Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara, also known as Food Wars! The Second Plate, is the sequel to the popular cooking anime series Shokugeki no Souma, or as it’s known to many fans, Food Wars Season 1. While technically the second season, revisiting Food Wars season 1 is crucial to understanding the foundation upon which this season builds. Produced by J.C. Staff, who had a strong year with other summer anime like Amanchu!, this 13-episode season continues immediately after the first, diving straight into the Autumn Election tournament following the intense preliminary rounds of Food Wars season 1. Although shorter than its predecessor, this season delivers a concentrated arc focused on culinary competition and character development.
Story: The Autumn Elections and the Shadow of Food Wars Season 1
The narrative of this season centers around Souma’s ambitious journey through the Autumn Elections. His goal remains steadfast: to conquer the competition and ultimately challenge the Elite Ten of Tootsuki Culinary Academy, a dream ignited in Food Wars season 1. The storytelling structure largely mirrors Food Wars season 1, employing a tournament arc format familiar to shōnen anime enthusiasts. However, this familiarity also breeds predictability, a departure from the freshness that defined much of Food Wars season 1.
While tournament arcs can be engaging, the story in this second season feels less impactful compared to the inaugural season. It sometimes gives the impression of being a collection of OVAs rather than a seamless continuation of the compelling narrative established in Food Wars season 1. The reduced episode count, likely intended to allow the manga to progress, unfortunately impacts the season’s overall substance. Food Wars season 1 was a revelation, each arc feeling distinct and innovative. In contrast, season 2, with its focus on only two main arcs, occasionally feels stretched thin while simultaneously feeling rushed in its conclusion.
The culinary battles, a hallmark of the series and a key highlight of Food Wars season 1, lose some of their initial dynamism. Where the shokugeki in Food Wars season 1 were often tense and unpredictable, season 2’s confrontations in the Autumn Elections can feel formulaic. Predicting outcomes becomes easier, diminishing the suspense that was a hallmark of the first season. The latter half, dedicated to the internship arc, offers a change of pace. It’s reminiscent of the fast-food mini-arc in Food Wars season 1, providing a breather before the next major development. However, ending the season on this arc feels somewhat anticlimactic, leaving viewers wanting more and anticipating a significant wait for the story to progress further beyond the groundwork laid in Food Wars season 1.
Characters: Building on the Foundation of Food Wars Season 1
The character roster remains largely consistent with Food Wars season 1. A notable improvement is the deeper exploration of returning characters during the Autumn Elections. Many battles shift focus from just the culinary creations to delving into the contestants’ backstories. This provides valuable insight into their culinary philosophies and motivations, expanding upon the initial introductions in Food Wars season 1. New characters are introduced and effectively integrated, enhancing the competitive landscape of the Autumn Elections. However, their long-term relevance beyond these specific arcs remains uncertain, unlike some of the core characters established firmly in Food Wars season 1.
Season 2 effectively builds upon the foundation of Food Wars season 1 by addressing character development more comprehensively. This addresses a minor critique of the first season, where the large cast sometimes hindered in-depth character exploration. While some members of Polar Star Dormitory and Tootsuki Academy still occupy archetypal roles, lacking extensive development, the season demonstrably improves the overall handling of the characters and cast compared to how they were initially presented in Food Wars season 1.
Alt Text: Key visual for Food Wars! Season 2 featuring Souma, Alice, and Erina, highlighting the central characters who were introduced in Food Wars season 1.
Animation: Maintaining the Visual Style of Food Wars Season 1
The animation quality in season 2 largely mirrors that of Food Wars season 1. While consistent, there’s a slight disappointment that the animation didn’t see significant improvement, especially considering the shorter episode count. It’s possible J.C. Staff’s workload, with other concurrent anime releases like Taboo Tattoo and Amanchu!, might have impacted resource allocation. However, all three series maintained a commendable visual standard, with Amanchu! standing out as a particularly visually impressive J.C. Staff production. The art style remains faithful to Food Wars season 1, including the studio’s signature comedic expressions achieved through simplified character faces. This stylistic choice, also present in Amanchu!, has become a recognizable and arguably endearing feature of J.C. Staff’s anime, moving beyond simple budget-saving measures.
Sound: Consistent Audio Excellence Building on Food Wars Season 1
The sound design remains on par with the high standards set in Food Wars season 1. The opening theme is notably catchy, arguably surpassing the first season’s opener, and the closing theme is equally strong. The original soundtrack (OST) is solid and effectively complements the on-screen action, although it doesn’t necessarily reach spectacular heights. Overall, the audio experience maintains the immersive quality established by Food Wars season 1.
Negatives: Predictability Lingering from Food Wars Season 1
Similar to Food Wars season 1, a persistent issue is the show’s predictability, particularly concerning Souma’s consistent victories. The feeling that everything comes too easily for Souma, a concern raised in reviews of Food Wars season 1, remains unaddressed. This can lead to a sense of diminished stakes. Hopes are pinned on future seasons, where Souma might finally face formidable challengers among the Elite Ten, requiring him to truly struggle and potentially altering the somewhat predictable narrative structure established since Food Wars season 1.
tl;dr: A Solid Sequel, But Not Quite the Culinary Triumph of Food Wars Season 1
Food Wars! Season 2 is a decent continuation of the franchise, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Food Wars season 1. Animation and sound quality remain consistent with the first season. However, the story feels weaker, concluding with an underwhelming mini-arc. The Autumn Elections arc, while central, occasionally feels drawn out and predictable, lacking the fresh and exciting feel of the arcs in Food Wars season 1. Character development is a strong point, expanding upon the foundations laid in the first season. Overall, the second season is a worthwhile entry for fans, but it falls slightly short of the culinary innovation and narrative impact that made Food Wars season 1 so captivating.
Alt Text: Fan art depicting Souma Yukihira in a dynamic cooking pose, capturing the energy and passion that defined his journey starting in Food Wars season 1.
Scoring:
Story: 8/10
Characters: 8.3/10
Animation: 8/10
Sound: 8.3/10
[8.15/10]
Enjoyment: 8.5/10
Overall: 8.33
[see end of review for weighing]
For a prime example of a second season that elevates its source material, consider Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and its sequel, 2nd GIG. This series masterfully expanded its universe and characters, developing minor characters without sacrificing narrative engagement, maintaining the strengths of the first season. This contrasts slightly with Food Wars! Season 2, which while developing characters, didn’t quite reach the same narrative heights as Food Wars season 1.
Alt Text: Image from Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, used as a comparative example of a successful second season, contrasting with the reviewer’s feelings about Food Wars season 2 in relation to Food Wars season 1.
Another recommendation for fans who enjoy anime with overpowered main characters and a diverse supporting cast, much like Food Wars!, is One-Punch Man. This series satirically examines the shōnen genre, humorously applying typical tropes to food-related scenarios, similar to how Food Wars season 1 and onward playfully engage with shōnen conventions. For further recommendations, you can check out my top 10 anime list here, which includes One-Punch Man and other series that capture the spirit of adventure and competition found in Food Wars season 1.
Alt Text: Promotional image for One-Punch Man, recommended as an anime with similar themes and character dynamics to Food Wars, appealing to fans who enjoyed the elements introduced in Food Wars season 1.
Weighing:
Story: 20%
Characters: 20%
Animation: 5%
Sound: 5%
[50%]
Enjoyment: 50%
[story+characters+animation+sound] + [enjoyment]
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