The Epic Journey Continues: Unveiling the Thrills and Surprises of Edens Zero Season 2

Highlights

Edens Zero's second season has solidified Shiki's unprecedented power, introducing new abilities and raising the power-scaling ceiling.

In season 2, the show delves into darker themes, delving deep into the depravity of humanity, creating a more somber and despair-filled atmosphere.

Introducing new allies and expanding the character roster, season 2 welcomes Kleene, Laguna, and Jinn to the main cast. Each character brings with them a captivating backstory.

Hiro Mashima, known for his adventure-filled fantasy anime, has recently released his latest work, Edens Zero, which has taken the Spring 2023 anime line-up by storm. The success of the first season has led to the confirmation of a second season for 2023, indicating the growing popularity of Edens Zero within the anime community. Mashima's talent for creating unique fantasy worlds is evident in his previous works, further solidifying his expertise.

With Edens Zero, Mashima has ventured into the realm of space operas while still incorporating the essence of adventure. The combination of magical powers and a symbiotic relationship with androids brings a fresh and captivating narrative that never fails to captivate audiences. Season 2 delves deeper into this premise, presenting a darker storyline. These new developments have propelled the series' popularity and set it apart from its lighthearted predecessors.

An Entirely New Power Ceiling

Season 1 already established Shiki's unmatched power and his potential to become the next Demon King. However, in Edens Zero's second season, his strength has surpassed all expectations. With the addition of Overdrive and new Gravity Ether Gear abilities, the series has reached new heights in terms of power.

The beginning of the season primarily focused on Drakken Joe and his control over the criminal underworld of the Sakura Cosmos. From the start, his immense power posed a significant threat, causing many to doubt Shiki and his crew's ability to defeat him. Against all odds, Shiki emerged victorious and solidified his position as the true Demon King. It is worth noting that defeating a member of the formidable Oracion Seis Galactica, such as Drakken Joe, is a remarkable feat, considering his equal standing with other Galactica members like Poseidon Nero and Elsie Crimson.

A Shift Towards Grim Undertones

Shiki's rapid escalation in power poses a potential issue as he transitions from being on par with Jinn to triumphing over a member of the Oracion Seis Galactica in just one season. Moreover, this raises the notion that Nero and Elsie possess god-like abilities, as they are speculated to far surpass Drakken Joe's power levels. Edens Zero runs the risk of succumbing to power-creeping, and it is crucial for Mashima to address this challenge in future seasons.

In a departure from its more lighthearted predecessors, Edens Zero approaches its narrative with a somber tone, evident in the grim and despairing undertones it presents. The series leaves no stone unturned in providing viewers with a harrowing experience, from Shiki's tragic demise in World 29 to Rebecca's deteriorating body on Foresta.

The darkness that has enveloped the series since season 1, particularly with the tragic past of Hermit and the heinous acts committed by Kurenai Kogetsu, is taken to even greater depths in Season 2. In this season, the true depths of mankind's depravity are laid bare, as we witness the experimental crimes of Dr. Muller, the murderous antics of Drakken Joe, and the android genocide orders issued by Shura. These are just a glimpse of the twisted and sinister events that define season 2.

New Allies Aboard the Edens Zero

Compared to the first season, there has been a significant increase in the introduction of fresh faces to the lineup of characters in Edens Zero. The ongoing theme of redemption is evident as exemplified by the inclusion of Kleene and Laguna from the Element 4, as well as the mercenary Jinn. Despite their initial roles as henchmen for Drakken Joe and affiliation with his syndicate, these three individuals have gradually become integral members of the show's primary cast.

However, these three characters are not just incidental side-characters as their backstories have been highlighted multiple times, especially the traumatic past of Jinn and Kleene. The brother-sister pair initially stayed on the ship only to seek treatment from Sister, but they ended up staying long after Kleene had fully recovered.

On the other hand, Laguna stayed on board under the false pretext of seeking a new home within the Aoi Cosmos. However, his true intention was later revealed, revealing his goal of finding a group capable of overthrowing Poseidon Nero's empire. With their profound goals and well-developed backgrounds, these three characters are destined to become permanent members of Edens Zero's ever-expanding crew.

The Ever-Expanding World of Edens Zero

Edens Zero’s worldbuilding in season 2 takes it to another level, introducing a multitude of new planets and an entire new cosmos. From the sandy landscapes of Planet Sandra to the lush environment of Planet Foresta, fans are treated to a variety of distinct atmospheres and topographies within the Aoi Cosmos.

In the realm of adventure anime, worldbuilding is essential, yet Mashima's previous works often overlooked this aspect. However, the author has taken great care to delve into the worldbuilding of Edens Zero, providing fans with a truly immersive journey as the crew explores each new planet.

Season 2’s Fan Reception

Season 2 of Edens Zero has garnered a significantly positive response compared to its previous run. While it may be too early to accurately gauge fan reception, it does offer some insight into the current fanbase's opinions. The series' rating on MyAnimeList has slightly improved, moving up from 7.30 to 7.44.

In contrast, IMDb's rating paints a highly promising picture for the series. The entire season has maintained an average rating above 9.0/10, a notable increase from the previous season's average of around 8.0/10. The high acclaim of Season 2 can be attributed to its fast-paced and action-packed story arcs. Additionally, the season has focused heavily on character growth and development, adding depth to the characters. Overall, Edens Zero has garnered a strong presence in the anime community, suggesting the possibility of a Season 3 in the works.

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Edens Zero is available to stream on Crunchyroll.