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When I first started Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku, I honestly had no idea what to expect. The first episode caught my attention—it was interesting, but still left me a bit unsure about what the anime was really about. After watching, I decided to look it up and found that it falls under genres like dark fantasy and psychological thriller. That instantly gave me Higurashi or Summertime Rendering vibes—mysterious, isolated settings with strange happenings, which I really enjoy. While Hell’s Paradise shares that mysterious island theme, it’s definitely different and has a unique identity of its own.


Story :

The story of Jigokuraku (Hell’s Paradise) is full of ... wild twists. It’s the kind of anime that constantly makes you go, “What the hell am I watching?” in a good way. It's unpredictable and intense, and that sense of chaos and suspense actually works really well here. Right from the start, you're thrown into a bloodbath where criminals are forced to fight each other just to earn a chance to go on a dangerous mission. And that’s only the beginning.

The main plot follows a group of death-row convicts who are sent to a mysterious and uncharted island in search of the legendary “Elixir of Life.” But this island is not just dangerous, it’s completely bizarre. One strange and creepy thing happens after another, and the deeper the characters go, the more twisted things get. At first, it feels like a survival horror setup where they’re fighting monsters, but once Tensen-sama is introduced, everything changes. Suddenly, it's not just about survival anymore. The story dives into godlike beings, immortality, and the deeper mystery behind the island itself.

What really makes the story work is how it blends unexpected twists with surprisingly strong character development. You never know who is going to make it out alive, and every episode raises new questions. The story also digs into some fascinating philosophical and religious themes. It mixes symbols and ideas from Buddhism and Taoism, and as the story progresses, it reveals that the island was the birthplace of a new kind of religion—something that was hinted at early on but becomes clearer later. The power system, called Tao, is directly inspired by concepts like yin and yang and the Buddhist middle way. These ideas are not just for show—they actually shape how the world works and how the characters fight and evolve.

One small issue is the shift in tone. The anime starts off as a gritty survival thriller, then gradually transitions into a more fantastical and philosophical story about immortality and divine beings. While this adds depth, the change might feel sudden to some viewers who preferred the raw survival element of the early episodes & in my opinion it's interesting.

If there’s one more downside, it’s the pacing. The story moves pretty fast, and it feels like some parts from the manga might have been skipped or rushed. A few extra episodes could have helped slow things down and give more depth to certain moments. Some emotional scenes and character backstories don't always land as strongly as they could have, simply because there isn’t enough time to let them breathe. Even so, MAPPA did a great job adapting the material and keeping the story visually and emotionally engaging.

Characters :


Gabimaru, the protagonist, is introduced as a cold, emotionless assassin nicknamed “Gabimaru the Hollow.” In the beginning, he repeatedly survives execution attempts, which seems impossible, until Sagiri points out that, deep down, he still wants to live. That moment marks the beginning of his development. His goal is simple on the surface: earn a government pardon by finding the Elixir of Life so he can return to his wife and live in peace. That motive, set up in the first episode or two, drives his journey forward.

But what makes Gabimaru interesting is how that straightforward goal becomes more layered. Through his interactions with others, especially Sagiri, he slowly begins to rediscover his emotions and humanity. Sagiri helps him grow, challenging his way of thinking, while he also inspires her to confront her own struggles. Their relationship is not romantic in a typical anime sense. It is more of a deep mutual understanding, where both each other in their growth as individuals. That complexity makes their bond feel more mature and grounded.

Gabimaru’s personal growth is also symbolically tied to the Tao concept of yin and yang. He begins as someone who leans completely into violence and detachment, but over time, he learns balance, embracing comion, restraint, and empathy. It mirrors the Taoist idea of harmony through duality and adds depth to his arc.

Spoiler warning: At the end of the season, Yuzuriha suggests something huge—Gabimaru’s memories may have been manipulated by the village chief, and his wife might not even exist. That twist throws everything into question. What happens to all that development if his goal was based on a lie? That uncertainty makes his character arc even more intriguing going into the next season.

Sagiri, on her own, also has a strong arc. She starts off conflicted about her role as an executioner, especially as a woman in a profession dominated by men. Through her journey, she gains confidence and learns to accept both her duty and her comion. She becomes a more balanced and self-assured person, no longer doubting whether she is worthy to swing the sword.

Yuzuriha is another standout. At first glance, she comes off as flirtatious, carefree, and manipulative. She plays the part of someone who is only looking out for herself, always calculating how to survive with the least effort. But beneath that surface is a sharp, observant, and emotionally guarded individual. Her interactions with Senta reveal a more layered side to her, and their dynamic becomes surprisingly meaningful.

Senta initially seems annoyed or even jealous of Yuzuriha’s nature. He is someone who has always followed rules, bound tightly to his duty as an executioner, even while quietly suppressing his personal dreams and desires. Yuzuriha, on the other hand, represents the opposite—freedom, self-expression, and doing whatever she wants without being tied down by anyone. Senta begins by resenting that, but over time, he grows to respect and ire her. He realizes that while he convinced himself he was doing what he wanted, he was really just going along with what was expected of him. Yuzuriha challenges that mindset. She mirrors the freedom he never allowed himself to have, and through their connection, we see growth on both sides. While she never fully drops her guard, it is clear that she values his honesty and quiet strength in her own way.

As for the rest of the cast, the anime does a good job developing many side characters within its limited episode count. Characters like Tenza, Shion, Nurugai, and even Rokurota all get backstories that help explain their motivations. These moments are often tragic, and the show clearly tries to evoke sympathy similar to what Demon Slayer does. But the emotional impact does not always land as strongly. Some characters are introduced and killed off so quickly that there is not enough time to truly get attached. Their stories are good in theory, but the rushed execution can make them feel a bit hollow. This is where the 13 episode length really shows its limits. More time would have let these characters breathe and develop more naturally.

That said, the main cast is well written. Gabimaru, Sagiri, and Yuzuriha carry the show with strong personalities and clear growth. The antagonists, while still somewhat mysterious, seem unique and interesting in design and concept. Hopefully, we will learn more about them in future seasons.

Overall, the character writing is one of the anime's strengths. The core group feels thoughtfully developed, and while some side characters fall short due to limited time, their potential is still there. A few more episodes would have really helped flesh things out, but given the runtime, they managed to do a solid job.

Animation & Music :

The animation in Jigokuraku is well done, and MAPPA delivered a solid visual experience overall. The action scenes are fluid and intense, and the vibrant yet eerie design of the island adds to the mysterious tone of the story. However, there are moments where the character designs or animation quality feel a bit inconsistent, which both I and many viewers noticed. It’s not enough to ruin the experience, but it does stand out at times.

The opening theme is decent—it sets the tone but doesn't particularly stand out. As for the OSTs, they sound good during the scenes and fit the mood, but they’re not especially memorable and can feel repetitive at times.

The ending theme, on the other hand, is a highlight. “Kamihitoe” by Uru is soft, emotional, and beautifully tuned—it leaves a lasting impression and wraps up each episode on a strong note.


Other Factors :

Let’s talk about accessibility first—Jigokuraku is engaging right from the first episode. It immediately catches your attention and keeps getting better as the series progresses. The pacing keeps things moving, and the mix of mystery, tension, and action makes it easy to stay invested.

The power system, Tao, may seem like a cheap knock-off of the kind of power systems seen in Dragon Ball—like Ki or Chi—but it’s really not, even though they are somewhat similar on the surface. Tao is rooted in the balance of nature, drawing heavily from Taoist concepts like yin and yang. It’s not just about strength, but about harmony between opposing forces—life and death, male and female, softness and hardness. That philosophical foundation adds a unique flavor that makes Tao feel more meaningful and integrated into the story and worldbuilding. Honestly, I didn’t expect this anime to have a power system at all, so it was a cool surprise how well it was introduced.

The fights were also impressive. I liked most of the action scenes, and I didn’t expect this much fighting in a story that starts off so dark and mysterious. However, during some fast-paced moments, the choreography feels a little off—like it relies too much on still frames or doesn't flow as smoothly. Another issue is power scaling. Some characters seem to master Tao and become powerful too quickly, which feels off when you consider that antagonists like the Tensen have trained for hundreds or even thousands of years.

The show also teases a lot of deep lore. Some of it was explored in this season, but there’s clearly much more beneath the surface. I really hope future seasons take time to expand on the island’s history, the origins of the Tensen, and the formation of the strange new religion hinted at in the story.



Enjoyment & Impact :

Even with its flaws, I really enjoyed this anime very much—more than most animes. It left a strong impact on me. In fact, it’s probably the third anime after Dragon Ball and Naruto that made me curious enough to dive into the philosophy of a religion. This time, it was Taoism. I already knew some basics, but Jigokuraku made me want to explore and learn more, which is something I genuinely appreciate.

While it might not be on the same level as When They Cry or Summertime Rendering, it still did a solid job blending dark fantasy, action, and philosophical themes. It delivered a unique experience and left me excited for what comes next. I’m definitely looking forward to the next season.

Story : 4/5
Characters : 4/5
Animation & Music : 4 to 4.25/5
Other Factors : 4.25/5
Enjoyment & Impact :4.25/5

Total Score : 20.5 to 20.75/25 (82% to 83%)

Overall Rating : 8 to 8.5 (A- to A)

While the movie had a lot of untapped potential, it still manages to stand strong in its own right, offering a solid experience for fans of the Overlord series.


Story :

This movie adapts Volumes 12 and 13 of the Overlord light novel series, which were skipped during Overlord IV. While some fans believe this arc would have been better placed during the events of Season 4, its standalone presentation here still works and allows the story to unfold without distraction.

I will not dive into many spoilers for this section.

The plot follows the Sacred Kingdom, a human nation facing destruction at the hands of the Demon ... Emperor Jaldabaoth and his monstrous forces of Demi-humans. In a desperate bid for survival, they form an uneasy alliance with Ainz Ooal Gown, the very undead ruler they would normally fear. The narrative explores themes of survival, politics, schemes, manipulation, moral compromise, leadership in crisis, and the cost of relying on power that one cannot control. The film presents a grim and high-stakes atmosphere, where even hope comes at a heavy price.

Despite a few rushed moments and pacing issues (which were alright for most parts), the film remains a faithful adaptation of the light novels and manages to deliver a quite a promising arc. However, it fails to deliver it's full potential.

Characters :

This section is quite interesting to review. While major characters from Nazarick like Albedo, Shalltear, Cocytus, and other Floor Guardians had little to no screentime, we did get to see two important NPCs besides Ainz himself: Demiurge (also known as "Mr. Jaldabaoth") and CZ2128 Delta.

Let’s start with CZ2128 Delta, also known as Shizu. She stood out as my personal favorite character in the movie. I used to think Lupusregina Beta was the most interesting of the Pleiades battle maids, but Shizu may have just taken that spot. Unlike her sisters Yuri Alpha, Narberal Gamma, and Lupusregina, Shizu delta is an automaton maid, emotionless and reserved, often keeping her distance from humans. What makes her so fascinating is that, despite this, she forms a bond with Neia Baraja, a human, and even considers her a “favorite.” This subtle development challenges the usual "humans are worms" mindset common among Nazarick NPCs and adds quiet depth to her character. Her straightforward nature, clean design, and cold demeanor make her stand out among the Pleiades. I particularly enjoyed her interactions with Neia. They were understated but meaningful, and their dynamic added a softer emotional layer to an otherwise grim story.

Neia Baraja, the "true protagonist" of the movie, is a devout squire with strong beliefs in justice and order, initially loyal to the ideals of the Sacred Kingdom. She is earnest and principled, but her worldview is slowly reshaped as she witnesses Ainz's overwhelming power and "wisdom." What makes her arc both intriguing and ironic is that, instead of becoming a hero in the traditional sense, she ends up idolizing Ainz to a near religious degree. Her transformation into a devoted fangirl is both absurd and funny in that unique Overlord way. While this direction might feel like a missed opportunity for deeper growth, it fits the series’ tone and themes.

Demiurge, as always, is portrayed as cunning and manipulative, calculating every move with chilling precision. His loyalty to Ainz and his ability to orchestrate large scale schemes make him a standout presence, even with limited screentime.

Remedios Custodio, the Grandmaster of the Roble Paladin Order, unfortunately comes off as underdeveloped. She is depicted as a hot headed and rigid leader, and without access to her inner thoughts—something the light novel does well—she feels one dimensional. The same issue applies to other characters as well.

In the light novels, characters are brought to life through detailed inner monologues. Ainz’s constant self doubt, Neia’s internal rationalizations, and even Remedios’s conflicted sense of duty are explored with emotional nuance. These layers are largely missing in the film, resulting in flatter portrayals and less emotional resonance. For example, Ainz appears more distant and authoritative without the humorous and insecure thoughts that balance his persona in the books. Neia’s shift in loyalty seems sudden without her internal struggle, and Remedios’s stubbornness lacks the tragic undertone present in the novel.

That said, the movie still delivers the classic Overlord humor. One standout example is Ainz’s runecraft selling plan, which he introduces with grand seriousness, only for it to completely flop. Instead of turning into some brilliant scheme, it fails outright, adding to the comedy. This failure—not from misunderstanding, but from simple lack of impact—perfectly reflects Overlord's ongoing joke: Ainz trying to act like a competent ruler while the world sees him as a genius regardless of the actual result. The usual gimmick is still here too, with Ainz’s vague or awkward actions constantly being misinterpreted by others as intentional strokes of brilliance, fueling the absurd reverence his followers show him.



Animation & Music :

The animation in this movie is definitely a step up compared to recent seasons of Overlord. Both the CGI and 2D animation feel noticeably improved—at least from my perspective. Character movements are smoother, battle scenes are more dynamic, and the visual quality overall looks cleaner and more polished than what we saw in Season 4.

As for the music, it’s decent enough for an action-packed fantasy film, though nothing particularly memorable stood out. The background tracks serve their purpose during key moments but don’t leave a lasting impression. The ending theme by OxT was also somewhat underwhelming. Compared to previous iconic songs like “Hollow Hunger” or “Hydra,” this one didn’t really hit the mark. In contrast to earlier seasons where the soundtrack often stood out while the animation quality was criticized, here it feels like the roles have reversed—the animation shines while the music leaves less of an impact.


Other Factors :

Just like in Seasons 3 and 4, the movie mostly features short or off-screen fights. While there is a large-scale war depicted, most of the individual battles are either brief or implied rather than fully shown. So if you're looking for long, detailed fight sequences like in Season 2, this movie might feel a bit lacking in that area.

The magic system still remains somewhat underdeveloped. The film doesn’t go into much depth about magical mechanics or rules, though we do get a cool moment where Demiurge uses a 10th-tier spell, which adds some excitement and showcases the power levels in play.

Visually, the art and character designs are strong, staying consistent with the Overlord aesthetic. Backgrounds, costumes, and effects all look well-crafted. The voice acting continues to be a highlight, with solid performances that bring out the distinct personalities of each character. The choreography is decent overall, though it doesn’t stand out as a major focus of the film.


Enjoyment & Impact :

Although most parts of the movie were predictable and it had its flaws, I still enjoyed it. It left a sweet and lasting impression on me.

I would definitely recommend watching it.

P.S. Ainz has a human fanclub now (50000+ )

Story : 3.5/5
Characters : 3.5/5
Animation & Music : 3.75/5
Other Factors : 3.75/5
Enjoyment & Impact : 3.5/5

Total Score : 18/25 (72%)

Overall Rating : 7(B+)

Here we go again!

Story :

Overlord IV adapts Volumes 10, 11, and 14 of the light novel, while Volumes 12 and 13 were already covered in the movie Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom. This season continues Ainz Ooal Gown’s journey to expand the Sorcerer Kingdom and create what he calls a utopia. While the concept sounds noble on the surface, the execution leans heavily into political manipulation, power displays, and unintended consequences that keep the story engaging.

The first arc focuses on Ainz strengthening his position on the continent. He sets his sights on the Baharuth Empire and, through a series of misunderstandings, ends up turning ... the entire nation into a vassal state. His goal was simply to recruit adventurers and test himself against the Martial Lord, but the Empire's ruler, Jircniv, believes Ainz has uncovered his plans to ally with the Slane Theocracy. Out of fear, Jircniv submits completely. This situation brings a layer of dark comedy to the story, reminiscent of The Eminence in Shadow, where people overanalyze the protagonist’s actions and give them meaning that was never intended.

What really worked in the early part of the season is how the arcs are connected. While in Baharuth, Ainz discovers a weapon made using runecraft, a magical technology from Yggdrasil. This leads directly into the next arc, where he travels to the Dwarf Kingdom to learn more about rune magic and recruit runesmiths. The transition between these arcs feels natural and purposeful, giving the season a more cohesive structure than previous ones.

The final arc jumps ahead to Volume 14, bying the events of the movie. The story shifts dramatically in tone as the Re-Estize Kingdom faces total destruction. A major twist is the revelation that Princess Renner, long thought to be a loyal royal, had been secretly working with Ainz all along. Her betrayal and eventual submission to the Sorcerer Kingdom add a darker layer to the story, showing how far Ainz's influence has spread.

This arc also features a short but significant appearance from Tsa, a mysterious and powerful being who is implied to be a Yggdrasil player. His use of high-tech gear like powered armor introduces a new level of threat and raises questions about what kinds of enemies Ainz might face in the future. Though brief, this moment adds tension and mystery, hinting that Ainz may not remain unchallenged for long.

While Overlord IV delivers on world-building and interesting developments, it suffers from noticeable pacing issues. Major events are rushed, and the complex lore is introduced too quickly without enough explanation or emotional depth. The dramatic moments, particularly in the final arc, could have had more impact with better buildup. Compared to Seasons 2 and 3, which were also fast-paced but offered more emotionally resonant endings, Season 4 feels slightly underwhelming in its conclusion.

That said, the season still has plenty to enjoy. The political intrigue, the expansion of the world, the humor born from misunderstandings, and the setup for future conflicts all keep the narrative moving. Fans of the series will find a lot to appreciate, even if it’s not the most polished installment. It’s a somewhat solid continuation that lays the groundwork for even more ambitious storytelling in the future.

Characters :

Let’s talk about Ainz, the main character. It’s easy to forget that at his core, Ainz is a deeply lonely being. Despite being surrounded by subordinates who show him extreme loyalty and iration, he’s still isolated. In Episode 2, he even wonders how they would react if he ever tried to treat them as equals. What he truly longs for are his former guildmates, real friends with whom he shared genuine bonds. That sense of emotional distance never really goes away, and it quietly shapes many of his actions.

One of the most entertaining aspects of Overlord’s character writing is the contrast between Ainz’s public image and his private self. To the world, he’s seen as an all-knowing, all-powerful ruler whose every move is perfectly calculated. But inside, he’s often confused, improvising on the spot, and just trying to maintain the illusion of control. That contrast creates some of the series’ best humor, and it stands out particularly well this season.

This season also explores some philosophical themes, especially during Ainz's conversation with Prince Zanac, a character I started to really like. In their exchange, Ainz its that he wants the people of Nazarick to be happy, even if it comes at the cost of others’ happiness. Zanac comments that such a sentiment shows Ainz still has a human side, rather than being a complete monster. It’s a small but powerful moment that adds depth to Ainz’s character.

Other characters also get a chance to shine. Aura, Albedo, and my personal favorite, Shalltear, finally receive more screen time. It was great to see them play larger roles, though their development felt rushed and could have been more impactful with better pacing. Demiurge, who is arguably the most interesting character in the series, and Cocytus do not appear much, but their presence is still felt. Cocytus, for example, brings Brain Unglaus’s arc to a close in a visually striking scene. However, Brain’s sendoff could have been more meaningful. With more episodes, his character could have received the conclusion he truly deserved (After all I used to like his interactions with Climb,Sebas,Gazef & Shalltear specially with Climb)

Princess Renner, on the other hand, steals the spotlight in the final arc. What initially seemed like a kind and gentle royal persona is revealed to be a complete facade. Her betrayal of the Re-Estize Kingdom and her devotion to Ainz show just how cunning and twisted she really is. Her obsession with Climb becomes increasingly disturbing, and her transformation into something inhuman is both shocking and unforgettable. Her arc adds a dark and powerful twist to the season’s ending.

The show also revisits storylines from earlier seasons, like the fate of Renner and Climb. The final episode reveals that their actions were part of a long-running plan, although I think this could have been portrayed more clearly. Blue Rose also has a notable moment as its subdue their leader Lakyus to escape the crumbling kingdom. It was a logical and emotional decision, and I hope we see more of them in the future.

Overall, while some character arcs felt rushed and others lacked the time they deserved, the character work in Overlord IV remains one of the season’s strongest aspects. In fact, I’d say it stood out more than the story in of emotional depth and intrigue.

Animation & Music :


Visually, Season 4 improves on the weak production of Season 3. While it still lacks the refined, polished look you’d expect from a top-tier fantasy anime, it manages to deliver better quality overall. Character face animations are somewhat inconsistent, and the show occasionally suffers from awkward framing and poor camera work. Still, compared to Season 3’s noticeable dip in quality, Season 4 is a step up. Season 1 remains the peak in of animation, with Seasons 2 and 4 sitting in the “decent” category.

As for the music, the opening theme "HOLLOW HUNGER" by OxT is arguably the best OP in the entire series. It's energetic, fits the tone perfectly, and is a standout in both sound and visuals. The ending theme was decent too—it grew on me over time. However, I still think Season 2’s ending, “HYDRA” by Myth & Roid, is the best song across all seasons. The background OSTs this season were serviceable but not particularly memorable.

Other Factors :

This season adds and explores more philosophical themes, which adds depth to the story. However, the magic power system remains underdeveloped and could use more explanation. The lore and world building are solid but feel rushed, reinforcing the idea that extra episodes per season would really help the show breathe.

The voice acting continues to be top notch, delivering strong performances across the board. There are more fight scenes compared to Season 3, but many were short or happened off-screen, which was disappointing. The battle between Tsa and Ainz was one of the more interesting fights this season, especially with the voice actor for Pandora adding a unique touch. The season is also good in of accessibility, making it easy for new viewers to follow along despite the complex yet rushed story.




Enjoyment & Impact :

I enjoyed this season, but not as much as Season 2. While it left a solid impression, the storytelling didn’t feel as well-structured or emotionally grounded as in previous seasons. Season 2 remains the most enjoyable overall, with stronger pacing, exciting moments, better fights, character development, and accessibility. Its music and fights also made it more memorable.

Season 4 still has its strengths and kept me engaged, but a few more episodes could have made its impact even stronger. Despite its flaws, I’d still recommend watching it.

In of overall experience: Season 2 (8.25+) > Season 3 (7.5) ~ Season 4 (7.5) > Season 1 (7).



Story : 3.5/5
Characters : 3.75/5 to 4/5
Animation & Music : 3.75/5
Other Factors: 3.75/5
Enjoyment & Impact : 3.75/5

Total Score : 18.5 to 18.75/25 (74% to 75%)

Overall Rating : 7.5/10 (B++)

This season dives even deeper into the dark fantasy genre. From the perspective of Nazarick, it still carries elements of dark comedy and fantasy, with the characters enjoying their twisted sense of humor and overwhelming power. At its core, Overlord remains a dark comedy fantasy, where the humor and fantasy elements are wrapped in a darker, more unsettling tone. However, from our perspective as viewers, the story has taken a much darker turn—far darker than it already was in previous seasons. The lines between comedy and horror are now more blurred, and the consequences of Ainz’s actions feel heavier, making the world increasingly grim and ... unforgiving.


Story

This season adapts Volumes 7, 8, and 9 of the light novel. Interestingly, it covers Volume 8 before Volume 7, as that order makes more sense chronologically within the story.

The first episode felt more like a filler or a slice of life continuation from Season 2. The most memorable (and strange) part was Ainz, a literal skeleton, taking a bath which is that’s funny in its own awkward way. Aside from that, nothing major happens. It’s a calm, decent episode that shows the NPCs of Nazarick, like the guardians and maids, simply enjoying a break.

To be honest, Episodes 2 to 4 were a bit slow and, at times, boring. However, there was some nice character development—especially for Enri. She’s now the village chief and is learning to lead and protect her people. It’s small-scale, but her calling the goblins by name and taking responsibility adds a warm touch to the world.

Things start picking up midway through Episode 4, and Episode 5 was a solid watch. From there, the story shifts into a more intense and large-scale arc.

The next arc, adapted from Volumes 7 and 9, focuses on Ainz and Nazarick launching a military campaign against the Re-Estize Kingdom. We see political drama, betrayal, and brutal warfare unfold as Ainz puts his power on full display—not just to win, but to send a message to the entire world. One of the most shocking events is the massacre of 70,000 soldiers during the Battle of Katze Plains, which Ainz uses to summon horrifying undead creatures to kill more soldiers. This arc shows just how far Ainz has gone and how terrifying Nazarick can be when it decides to act.

That said, the season isn’t without flaws. The slow pacing in the beginning can be off-putting, especially for viewers expecting immediate action. Some storylines feel underused or brushed over quickly in favor of setting up future conflicts. Still, the season shines when it leans into its world-building. The exploration of regions and characters outside of Nazarick helps expand the scope of the story and gives more weight to Ainz’s growing influence. Despite its issues, the storytelling remains strong, and by the end, the stakes feel higher than ever.


Characters :

This season offers a mix of interesting character development, misunderstandings, and darkly humorous dynamics. One of the highlights is Enri, the village girl from Carne Village, who has grown from a humble background into a capable village chief. We see her take responsibility, protect her people, and form deeper relationships, especially with Nfirea, who finally confesses his feelings for her. Their bond adds a nice human touch to a show filled with overpowered beings and political schemes. It’s also satisfying to see her leadership actually become relevant to the story as Carne Village plays a role in Nazarick’s wider plans.

Another standout is Lupusregina Beta, one of the battle maids of Nazarick. She is cheerful and playful on the surface, often smiling and cracking jokes, but there is a dark and cruel side hidden underneath. That duality makes her both unsettling and intriguing. Her interactions with the villagers are always laced with the feeling that something dangerous could happen at any moment. This unpredictability, paired with her loyalty to Nazarick, makes her one of the more fascinating ing characters.


Meanwhile, inside Nazarick, we see more of the ongoing misunderstanding between Ainz and his loyal subordinates. Now that Nazarick is firmly established, characters like Demiurge believe Ainz is executing a brilliant, long-term plan to conquer the world. The irony is that Ainz often has no idea what he is doing. He is mostly improvising and going along with their assumptions just to maintain his image as an all-knowing ruler. To his followers, he is a flawless and godlike tactician, while in reality, he is constantly second-guessing himself and reacting in the moment.

This dynamic creates a lot of unintentional comedy and irony, similar to The Eminence in Shadow, where Cid’s subordinates interpret every random action as part of a genius plan. In Overlord, this leads to moments that are funny, clever, and sometimes disturbing, as Ainz’s accidental decisions end up shaping the fate of nations.



One important aspect of Ainz’s character is how he continues to change—or rather, how the world and his undead nature slowly change him. Back in Season 1, he still showed hints of his old human self. In Season 2, he even felt uncomfortable sitting on a throne made of human bones, showing that some level of moral discomfort still lingered even though he already lost his humanity before & became a being like his avatar in Yggdrasil. But by Season 3, we start to see a colder, more ruthless version of Ainz. His decision to massacre 70,000 soldiers during the Battle of Katze Plains, purely to demonstrate power and summon undead horrors, marks a chilling turning point. While part of this shift is due to the game mechanics suppressing his emotions as an undead, it's also clear that he's starting to accept and even embrace the role of a dark ruler. Whether this is true change or simply adaptation is unclear, but it makes Ainz more complex and unsettling as a character.

Another interesting addition is Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix of the Baharuth Empire. Cunning, intelligent, and politically sharp, Jircniv’s struggle to understand and respond to Ainz’s overwhelming power adds tension and depth to the human side of the world. His fear and attempts to manipulate events, only to realize how outmatched he is, make him a compelling figure to watch.


We also see the conclusion of Gazef Stronoff’s arc. He is a character who stood firmly for honor and loyalty to his kingdom. His one on one duel with Ainz near the end of the season is not just a battle, but a symbolic moment. Despite knowing he has no chance of victory, Gazef challenges Ainz as a final act of pride and duty. His death is both powerful and emotional, marking a quiet but meaningful end to his story.

However, this season also has its character-related flaws. Some characters who had meaningful development in previous seasons, like Sebas, Shalltear, and the Lizardmen, are given very little screen time here. Their stories were intriguing and added depth to Nazarick’s world, so it is disappointing that they were pushed to the background. Several minor characters also receive brief development, only to be quickly sidelined afterward. It feels like a missed opportunity to build on the momentum set by earlier seasons.

Still, despite these shortcomings, the cast remains one of the strongest parts of the show. Their unique personalities, twisted loyalty, and contrasting goals keep the world feeling rich and alive. The interactions, whether serious, emotional, or absurd, are always engaging. And with the foundation laid in this season, it will be exciting to see how these characters continue to grow and clash in the next one.



Animation & Music :

The animation this season is mostly in line with previous seasons—solid, but not outstanding. However, there’s a noticeable increase in the use of CGI, and unfortunately, the quality has taken a dip. The CGI feels rougher this time around, with less detail and polish, which can take away from some of the more intense battle scenes or large-scale moments. While it's still watchable, it doesn’t quite live up to the visual standards set earlier in the series.

On the music side, VORACITY by Myth & Roid once again delivers a strong opening theme. It’s energetic, catchy, and fits the tone of the show well. They’ve cooked something good again. The ending theme by OxT is also decent. At first, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me, but it grew on me over time. That said, neither track quite lives up to HYDRA, the incredible ending from Season 2, which still stands out as one of the best in the series. Still, the music this season does its job and keeps the atmosphere consistent.





Other Factors

The pacing this season starts off slow, which might turn some viewers away early on, but it remains fairly accessible and easy to follow. Thankfully, the last few episodes really pick up the pace and deliver some hype-worthy moments that make the wait worth it.

The magic and power system continues to be intriguing, though it still feels underexplored. There’s definitely potential for deeper world-building here, especially when it comes to how magic works and what truly separates the powerful from the powerless.

Voice acting remains strong across the board, with returning cast continuing to bring the characters to life in convincing and entertaining ways.

One of the highlights is the way Ainz and the other powerful figures of Nazarick display their overwhelming strength. That said, the show also does a good job of reminding us that Ainz, while overpowered, is not completely invincible. For example, he its that Gazef’s national treasure sword could potentially kill him, adding some tension and stakes to an otherwise godlike character.

Lore-wise, there’s still so much left to explore. While we get glimpses into the world’s politics, nations, and ancient artifacts, a lot of it remains surface level but I would still appreciate it so far.

Finally, the fight scenes this season aren’t quite as exciting or well-executed as those in Seasons 1 and 2. The action often takes a backseat to strategic displays of power and intimidation. While this makes for some great power flex moments, it may leave action fans wanting more.


Enjoyment & Impact

Aside from the slow start, which felt a bit boring as I mentioned earlier, this season was really enjoyable to watch and left a strong impression & a good impact on me. I'm definitely looking forward to watching Overlord IV and the movie.

Story : 3.75/5
Characters : 3.75/5
Animation & Music : 3.5/5
Other Factors : 3.75/5
Enjoyment & Impact : 4/5

Total Score : 18.75/75 (75%)

Overall Rating : 7.5 (B++)

Just as I predicted in the first season, the underdeveloped story has grown significantly in Season 2, making it clearly better than Season 1. Let’s keep this review short but (I ended up making it longer again!)

Story :
Overlord II adapts Volumes 4, 5, and 6 of the light novel. The first arc focuses on the Lizardmen and presents the story largely from their perspective. Ainz, in his goal to expand Nazarick’s power, plans to conquer the Lizardmen in order to raise an undead army from their corpses.

The "protagonist" of this arc is Zaryusu, a brave and clever warrior. He takes it upon ... himself to unite the scattered Lizardman tribes, who had previously fought among themselves over limited resources and food. Through diplomacy and strength, Zaryusu succeeds in bringing the tribes together. During this journey, he also falls in love with Crusch Lulu, a female Lizardman and fellow warrior. Together, they face Ainz’s overwhelming forces. Though they fight valiantly and ultimately fall in battle, Ainz chooses to revive Zaryusu thus allowing him to remain with Crusch and giving the story a somewhat hopeful conclusion. The arc also highlights the strong bond between Zaryusu and his brother, Shasuryu, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
At the end of this arc, Ainz tells Cocytus that everyone can make mistakes, and instead of punishing him, he praises Cocytus for showing judgment and initiative—offering him merit to grow and evolve as a leader.

The second half of the season adapts Volumes 5 and 6 and shifts focus to a much larger and more complex arc involving the Kingdom of Re-Estize. While the pacing feels slightly rushed at times due to the sheer number of characters and events covering in only few episodes, though the world building, emotional stakes, action sequences, and character development are all significantly stronger than in previous arcs.

This part of the story introduces Sebas Tian, the head butler of Nazarick, who finds himself torn between loyalty to Ainz and his growing concern for a human girl named Tuare. Meanwhile, the Pleiades battle maids and the powerful warrior Climb play crucial roles as tensions rise within the corrupt aristocracy of the kingdom. Behind the scenes, Demiurge enacts a secret plan that demonstrates the frightening extent of Nazarick’s power and intelligence, adding layers of political intrigue and moral ambiguity.
Here too, Ainz reminds his followers that mistakes are part of growth. He gives Sebastian credit for showing comion, encouraging him to continue developing his own judgment, thus pushing even the most powerful of his servants to evolve in their roles.

One small issue is that, even though both arcs were really well done, they were barely connected to each other & the lores were not expanded much.

Characters :

We already talked about characters like Zaryusu and his fellow Lizardmen, each with their own distinct personalities, in the story section. Now let’s focus on the second arc, which introduces a large number of new characters while giving more screen time to important guardians. Just like Cocytus was highlighted in the first arc, Demiurge and Sebas get their moments in the second. I had been hoping for more development not only for Sebas but also for Demiurge and the other Floor Guardians since the first season, so I really enjoyed this.
We see strong character development in figures like Brain Unglaus, whose growth and renewed resolve continue to stand out. The guardians of Nazarick, especially those mentioned earlier, are shown in more detail with added depth. The interactions between Climb, the mysterious and intense Princess Renner, and Brain brought more emotion and tension to the arc. In a humorous moment, Brain even managed to slice off one of Shalltear’s fingernails, which was both surprising and memorable. The introduction of Blue Rose and Evil Eye, the mysterious girl who unexpectedly falls for Momon (Ainz), added even more color to the cast.
Another interesting element is how Ainz maintains multiple personas, similar to Cid Kagenou from The Eminence in Shadow. He plays the role of Momon, the dark warrior hero; Ainz Ooal Gown, the all-powerful magic caster; and Ainz, the cold and calculating overlord of Nazarick. Each identity serves a different purpose, and watching him shift between them adds a unique dynamic to his character, even if his direct development this season was more limited.
The only drawback was the reduced focus on Ainz himself and limited screen time for Shalltear. While Albedo also had less presence this season, I personally didn’t mind since I find Demiurge and Shalltear more interesting as characters.
Overall, the variety of characters and their development made this season feel full and rewarding.

Animation & Music :

The animation was decent, but the use of CGI didn’t work well and ended up looking somewhat bad. Other than that, I wouldn’t say the animation was terrible, but it wasn’t particularly good either. Though I don't why but I ended up liking the overall animation more than season 1.

As for the music, it easily sured the first season by a wide margin. The opening song was better than Season 1’s, and the OSTs were solid. While they were really good, they weren’t quite special or memorable overall. However, the background scores in the final three episodes stood out by effectively building tension and were somewhat memorable.

The highlight in of music was definitely the ending theme, HYDRA by Myth & Roid. Once again, they delivered an amazing track. In my opinion, this is their second-best work after Styx Helix from Re:Zero. I absolutely love this song and have already listened to it many times.


Other Factors :

The hype, the fights, and the buildup of tension in the last three episodes deliver a huge dose of dopamine. The voice acting was solid, and I found the character designs and overall art style quite good. I don’t have many complaints in this section.

In of accessibility and getting into the story, it was a clear improvement over Season 1. The pacing, structure, and character focus made it easier to engage with.

Some of the most notable fights include Brain Unglaus's battles—especially his encounters with Shalltear and the Six Arms membe, as well as the clash between Blue Rose and Evil Eye versus Entoma. Of course, Demiurge vs. Ainz, even though more of a staged fight, was still entertaining.

The only thing I wanted more of was a deeper look into the power system and more expansion on the lore. I’m really looking forward to seeing that in Season 3.


Enjoyment & Impact :

I really, really enjoyed this season much more than Season 1, and it left a decent impact on me. If you liked Season 1, you’ll definitely enjoy this season as well, if not even more. As for me, I’m giving it a higher rating than Season 1.


Story : 3.75 to 4/5
Characters : 4/5
Animation & Music : 4/5
Other Factors: 4.25/5
Enjoyment & Impact : 4.25/5
Total Score : 20.25 to 20.5/25 (81% to 82%)

Overall : 8 to 8.5/10 (A- to A)

Like I said before, whenever I want to write reviews, I tend to procrastinate, even though I still end up writing a long one.

Story : It seems that Overlord is one of those isekai anime where the protagonist gets trapped in a game world. However, unlike typical stories, this time he appears to be transported to a completely new world after the game shuts down—along with his entire guild base, Nazarick, and its powerful NPCs. To his shock, these NPCs begin to develop their own personalities, no longer bound by simple programming. As the story unfolds, Ainz Ooal Gown, formerly known as ... Momonga, explores this mysterious world while maintaining his role as the all-powerful overlord, trying to understand his surroundings and possibly find others from the real world.
If you're a fan of MMORPGs, Overlord may appeal to you. However, the story in Season 1 only starts to take shape over time, with not much information provided in the first 13 episodes regarding the world or its rules. The first season is more of a character-driven story, with the information we do receive revealed in a manner similar to how Ainz himself learns about the new world. This makes it an intriguing experience for the viewer, but also one that leaves many questions unanswered early on. As Ainz explores, so do we, learning about the world alongside him. This slow unveiling of information plays a large part in building suspense and creating a sense of mystery.
The pacing of the story in Overlord can be a bit uneven. At times, it feels like the story moves at a faster pace, especially as it establishes the new world and introduces the various factions and characters. However, the delivery of information is somewhat slower, which can make certain moments feel like they drag on. That being said, the show tends to focus on world-building and character development early on, which makes the slower pace more forgivable. While the story picks up in momentum as it progresses, there are still moments when the pacing feels a bit off—either too fast in some instances or unnecessarily slow in others.

Despite its flaws, the story is likeable and enjoyable. It sets up the world and characters decently well, building anticipation for the events to come in the second season.

Characters :
A vast number of characters were introduced, but aside from Momonga—now known as Ainz—none of the NPCs stood out much in of intriguing personality, despite gaining consciousness and acting on their own. I understand they were programmed to behave a certain way, but the result feels a bit mixed for me.
A good example of this is Albedo, who was made to be madly in love with Ainz. Her obsession, while sometimes entertaining, can feel overly one-dimensional. Even among the Floor Guardians, she stands out as the most loyal and clingy. The show also adds rival dynamics, like with Shalltear, who expresses extreme and often inappropriate affection, making things more chaotic than compelling at times.
Screen time for characters outside of Ainz is noticeably limited. The story heavily revolves around him, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as Ainz is a genuinely interesting protagonist. Part of what makes him compelling is that he can’t act like his old human self anymore. Instead, he adopts the persona of his in-game avatar: a calm, commanding skeletal overlord. It reminded me of Skeleton Knight in Another World, where the main character also had a powerful lich-like avatar. Ainz is similarly overpowered, able to deal with most problems without breaking a sweat. Ainz can also make morally grey decisions, like when he coldly executes the sadistic Clementine—a minor antagonist who, despite limited screen time, was surprisingly intriguing. Moments like these blur the line between hero and villain, making Ainz feel like a protagonist who sometimes steps into the role of an antagonist.
It should be noted that dealt with the loneliness of being separated from his former guildmates, The. Interactions between NPCs probably reminds him of his old friends.
Besides Ainz, I found Albedo, Shalltear, Clementine, and the elf twins (who definitely need more screen time) to be the most enjoyable (despite their flaws & lack of intriguing personality). There’s a noticeable lack of standout male characters so far, and the major antagonists haven’t really been introduced yet, leaving that part of the story underdeveloped in this season.


Animation & Music :
The animation in Overlord Season 1 is decent overall, with solid character designs and a fitting dark fantasy atmosphere thanks to Madhouse. While most scenes are traditionally animated, some use of CGI—mainly for monsters and large-scale effects—can feel a bit rough and visually out of place. It’s not heavily distracting, but it does stand out during certain moments.
I didn’t really like the opening song, and at first the ending by MYTH & ROID didn’t click with me either but after listening to it a few times it started to grow on me. The OSTs were pretty good and matched the mood of the series well. The voice actors also did a solid job. Overall I liked the sound and music, nothing exceptional but it worked well enough, except for the opening which was a bit of a letdown.


Other Factors: The fights were alright. I enjoyed some of the fights, and unlike The Eminence in Shadow (which is a good anime but lacks a proper power system), Overlord introduced a better power system. It’s like an MMORPG game, and there are tiers of magic and stuff. The system is good even though it’s underdeveloped. The choreography is decent as well. Accessibility wise, it's very good.

Another thing to note is that it features an adventurer ranking system, similar to those in typical fantasy worlds, with a metal based ranking system reminiscent of Goblin Slayer (an inspiration for me)


Enjoyment & Impact: Yeah, I enjoyed this anime and I’m looking forward to the next season. It left a mixed but still decent impact on me.

If you are a fan of Isekai & RPG games you will probably like this one.

Story : 3.25/5
Characters : 3.5/5
Animation & Music : 3.5/5
Other Factors & Accessibility : 3.75/5
Enjoyment & Impact : 3.75/5

Total Score : 17.75/25 (71%)
Overall : 7/10 (B+)

When I started watching the series, it felt like a completely different anime from what I experienced in Season 1.

Story :

The main theme of this arc is slavery. As Thorfinn states, war is the primary cause of slavery, showing how deeply the two are connected. While the first season briefly touched on this topic, the second season explores it in much greater depth and does a great job with it. Although I was disappointed by the slow pacing throughout much of the season, I found several episodes—such as 8, 9, 17, 22, and 23—genuinely exciting. From episode 2 onward, the show began to feel more ... like a slice of life series, which was a noticeable shift from season 1’s focus on fighting, action, and political intrigue. Still, that slower approach helped lay the foundation for the more mature storytelling in the second half, where the themes and character development truly stand out and even sur those of the first season.

That said, the pacing still had its flaws. Some scenes dragged unnecessarily, and a few important moments were shown offscreen, such as Arnheid freeing Gardar. I also hoped to see a more direct depiction of how Thorfinn changed after the war—from an angry, vengeful teenager to a calm and kind man. While his transformation seems to mirror Thors in many ways, it felt too gradual and subtle, especially considering Thorfinn is the central character.
Despite these issues, the depth of the story, its emotional weight, and its thoughtful exploration of peace, violence, and redemption make the season a powerful experience. Season 2 is not just a continuation, but a philosophical evolution of the story.

Characters :

The character development in this season is almost at its peak, if not fully there. There's no doubt that the main protagonist, Thorfinn, has transformed into a man determined to end war and slavery in a place he hopes to find—Vinland, a land with no enemies, as hinted in Season 1. Thorfinn took 100 punches to the face in the name of peace, even though he could have chosen violence. Just like I predicted back in Season 1, Thorfinn’s character may have seemed one-dimensional at first, but that was actually the foundation for the major transformation we see in Season 2.
This season focuses a lot on deep ideas by showing the different paths of Thorfinn and Canute. Thorfinn, who was once full of anger and driven by revenge, loses his purpose after the person he hated dies. Without that hatred, he feels empty and lost, like he has nothing left to live for. Season 2 shows how he struggles with that emptiness. He doesn’t know who he is anymore because his whole life was based on violence.

That’s when Einar enters the story. Einar is a fellow slave who has also suffered a lot, but unlike Thorfinn, he still believes in kindness and staying human. Through working and talking with Einar, Thorfinn slowly begins to change. He starts to understand that there is value in peace and building a life without hurting others. Einar becomes one of the main reasons Thorfinn finds a new purpose which is wanting to create a world without war.
On the other side, Canute changes in the opposite way. He starts off weak but becomes a powerful king who thinks war is the only way to bring peace. Instead of avoiding violence, he uses it to try and control the world for what he believes is a good cause. This makes the season really interesting because both Thorfinn and Canute want peace, but they try to get it in totally different ways.
The story doesn’t say that one of them is completely right or wrong. It shows that life isn’t black and white, and real peace is hard to figure out. Through Thorfinn, Canute, and Einar, the season explores what it means to change, to suffer, and to grow. Even though the action slows down compared to Season 1, the emotional depth and meaning are even stronger.

While this season may not feature a standout character as commanding or layered as Askeladd, it compensates through the powerful development of Thorfinn and Canute. Their emotional and ideological growth becomes the new heart of the story. Although characters like Thorgil and Olmar aren’t explored as deeply as they could have been, they, along with Ketil, Snake, Gardar, and especially Arnheid, still add meaningful layers to the narrative. Arnheid, in particular, helps address the lack of significant female characters in Season 1, bringing emotional depth and a tragic human perspective. Together, this ensemble s the story in a way that feels rich and thematically fulfilling,even if it doesn’t fully recreate the singular presence Askeladd brought to the first season.


Animation and Music:
This season was not animated by WIT Studio; instead, it was animated by MAPPA. Even though the animation is a bit different from Season 1, it's great in its own way. Personally, I can't compare them, as both are good in their own style. Season 1 animation felt more realistic, while Season 2 had a different feel which is not in a bad way, though. The facial and eye expressions may have been more detailed in Season 1.

For the music, the first opening "River" was really good. I liked both of the endings, which had soft, light music, but the second opening didn't quite sound good to me. The original voice actors did an outstanding job.


Other Factors:
There were fewer fights, and some were shown offscreen, but that matches the theme of this season. Its main focus is on avoiding war and slavery. Still, I thought the fight between Snake and Thorfinn was very good, even if it didn’t match the intensity of Season 1. The action scenes were fewer, but the symbolism was just as strong as before, if not stronger. The choreography in Season 1 was intense and action focused with frequent, fast paced fight scenes. Season 2 shifts more toward emotional depth and character development, resulting in fewer but still meaningful action moments. While Season 1 was more exciting, Season 2 is more mature. I like both, but Season 1 was a bit more entertaining.



Enjoyment and Impact:
I enjoyed the series a lot. Maybe I wasn’t as entertained as I was in Season 1, and while Season 1 made me cry and Season 2 did not (which is the opposite of how most people felt), Season 2 carries more emotional themes. I really enjoyed the series overall, and it left a significant impact on me.


In short, it's an incredible anime with a lot of philosophical themes, and I think most viewers who enjoyed Season 1 will appreciate it as well.

Story : 4.25-4.5/5
Characters: 4.25/5
Animation & Music : 4.25/5
Other Factors: 4/5
Enjoyment & Impact : 4.25/5

Total score : 21-21.25 (84%-85%)

Overall Rating : 8.5-9/10 (A to A+)

Preface:
I want to say something before writing this review:
I don't know much about Vikings. All I know is that they were seafarers from Scandinavia who raided and settled across various parts of the world, especially Europe. They were sailors and pirates as well. That’s about the extent of my knowledge regarding Vikings.



Story:
Vinland Saga takes place in the early 11th century, following Thorfinn, the protagonist from Iceland, who vows to take revenge on Askeladd, the man who, according to him, killed his father in a cowardly manner.
In this historical fiction, we are introduced to the brutal world of the Vikings during a time when surviving on ... your own was incredibly difficult.
The story portrays the cruelty of life through war, slavery, and harsh weather conditions. It explores deep themes of survival, with Viking warriors seeking glory in war to reach Valhalla after dying on the battlefield.

Amidst the severe cold and unforgiving environment, mere survival is a challenge. Add to that the constant threat of war, death, the harsh laws of the 11th century, and the tyranny of kings — living peacefully becomes nearly impossible.
In Vinland Saga, the search for Vinland represents the dream of escaping the violence of Viking life. It offers hope for a peaceful, prosperous land. For Thorfinn, it symbolizes a future free from bloodshed and vengeance. For slaves, it offers freedom from oppression and servitude.
Ultimately, it becomes a journey of redemption, peace, and a fresh start.

We are also introduced to the philosophy of finding "true love" and redefining "human love," and the idea that discrimination is a deep philosophical concept, which could be a topic for a separate discussion.
While some may have issues with the story’s pacing, I personally found it well executed, and the ending genuinely brought tears to my eyes.




Characters:
"Everyone is a slave to something." — Askeladd
This quote defines Vinland Saga’s characters with remarkable realism.

Thorfinn, the main character, is a slave to his past and his thirst for revenge.
He might initially seem like a one-dimensional character, solely fueled by rage (neglecting thoughts of his mother and sister in favor of avenging his father), making him appear unpredictable.
However, his character runs deeper. As a child, he dreamed of living peacefully in Vinland with his family. This dream was shattered by his father's death, and although revenge consumed him, like his father, he sought a fair duel rather than an act of assassination.
When Askeladd challenges him to consider what he would do after achieving his revenge, it marks the beginning of Thorfinn’s character growth — a vital foundation for his future development.

Askeladd, on the other hand, is easily one of the most likeable and complex characters in the series — and my personal favorite.
Unlike Thorfinn, who is a slave to revenge, Askeladd is a slave to his duty toward his ancestry and homeland. He becomes what he despises, a "barbarian," to protect Wales.
His sacrifice to ensure Canute’s rise to kingship was powerful and selfless.
In short, Askeladd is an excellent and irreplaceable character who elevates the story.

Other characters such as Canute (and his impressive character development), the priest, Thorkell, and Thors are also well developed and memorable.
Thors, in particular, might seem to have undergone a sudden transformation from a warlord to a saint, but according to the story, his change happened gradually over time.
Despite their flaws, the characters were executed beautifully.


Animation and Music:
The animation is spectacular. WIT Studio did an outstanding job bringing this brutal world to life, aiming for a sense of realism rather than flashy action.
The first opening and ending themes were excellent, noticeably better than the second opening and ending.
The OSTs (original soundtracks) were solid and fit the tone of the show well, even if they were not exceptionally unforgettable.


Other Factors:
I enjoyed the fight scenes and choreography, all of which were well executed.
Some viewers argue that the "superhuman" feats, like slicing through armored opponents or one man defeating dozens of soldiers barehanded, hurt the show's realism.
Personally, I did not mind this slightly exaggerated action. It added excitement without completely breaking the immersion, and honestly, it makes for some fun moments (and power scaling debates maybe, lol).
My only real complaint would be that I wished for longer and more detailed fights between some of the key characters.



Enjoyment and Impact:
Even if Vinland Saga is not one of the greatest anime ever made, it deeply fascinated me.
I genuinely enjoyed it, especially the second half and the emotionally powerful ending.
The show left a strong impact on its audience.
It even inspired me to read more about Nordic history. The philosophical themes about love and discrimination were thought provoking and meaningful as well.
If you enjoy Norse mythology, Viking culture, medieval history, historical fiction, strong character writing, adventure, and life philosophy, you will likely appreciate Vinland Saga a lot.


Final Ratings:

Story: 4.25/5

Characters: 4.25/5

Animation and Music: 4.25/5

Other Factors: 4.25/5

Enjoyment and Impact: 4.5/5

Total Score: 21.5/25 (86%)

Overall Rating: 9/10 (A+)

Ah, I am actually impressed by this season for real!

Story: It was not so good at first. The first four episodes were mediocre, but it gradually improved, which kind of surprised me. Just when I thought the jokes were becoming repetitive, it got funnier, and the last arc was really good. The pacing was a bit fast, but it's really likeable. The lore drop in the last episode was insane. It was kind of unexpected. All those different realms rotate around a center where a god or godlike being could reside, and how magic came from another world made sense. The ending is a twist, ... as Cid goes back to his own world and saves the girl Akane from Season 1 Episode 1 again, from the same thugs. It all came full circle.Also episode 8 isn't bad either imo, it was just a normal anime beach/pool episode lol.

Characters: The interaction between the characters is kind of like the previous season, but it got slightly better. We also got to see more of Delta and Alpha with decent screentime, and now I can see why so many people like Delta. Cid is still delusional, thinking they are all acting and that the cult does not exist. Funnily enough, they misinterpret Cid’s words every time and end up finding a solution that actually works each and every time. They think Cid is super smart or nearly an omniscient being with immense wisdom, which is funny.
The antagonists are all male again, while the Shadow Garden is made up of females, which is probably a good parallel—but not for me. The antagonists were weak once again, except for Ragnarok and Elisabeth.


Animation and Music: The animation is good as usual, similar to Season 1.
For the music, the opening and ending are not on par with Season 1’s opening and ending respectively. Though Cid Kagenou’s theme or the OST before he used “I AM ATOMIC” against Modred was kind of like divine music. I do not have proper words to describe it—in short, it was really good. Thankfully, they used Season 1’s opening HIGHEST at the end of Season 2.

Other Factors: Just like before, the fights were good but shorter. I think they were even shorter than season 1 fights. The boss fight was so short, and Modred versus Beta and Epsilon was off screened. The choreography is solid though.
It will gradually become more accessible with each episode.

Enjoyment and Impact: Again, just like everything else, the series became more enjoyable as the story progressed, and it left a good impact on me as well.
Truly appreciate this series. Now I will be waiting for the movie and Season 3.





Story: 3.75/5
Characters: 3.75/5
Animation & Music : 4/5
Other Factors: 3.5/5
Enjoyment & Impact : 4/5
Total score : 19/25 (76%)
Overall: 8/10 (A-)

Whenever I consider writing a review, I tend to procrastinate and also I cannot overlook the fact that my proficiency in English has declined (it's not as good as it used to be). Anyway, let's dive into the review of Season 1.

Story:
I will it I was one of those kids "who lived in a fantasy world". “What IF magic became real” was an exciting fascination for us as well. The protagonist, who is a Chūnibyō (中二病), took it to the next level. The first episode starts from his classmate’s perspective, who also wears a "mask" to hide her true identity. The MC wants to ... live in a fantasy world where magic is real (yes, he is insane because he trained his body for that purpose), where he can sur human limits. A power that can rival or even sur a nuclear bomb is only possible if he had access to magic, and he wants to control things from the shadows. His dream came true when he got hit by Truck kun (the most basic version to get isekai'd).

Now, from here on, some people will find the parody and jokes in this anime horrible, some might say “where is the parody,” and some will say “how is this a parody show, or is this a serious action isekai?” Some will find the jokes cringey. Yes, I find it cringey as well, but IMO the cringe is done so well that I got to enjoy it.

The story takes generic tropes from a power fantasy action isekai and delivers them to a very good degree. Everyone has a different sense of humor, so some will enjoy it while others won't. For me, I liked the first episode, but then the anime felt a bit weird. It was serious and also supposed to be a parody, so what is it then? I had mixed feelings about it, but after watching a few more episodes, I began to like the story more and more. As the series progressed, I liked the pace. Before, I thought it was too fast, but then I got used to it. I think the story, especially in the second half, moves at a good pace.

I like how both humor and serious action are mixed in such a way that I began to enjoy the story. There are more twists about a secret cult and the world than I initially expected. The MC thinks he's just messing around and making stuff up, but everyone keeps buying it. Turns out, everything he says ends up being true. He made up the stuff about the Diablos cult to satisfy his own fantasy, but the cult actually exists. Yes, there isn't much world building, but this isn't about world building.

Characters:The characters are enjoyable. Like I said, this MC isn't just a random overpowered average isekai MC who tries to save the world from all threats. He doesn't care about that. He wants to play the role of a background character while controlling everything from the shadows. He doesn't even feel remorse for killing actual people, even though they are bandits.
There's a whole set of harem and lots of girls who like him, especially the Shadow Garden , but he doesn't care about building a harem. He cares about building the Eminence from Shadow to move the story his own way. He also cares about money because he needs it for that.

Some characters are generic but likeable. In 20 episodes, they showed us a whole bunch of new characters, some of whom are really likeable. But my problem with this is that every strong fighter besides MC Cid "Shadow" Kagenou is a beautiful girl. Like what? There are a few antagonist who are male and far weaker than those top tier girl fighters, but every member in Shadow Garden is either an elf girl or a female therianthrope like delta & Zeta until a human named Princess Rose Oriana s them.

I liked the cliche seriousness of Rose and Iris. I really enjoyed their characters. Alexia also stood out. Some characters like Alpha and Delta have less screentime, but they are enjoyable (I hope they will get more screentime in next season) . There are many types of characters with different personalities, but my drawbacks are they lack a bit of depth and they are all female. I am saying this as a harem waifu enjoyer. I wish the series would develop better antagonist as well as they were quite dumb & weak.


Animation and Music:
The animation is really good but felt somewhat unbalanced. Whenever fights happened, the quality of animation obviously increased, but only for a short period. Though I guess it's the same for most anime. Overall, I really liked the animation.

Now, let's talk about the music. The music is really good. I felt the opening was average at first, but after listening to it a couple of times, I found it decent. I really liked the ending music. The OSTs are decent as well. Not the best music, but it's good enough for me. I liked the sound of heavy rain in the last episode too.

Other Factors:
I liked the fights because they had good choreography and animation, but the fights felt too short. The last episode was amazing, but I wish there were characters to rival the protagonist. Otherwise, fights with low stakes feel boring.

The jokes are funny (subjective humor) and the action is good. Like I said, it's in the middle of seriousness and comedy, attracting the audience of both worlds. Some may like this like me, and some may find it mixed shit.
It’s easy to get into the anime after a few episodes and start enjoying it.
The only thing I would complain about in this section is the lack of a good power system. The magic system wasn't explained properly, and characters can do random things without any explanation or even hinting at it.

There are also novels within the story that Beta writes, like Dragon Bowl and One Purse, a reference to Dragon Ball and One Piece. There’s a reference to Star Wars and other stuff too. They use the same currency as Dragon Ball, known as Zeni. There are also Knights of Rounds in the Diablos cult, like Code Geass, which was inspired by King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table.

Enjoyment and Impact:
Overall, I really enjoyed this series. It left a good impact on me and filled the void a bit, which was left by Code Geass.

Story: 3.5/5
Characters: 3.5/5
Animation and Music: 4.25/5
Other Factors & Accessibility : 3.75/5
Enjoyment and Impact: 4/5
Total Score: 19/25 (76%)
Overall: 7.5 to 8/10 (B++ to A-)