Introduction

Fusing reality with fiction, Oshi no Ko season 1 was a dark look at what happens in the idol world. Twins Aquamarine (Aqua for short) and Ruby Hoshino were born from the famous idol Ai but the twist was that both were originally two souls who had just recently died and were reincarnated as her children. Aqua (Ai’s doctor named Gorou) and Ruby (Ai’s fan and Gorou’s patient) end up following in their mom’s footsteps but for various reasons.

Killed by a stalker fan, Aqua discovers there was foul play at foot and joins the theater industry to hunt down their father who most likely was the one who leaked Ai’s address and caused her death. From here, we discover the underbelly of idol/theater life, what ruins and propels these people, and how fame can distort even the most beautiful.

Oshi no Ko season 2 continues the story of the Hoshino twins now entering a new stage in their life, literally, but their advancing careers doesn’t mean either has lost sight of their goal and for one of these twins, the revenge plot is only going to get worse. Is Oshi no Ko’s second outing better than the first or like most sequels, not doing the original justice?

Let’s find out in my review!

Story

Aqua and Ruby Hoshino have finally begun to break out in their respective stages. B-Komachi has begun to grow as an idol group and with its growth, Ruby has started seeing her late mother’s dream through her own eyes. Meanwhile, Aqua has been cast in one of the lead roles of a manga series called Tokyo Blade, that is now coming to the stage.

However, despite his success, Aqua has only allowed his revenge for Ai’s death to continue lingering in his spirit and begins to get closer to those who may have caused his mother’s murder. Even as the stage curtains open, are the Hoshino twins really where they need to be in life, or is their success only foolishly covering a darker reality?

Animation

I’ll never forget when I watched the first episode of Oshi no Ko season 1 and was floored by the visuals/animation. Studio Doga Kobo known for series like New Game and Plastic Memories, has had a decent track record of crafting some solid anime series but Oshi no Ko is their best work.

Oshi no Ko season 2 follows that trend with even greater animation than the previous season. Characters look even more detailed, which I didn’t think was possible and the animation, especially during the stage play’s scenes, which make you feel like another anime is playing, are gorgeous.

Even for a series that doesn’t use many flashy scenes or have epic battles, Oshi no Ko season 2 was a real visual treat that shows this studio is no newcomer in the animation world.

Sound

With a series about idols, movies, and theater, it’s safe to assume the music, voice acting, and so on, would be stellar. Oshi no Ko, thankfully, keeps the trend of the first season with yet, again, a great OST and solid voice performances. Everyone does a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life, whether on-screen acting or describing their horrible pasts due to their increasing popularity.

Aqua steals the show despite his almost stoic performance, but he is accompanied by a few other characters who make you wonder if being an idol or famous is worth it. While I, personally, loved the OP and ED of the first season a bit more than season 2, Fatal (the OP of season 2) and Burning (the ED) fit the aesthetic of season 2.

Overall though, season 2 is almost perfect in the sound department and that is a blessing.

Characters

Oshi no Ko already had a giant entourage of characters ranging from the childhood prodigy now trying to shine in her teen years Kana Arima to the “girlfriend” and star copycat, Akane Kurokawa. It seemed we couldn’t get any more intriguing characters.

Well, season 2 played me wrong. We get several new characters, one being the apparent father of the Hoshino twins and a mysterious child-like entity that seems to push Ruby towards a similar fate, as her brother. Other characters are a bunch of new actors who get added, despite their small screen time, which propelled Oshi no Ko season 2. What I loved about Oshi no Ko season 2 is that no character, big or small, feels insignificant in the end.

They all have their purpose which is rare for an anime like this.

Manga vs. Anime

As someone who has only read up to a certain point in the manga, as I enjoy the anime too much to go beyond it, I do know the anime is doing an impressive job adapting its source material.

Much of the story is being kept intact and I’ve only seen maybe a few moments that I feel the manga conveyed a bit stronger than the anime but that is more of an opinion than a fact. Manga readers will have little issue with Oshi no Ko season 2, no doubt.

Conclusion

Oshi no Ko season 2 is mind-blowingly good. I loved season 1 and still consider it now, one of my all-time favorite anime, which could be a hot take. Seeing as it’s a story with so many layers wrapped in pseudo-reality is also why I love it so much. Season 2 just keeps the anime going in the right direction with more drama, supernatural intrigue, and mystery, mixed with a story that is just powerfully gripping. The fact that a third season has already been announced—thanking the anime gods for that one— shows Oshi no Ko is loved as it should be.

Honestly, had the stage play element been a bit shorter, I could say season 2 would be perfect. Unless you’re judging season 2 under a microscope, Oshi no Ko’s second round does everything a second season needs to do and does it phenomenally well. If somehow, you haven’t seen Oshi no Ko or watched this second season, you need to do yourself a favor and sit down and binge it. You can watch the entire season on HIDIVE, right now!

Now I just need to patiently wait till season 3 comes out…

—Aaron