Dec12
“Because Hawthorne told you so” is not one of the reasons. [Image Source]
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With Winter right around the corner, I’ve thrown together this list of six reasons to watch AKB0048 Second Stage this upcoming season, or if you haven’t already, check out the first season! I also wanted to test some HTML. The show is great fun to watch, emotionally effectual at times and completely silly at others. Besides, I would never give up an opportunity to write about the show, kukuku. |
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While AKB0048 might have the external pretense of being solely an idol themed space-drama, one should not forget that in the background of every glamorous idol event is an epic showdown between the oppressive anti-entertainment DES forces and the idols themselves. Lightsabers, rifles, mecha, and even kira-kira wands are just a sample of the combat that regularly takes place in the AKB0048 universe. Sure, these battles typically take a backseat to the more important aspects of the show (building relationships, live events, and whatnot), but never do they feel like a tacked on gimmick. The space fantasy setting provides the perfect backdrop for aerial warfare between mecha, and the heavily political connotations of the plot give good reason for all this necessary fighting.
It’s an exciting twist on the idol “genre,” and Takamina’s battle in episode 8 was more than enough evidence to suggest that the staff have it in them for more well-choreographed and emotionally powerful battles in the coming season.
[Image by ただのかげきち @pixiv]
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If you’ve seen the opening sequence to the first season than you don’t need me to tell you that AKB0048 is an emotional roller coaster, and whether or not your up for the ride is completely different question. Maybe you’ll be one of the people standing next to the roller coaster, pointing and laughing at the occasionally over exaggerated drama that I’d say has become a staple of the show. Apart from those uncommon moments, the direction of the series’ drama has its high notes and over time the “exaggerated” atmosphere finds its place within this pseudo-space-opera. Without it, AKB0048 just wouldn’t be AKB0048.
With that said, the drama in Second Stage I’d say is guaranteed to reach new highs next season, especially with the General Election on the horizon. For those of you who don’t know, during the election process the AKB girls are voted on by fans. How this will translate to the series is yet to be known, but one thing is for sure, THERE WILL BE TEARS.
[Image by ナヲコ @pixiv]
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Rumor has it that alongside the General Election drama, Chieri’s father (who you might remember is the owner of the Zodiac Company) will play a larger role in the series by providing greater antagonism than last season. With Zodiac in the fold, DES will be stronger and more prominent than even, which at the very least guarantees the action won’t be letting up in Second Stage.
This is only speculation, but his presence introduces some possible plot developments that could really shake up the cast. Will Chieri, the heiress to the company, be forced into working under her father, or will she fight against him and the anti-entertainment laws? (Also, will these guys be back? Please let them come back!)
[Image by ナヲコ @pixiv]
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One of the main reasons fans such as myself have been dying for a second season is the general unsettled feeling of many of the show’s storylines. (In retrospect, it was likely careful planning by the staff of AKB0048 to not answer EVERY question with a new season in the works and whatnot.) If you’ve yet to watch the first season, then many of these burning questions might not mean anything to you just yet, but they’ll likely play a vital role in the upcoming plot. First of all, who the hell is “sensei-sensei”? I’ve speculated that he/she might be former Center Novas, but that wouldn’t make sense, thinking back. And speaking of Center Novas, why did Acchan disappear and where is she now? There is plenty of mystery surrounding the Kirara too, as well as the promotion process.
Next season will likely deal with succession, an aspect that played a large role in the development of Kanata and Takamina, two of the breakout characters from the cast if I was to pick. With the understudies now having experience as both fighters and performers it’s only a matter of time before they become full-on AKB0048 idols.
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I considered making “Music” the subject of all six reasons to watch, but I figured that wouldn’t be as much fun! kukuku. The live concerts and performances have always played a huge role in AKB0048, with good reason, and I don’t expect that to be any different in Second Stage. Who could forget the soft vocals of “Lemon Season,” performed by Kanata and Mimori in their introduction scene, or the catchy lyrics of “Aitakatta,” the song that inspired Nagisa to chase her dream.
Despite the clumsy CG choreography commonly used by the staff to direct the crowded dance sequences, the performances were always exciting thanks to the excess of strobe lights, hovercrafts, and fireworks. Without a doubt, the performances, whether bursting with color or mellow, were the highlight of AKB0048 and who knows, maybe they’ll be even better next season!
[Image by NorthAbyssor @pixiv]
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While this is more of a conclusion to the previous five points and not necessarily an entirely new one, AKB0048 is an exciting and incredibly entertaining series that I hope you’ll try out this Winter season (or even check out the first season). AKB has its share of cliches and melodrama, but beneath that is an outstanding show with an inspirational dystopian story, energetic characters, and plenty of great songs.
For more information on Second Stage you can check out the Official Website (trailers, character profiles, etc), and if you’re interested in reading more about the first season feel free to check out our posts here at Metanorn! See you this Winter!
[Image from Official Website]
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I enjoy watching anime, when I'm not burning toast or sleeping through college.
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 77 comments
moar aidoru… I can’t wait.
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
THAT’S THE SPIRIT!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Good to see you blogging again, Hawthorne. I can’t wait for Winter to start so AKB0048 can make a comeback. The anime was greatly missed. These reasons are just added motivation. It’ll make a nice replacement when Girls und Panzer reaches its finale. Now, if only there was confirmation of another season of Senki Zesshou Symphogear.
On a side note: All three mentioned animes are prime Saimoe material.
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
I have good news for you then, SYMPHOGEAH has been greenlit for a second season in 2013, no word on the season though.
I can see GuP being a dominant threat in next year’s Saimoe. (Gooooo Yukari!~) Symphogear and AKB did horrible this year though, so I guess they’ll be against odds.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Awesome!! Looks like 2013 is going to have a lot of sequels. Not only do we get another AKB0048 for Winter, we get another Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai. Thanks for info on Symphogear. I heard there’s also going to have another Haiyore! Nyaruko-san and High School DxD somewhere down the road.
Girls driving tanks? Yeah, that’s a serious threat. Now that the Saki bias will be out of the way, Saimoe will be a more even playing field where all the contestants will have a fair chance.
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
Don’t forget Chihayafuru! kukuku.
After hearing all of these sequel announcements, if GuP doesn’t get one I will be very disappointed.
POWUH: 400-499 with 410 comments
More epic fights, more idol dramas and most importantly more beautiful music for my ears~ This was in my Winter list the moment the airing date was announced. People tend to call me weird for watching ‘weird’ Animes but I never once regret watching this beautiful Anime~
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
Same here Toori-chan, it’s one of the shows I’m most looking forward to! I’m actually surprised it’s coming so soon though, I feel like the first season just ended.