Log Horizon Part 2

Anime Review

Log Horizon Part 1 genuinely impressed me when I reviewed it in March 2015 (A). This is because it delivered a tale set in a virtual online world which is more content-rich than other contenders in its niche including Sword Art Online and even .hack. While other series may see players fighting to escape/survive in a dangerous online world and/or going up against some form of defined “antagonist”, Log Horizon follows users who are forced to adapt to life in an ever changing fantasy virtual world. With no risk of dying to contend with, the series tackles challenges such as pioneering new technologies and modern-day luxuries unavailable in the base game, tackling social inequality/issues and negotiating with the NPC’s (People of the Land) who have now become autonomous with their own backstories, personalities and more. It is an interesting premise, with content I am personally surprised comes from <10 light novel volumes of no more than a few hundred pages each.

Log Horizon Part 2 starts off immediately from where the previous volume concluded, with Shiroe and his team still negotiating with the League of Freedom Cities Eastal and Minori et al strugging to complete a dungeon during their Summer Training Camp for lower level players. This chapter eventually sees the two groups come together to tackle a new threat, with one incident in particular showcasing the special abilities Adventurers can use in their new world and the inclusion of new members of Log Horizon. A good portion of the episodes in this second collection were dedicated towards the “Summer Training” and “Return of the Goblin King” arcs according to light novel chronology, and in my opinion, were just as satisfying as previous arcs. Each episode was sufficient in drawing upon both “online game” and “fantasy” elements of its setting, while also developing each character (Particularly the younger characters) and the world itself.

The final few episodes were dedicated to the ‘Libra Festival’ arc, easily the most forgettable given its heavier emphasis on relationships – especially with regard to the love triangle formed between Akatsuki, Minori and Shiroe. That being said, the concepts behind the arc were not too bad, and overall served as a vital link between the first season and the second season. Fortunately, unlike series including Kamisama Dolls and Problem Children Are Coming From Another World, Aren’t They? which left much of their storyline’s indefinately untold, there was enough demand for a second season which recently finished airing in Japan. Therefore, the inclusion of a link which gives viewers a taste of what’s to come was a smart if not slightly risky decision.

Overall, Log Horizon Part 2 serves as a strong conclusion to a memorable first season. While there is still much to explore, with this season covering only the first few light novel volumes created by author Mamare Touno, most of the episodes left me satisfied in terms of progression, character development and world building. I can only hope that Sentai Filmworks are able to localize Log Horizon 2 sooner rather than later.

Images: © Mamare Touno, KADOKAWA / NHK, NEP

Acknowledgement: Blu-ray Review copy provided by Madman Entertainment

Sam
Sam
Founder of The Otaku's Study. I have been exploring this labyrinth of fandom these last fifteen years, and still nowhere close to the exit yet. Probably searching for a long time to come.

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