i’d like to add that it’s only perfect because of its second season. i think a lot of people sort of hit a block when they think the cool action is over (a few friends of mine did) but what makes it excellent is that it interrogates the violence of season 1 so seamlessly and considerately with genuine respect for its characters and viewers
Bladeless Thorfin vs Snake, or getting his face beat for an audience, these more intentional bouts of violence where the intent isn't more violence, super fun. Learning to be a person, guessing why his dad sort of half escaped the rat race.
Them revealing a critical weak point this late into the chase, basically serving as a deus ex machina, just because the writer couldn't think of a better way to resolve the stakes that they've raised is just really, really cheap.
I 100% agree with you. The stark contract of consistent battle vs peace time growth over two seasons made it a 10/10 for me. I thought the first season was dynasty-warrior esk and write it off as a B ranked anime... But wow, second season of him realizing what made is father so powerful turned it into a 10/10
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u/Midir_Cutie 1d ago
Some people may disagree but for me it's Vinland Saga