After the conclusion of the series last year, I was hoping and waiting in anticipation for its second season. When the second season was announced, I was completely overjoyed, but then I was severely disappointed when I saw that it was only slated for eight episodes. Nevertheless, it has returned and I can once again enjoy Arslan Senki! The second season is titled, Arslan Senki: Fuujin Ranbu (The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance), but does it hold up to the original 25 episode series? Let’s find out!
First Episode Impressions
At the end of the first season, Arslan had amassed himself an army and it was time to take back the royal capital of Ecbatana. In the second season’s opening, there was a slight detour to Peshawar as the Turanian Army was looking to invade. Arslan and company come to Peshawar’s aid and drive the Turanian army away. They make note that with the Kingdom of Pars in disarray, Lusitania isn’t the only country looking to advantage of the situation. Narsus seems to fear that the Turanian Army retreated a bit too easily and that something just isn’t right.
Meanwhile, back at Ecbatana, Guiscard ends up paying King Andragoras a visit. Much to Guiscard’s shock, Andragoras breaks free from his shackles and takes him hostage. When Etoile returns to Ecbatana, she witnesses a massacre beyond belief. It appears that Pars’ greatest warrior and king had himself a bit of fun that resulted in him taking his throne back!
On the front of Lord Silver Mask, whose name is spelled as Hilmes in the second season as opposed to Hermes in the first season, he seeks out a sword that belonged to his father, believing that the sword would be the symbol he needs to be the recognized new King of Pars. Our old friend Gieve; however, tailed Hilmes to the sword’s location and looked to take it for Prince Arslan, but knights sent by the religious zealot Bodan, show up and make off with the sword denying both Hilmes and Gieve.
Overall, it was a great first episode! It reintroduced us to all of the characters and moved the plot forward. The only thing that worried me was the breakneck speed in which the plot moved. When it was announced that there was only eight episodes, I was afraid that something like this might happen and it appears that they will be rushing things through. I know there is more to the story than what eight episodes will allow so I’m just praying that this is a mini-arc to tie up the loose ends from season one and we get a true 25 episode season two or, technically, season three after Fuujin Ranbu concludes.
OP & ED Impressions
“Tsubasa” by Eir Aoi served as the opening and just like you would come to expect from this artist, the opening was FANTASTIC. The song is pretty upbeat, but it’s Eir Aoi’s vocals that really make this track pop and stand out, especially when the chorus hits and she really pours on the inflection in her lyrics. This is definitely one of the songs I want the full version of right away! It’s just that good!
“blaze” by Kalafina is your ending theme and this song is also pretty amazing to the point where it could actually serve as the opening theme if it wanted to. Kalafina opts to go for a more Fate/Zero style approach rather than the darker tone they had in Madoka Magica, but the song is still upbeat and amazing. Like the opening, the vocals really shine here, but the combination of guitars and string instruments drive home a powerful experience!
Worth Watching?
YES – If you loved the first season of Arslan Senki as much as I did, you will instantly fall in love with the second season. Plus with all of the character introductions, you can actually watch this episode and use it to gauge your interest on whether or not you want to watch the first season. While you will be lost in the story, it highlights all the characters you need to know and shows you the kind of amazing action and drama that you can experience in the initial 25 episodes. I really believe this is a series worth checking out and urge you to do so!
