"Beastar"—a title awarded to beasts who prove their excellence through fighting inequality to unite carnivores and herbivores in an anthropomorphic animal society. Cherryton Academy has gone five years without one such leader. However, following the murder of an alpaca within the school boundaries, the growing tension between the different species poses a greater need for a Beastar to ensure peace and harmony.
When Louis, the prime candidate for this prestigious role, rejects the offer and leaves the academy, the student council declares to honor any student who captures the culprit of the aforementioned murder as Beastar. Meanwhile, Legoshi's sense of duty as a strong wolf who must protect the weak pushes him to investigate the incident. To further complicate his life, he struggles to manage his complex feelings for the white rabbit, Haru.
Beastars 2nd Season: Evolving Predators or Preys?
Our beloved story takes a compelling twist in the second season of Beastars, a treasured blend of animalistic instinct and humanistic imbroglio spun into a captivating narrative. We return to Cherryton Academy, a school intensely divided between carnivores and herbivores. The first season left us in a tense situation with the mysterious murder of Tem the alpaca while Legoshi, our gentle gray wolf, struggled to contain his instincts, entangled in a romantic conflict with a dwarf rabbit, Haru.
The second season leaps forward to reveal the freshly brewed tussles within the student body while shifting the narrative focus to illuminate the complexities outside the academy. Darkness lurks in the streets of the metropolis, hinting at a secretive trade targeting the otherworldly powers of carnivores. Multiple plot threads, loaded with heavy themes about societal division, identity struggle, and the inherent instincts of survival, connect this thrilling beastly chain.
Storyline and Narrative:
Right off the bat, the second season explores new, uncharted territories unseen in the initial installment. The unsettling underbelly of society, known as the Back-Alley Market, becomes a crucial entity tying the personal narratives of different characters, showcasing the intensity of systemic pressure and unwritten societal norms. A highlight is the metaphoric representation of ‘devouring’ that profoundly impacts the dynamic between predators and prey in a stunning visual spectacle.
Characters:
One can’t review Beastars without mentioning its beautiful character development, with the protagonists tested and going through significant transformation. Legoshi steps out of his introspective shell, reckoning with his predatory instincts. Concurrently, Louis, the red deer, treads to unprecedented extremes, showcasing a captivating trajectory from victim to perpetrator. New introductions like Pina, Riz, and notably the criminal organization “Shishigumi”, contribute to increased tension and intrigue.
Animation and Artwork:
Beastars’ animation remains strikingly aesthetic even in its second iteration. Studio Orange’s continued exploration of CGI serves the essence of the narrative with additional depth. Detailed character designs, expressive facial animations, and scene transitions maintain the professionality of this anime, capturing the mood of complex scenarios gracefully.
Sound
The soundtrack, with its jazzy undertones, harmonizes wonderfully with the plot while enhancing the subtext. Chikahiro Kobayashi and Sayaka Senbongi deliver exceptional voice performances, portraying their characters with emotional depth, emphasizing the complexities of their internal struggles.
Conclusion:
Beastars 2nd Season elevates the anime to an all-new level of narrative brilliancy, exploring taboo themes, broke racial barriers, and tested societal norms. The animation and sound quality remains top-notch, ensuring viewers a splendidly immersive experience. Whether you’re a returning fan or a newbie to the series, this season stands as a must-watch. As for where to get your hands on it, streaming would be the quickest bet, but for avid fans of the franchise, owning it physically could be a satisfying keepsake of this gem of an anime.
When you switch on that screen, every second is worth your time. Happy watching!
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