...and if we're clear on this, then you get here: the kyoto-hen arc.
To start off, I would first like to tell you that this has spoilers, probably from the anime, and the manga.
Now that's settled, let's start.
First, I get why people hate this anime so much: the characters. And I swear, half the cast did get on my nerves. Probably thought that they weren't even vital to the story. So what changed my mind?
If you don't have enough patience, and if you don't read or aren't planning to read the source material for Ao No Exorcist, then, I pity you. You're missing a lot, no kidding.
Characters: 9/10
Let's start off with Shura. Okay, I've seen comments about her being a drunkard, better yet, about her being useless. But if you've at least tried to read the manga, you'll manage to see her backstory. You'll understand her better as to why she acts the way she acts.
But it doesn't end there.
In that same arc, you'll see Shima (yes, the pink-head everyone keeps telling that's useless??). And as a matter of fact, he actually plays a big role this whole time. Well, maybe not for the whole time, but at least in the following arcs after Shura's.
Next up, Shiemi. It's an understatement to say that I've encountered people that dislike her. They call her useless, annoying, etc. I won't deny the annoying part, since sometimes, she is (but tbh I understand her hard-headed personality since I'm kinda like her too), but I tell you, she's not useless. No, not in the very least, especially in the recent chapters whereas she's actually from an old lineage of (actually idk I forgot), but they are vital to the story. I can't say she's less annoying, but at least, she grew up, even a little bit.
I can't really say anything much for Konekomaru, since he's annoying, and yeah, he's still the same in the manga, which is the total opposite of Bon.
Bon in the later part of the manga gets to be an apprentice of Light, a high-level exorcist. I kinda liked the growth this gives him, working under someone kinda stubborn and messy. He also becomes a better friend to the twins, so yeah, character improvement.
For Izumi (did I remember her name right?), she gets a bit of a character background check, which kinda explains why she acts the way she acts (which is also justifiable given that her sister was taken away from her if I remember that correctly). Anyways, she and Bon helps Rin in the recent arc, and even becomes a better friend too! Okay, character development too.
Rin and Yukio kinda became better brothers, especially Rin. Well, at least, in the recent chapters.
Also, may I add that in the recent chapters, we get Shirou's origin story, which features Rin and Yukio's mom, Yuri! From this backstory, we also get to see how Rin matures more, or at least, grows up a little.
Plot: 7/10
Now, I haven't got much say in the Kyoto-hen plot, since half of it was predictable. To say the least, it was entertaining to watch. Nothing out of extraordinary that can make you gasp or shout or jump, but it's not bland either. The pacing was kinda rushed towards the end, or maybe that's just me.
To the people that say that this wasted the potential that it had, especially for having a good cast but never doing them justice, I hope you read the manga. Kyoto-hen is the starting point to where the plot expands even more as the characters grow.
Art: 7/10
Beautiful backgrounds. The CGI was kinda weird on some episodes. Other than that, the animation is solid. Nothing too weird or too bad.
Music/Sound: 7/10
Okay, season one's op beats this, but nonetheless, beautiful opening by the same band. Besides that, nothing stands much for me.
Enjoyment: 8/10
Did I waste a day watching Ao No Exorcist? Yes.
Do I regret it? No. In the least, it's a pretty good decision.
I pretty much enjoyed this sequel more than the first one since this stuck on to the manga better, and the pacing is so much better compared to the first season. Even better, you can at least see some character improvement here, which definitely was the missing factor in season 1.
At the very least, what I can say about this anime is: this isn't for viewers who are quick to judge and are impatient since kyoto-hen is just the tip of the iceberg. So unless you have the patience, then go for this anime! Would definitely recommend!
