan, the Beast Titan, appears. New mysteries need to be answered, and new threats overcome, how will the brave soldiers of the Survey Corps fare?
Attack on Titan Season 2 Review
The story and narrative of Attack On Titan Season 2 is equally as compelling as Season 1; it so unique, exciting, and filled with mystery that it keeps the viewer constantly engaged. Every episode has plenty of action, and most characters are given their time to shine in scout-on-titan fight sequences. However, some characters definitely take a backseat this time around which may disappoint some fans. Most notably affected are Captain Levi, whom barely appears at all except from the occasional scene, and Sasha, whom in fairness takes centre stage for most of the season’s second episode, but which is also possibly the weakest of the season.
Given the success of the manga and anime, it is disappointing that Season 2 only features 12 episodes, less than half that of season one. Consequently, the season feels a little rushed towards the end when answers to some questions that have arisen are brief and incomplete. Some of these answers are obvious to the viewer from the outset and it is a source of frustration that the characters do not identify the answers sooner, only to highlight them finally at the end. Although the season does feel like it ends at a suitable time, one can’t help but feel like at least one or two more episodes should have been included to reach its conclusion. One thing is clear, Attack On Titan is a series that is definitely intent on slowly drip feeding the answers that viewer’s crave.
Visually, the season is stunning, many scenes are truly a work of art that add a beautiful and often grotesque dimension to the show. Furthermore, if Attack On Titan was live action, it would surely be winning cinematography awards for its action sequences. Episode 7 of the season, ‘Close Combat’ (Da Tou Kyou in Japanese), is particularly noteworthy for its action; it is the stand-out episode of the season.
Watching Season 2 on home entertainment release was the first time I had personally watched the series English dubbed, having previously watched Season 1 on Netflix with the original Japanese voice acting. Whilst this was quite different and felt odd at first, the western voice acting is done brilliantly, especially by Bryce Papenbrook as Eren. The inclusion on the disc also makes the series more accessible to those with an aversion to reading. Many will want to stick with the Japanese voice acting, which is still available and excellent, but switching to the English dubbed version will not lose anything for Western audiences.
Also released alongside Season 2 on home entertainment, is the a stripped-down version encapsulated into a single film, Attack on Titan: The Roar of Awakening (released in select cinemas from 21st February). At 2 hours in length, it is around half the run time of the complete season which means that it is highly streamlined and loses a lot of scenes. This might be beneficial for those who don’t have the time to commit to a full season of episodes, but true fans should stick with the episodic release.
Compelling, visually impressive, and terrifying, Attack on Titan Season 2 is a fantastic continuation of the anime, even if it is a little rushed in places and ends far too quickly. Season 3 can’t come fast enough.
Attack on Titan Season Two is available to own on DVD and Blu-ray from Monday 26th February 2018.
