Tag: Fantasy

Ishura Season 2: A Slow Burn That Pays Off (Mostly)

If you’ve been following Ishura since its first season, you already know this isn’t your typical fantasy anime. No chosen heroes, no clear-cut villains—just a chaotic world where demigods and warriors clash in a battle for supremacy. The second season, animated by Passione and airing from January to March 2025, doubles down on its unorthodox storytelling, delivering a mix of jaw-dropping fights, deep lore dumps, and—let’s be honest—a lot of character introductions.

But here’s the thing: Ishura isn’t for everyone. Some fans loved the slow buildup, while others (looking at you, IzanaSolos) couldn’t stand the weekly dose of “who’s this overpowered new guy?” Still, by the time the finale rolled around, one thing became clear: this season was all about setting the stage for something big.

The Good: Lore, Fights, and That Demon King Twist

Let’s start with the obvious: the fights in Ishura are insane. Whether it’s Soujirou’s lightning-fast swordplay or Toroa’s brutal brawls, the animation studio Passione didn’t hold back. But what really stood out this season was the lore. The finale finally revealed the truth about the True Demon King—and, well, it wasn’t what anyone expected.

Turns out, the so-called “Demon King” was just a girl. A schoolgirl, to be exact. Shiki Aihara, the “Enemy of All,” wasn’t some monstrous entity but a seemingly ordinary visitor whose mere presence drove people to madness. Fans had mixed reactions—some called it genius (“Truly nothing more terrifying in anime than a high school girl,” joked Rexnihilo), while others (LeonLanford) found it underwhelming. Personally? I loved it. The idea that fear itself was the real enemy fits perfectly with Ishura’s themes of power and perception.

The season also gave us a deeper look into the First Party—the group that originally faced the Demon King. Their tragic backstory (only two survivors, brutal infighting) added layers to the world, even if some fans (IzanaSolos) felt it dragged.

The Bad: Too Many Characters, Too Little Time

Here’s where Ishura stumbles. The second season introduced so many new characters that even hardcore fans struggled to keep up. Some, like Mele, were instant favorites (“Finally, someone interesting!” cheered Comment 2), while others (cough random spear guy cough) felt like filler.

The pacing didn’t help. Two whole seasons in, and we still haven’t gotten to the Royal Games—the tournament this whole story has been building toward. Some fans (Hirugiku) defended the slow burn, comparing it to One Piece’s pacing, while others (IzanaSolos) called it “a waste of 20 minutes every week.”

And then there’s the lack of a Season 3 announcement. After that cliffhanger—16 Shuras finally gathered, the Demon King’s identity revealed—fans (CaptainKenshiro, postblitz) are begging for confirmation.

The Verdict: Worth the Wait?

If you’re here for mindless action, Ishura might frustrate you. But if you love deep world-building, morally gray characters, and a story that isn’t afraid to take its time, this season delivers. The finale alone—with its shocking twists and setup for the Royal Games—makes the slow parts worth it.

As Comment 25 put it: “This season is an improvement over the first in every way, and I’m excited for the next one!”

Now, Passione, please give us Season 3.

Final Rating: 8.5/10 (Would be a 9 if not for the bloated cast.)

What did you think of Ishura Season 2? Loved it? Hated it? Drop your thoughts below!

Ishura Season 2 Episode 12: A Climactic Finale That Leaves Us Begging for More

The second season of Ishura has been a wild ride, and Episode 12, the finale, doesn’t disappoint—though it certainly leaves fans with more questions than answers. After two seasons of buildup, we finally get a glimpse into the legendary battle between the First Party and the True Demon King, Shiki Aihara. But was it worth the wait? Let’s dive into the episode, the reactions, and what it all means for the future of the series.

The Episode Breakdown: Lore, Revelations, and a Schoolgirl Demon King?

The episode opens with a flashback to the First Party’s doomed confrontation with Shiki, the True Demon King. The twist? Shiki isn’t some monstrous, towering figure—she’s a seemingly ordinary schoolgirl. Yet, her mere presence drives the strongest warriors to madness and infighting. It’s a bold choice, and fans are divided. Some love the subversion of expectations, calling it “genius” and “terrifying in its simplicity.” Others, like one Reddit user, found it “the dumbest shit, such a let down.”

The episode also ties up loose ends, confirming the identities of surviving First Party members and setting the stage for the Royal Games—the tournament we’ve been waiting for since Season 1. But here’s the kicker: no Season 3 announcement. Fans are pissed. After two seasons of character introductions, lore dumps, and slow-burn politics, the lack of confirmation for the tournament arc feels like a slap in the face.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

The MyAnimeList discussion thread for this episode is a battlefield of opinions. Here’s the gist:

1. The Lore Lovers: These fans adored the deep dive into the First Party’s history. One commenter praised the episode as “an important background storytelling piece,” while another called Shiki’s reveal “one of the most terrifying twists in anime.” The idea that the Demon King wasn’t defeated by heroes but essentially “died on her own” adds a layer of existential dread that some found brilliant.

2. The Frustrated Fans: On the flip side, many viewers are tired of the slow pacing. “Two seasons of setup, and we still don’t have the tournament?” one user ranted. Another complained about the “weekly overpowered character introductions,” which, while cool, didn’t always feel necessary.

3. The Shiki Stans: Yes, there’s already a fanbase for the Demon King. Comments like “Hear me out… I can fix Shiki” and “No need to fix perfection, my dude” flooded the thread. Her design—a plain schoolgirl—was either “genius” or “lazy,” depending on who you ask.

4. The Soujirou Simps: A recurring complaint was the underutilization of fan-favorite characters like Soujirou. “They did him dirty,” one fan lamented. Others hoped Season 3 would finally give him the spotlight he deserves.

What’s Next? The Royal Games (Hopefully)

The episode ends with all 16 Shura (the overpowered warriors) finally assembled for the Royal Games. This is the moment fans have been waiting for—a no-holds-barred battle royale with no plot armor. But without a Season 3 announcement, the cliffhanger stings.

Some fans are already speculating about the tournament’s format. Will it be team battles? One-on-one duels? And how will non-combat-oriented characters fare? The hype is real, but so is the anxiety. As one fan put it: “If they don’t announce Season 3 soon, I’m rioting.”

Final Verdict: A Strong Finish, But the Journey Isn’t Over

Ishura Season 2 Episode 12 delivers on lore and character development but leaves the biggest payoff—the Royal Games—hanging. The reveal of Shiki as the Demon King is bold and divisive, and the lack of a Season 3 confirmation is frustrating. Still, the episode sets the stage for what could be one of the most chaotic and unpredictable tournament arcs in anime history.

For now, fans are left rewatching the finale, dissecting every frame, and praying to the anime gods for a renewal. Because if there’s one thing everyone agrees on, it’s this: We need Season 3 ASAP.

Rating: 8.5/10 (Points deducted for blue-balling us with no Season 3 news.)

What did you think of the episode? Love it or hate it? Drop your thoughts below—and let’s manifest that Season 3 announcement together. 🕯️✨