First Impressions – Durarara!!x2 Shou

キタ━━━(゜∀゜)━━━!!!!!

▒▒▓█▇▅▂∩( ✧Д✧)∩▂▅▇█▓▒▒ …. Words can’t describe my happiness about Drrr! being back. I have waited five long years for this day and it’s here!!! It’s really herrrreeee! Ahem! So, yes, the best of the season needs to be covered and here we are to do just that. I strongly recommend you to give season one a watch before starting this one because if you don’t, you will be thoroughly confused from the barrage of characters and let me remind you, Drrr! has aplenty.

When I heard the news that Durarara was coming back I got really excited! Because I have so many favorite characters, but I was a bit sad that Brains Base was not going to be working on this second season. However, the same thing happened with Log Horizon season two and so far that series is doing just fine so we shall see how things go.

Drrrx2-01-00002

Welcome to Ikebukuro, everyone! If you have been a Metanorn reader for a while, you already know how some of us love this verse so much. Some of the citizens are quite notorious and in the previous season, not only the city was overrun by supernatural beings like the Headless Rider and a very dangerous sword-wielding killer, who turned part of the city into senseless zombies. It has been one apocalypse after another, including a gang war with an uprising of Dollars, which caused rift in between few friends. But friends usually make up afterwards and for the people who watched the season one, the first episode was just like meeting old friends. There were some misgivings for the wait but from how things went and even the time lapse, everyone still seem the same, busy in their own course of life.

But like any other Drrr! episode, many hints were dropped with the glimpses from most of the season-one cast. Celty’s run from the police was usual business because even when she’s a big bad Dulahan, she’s adorably afraid of police, specifically from Officer Kinnosuke, who has a knack of catching her off-guard and following her around the city. Mikado is as timid as we remembered him around Anri. Dotachin and his gang of Saburou, Erika and Walker are still a bunch of dedicated otakus. Shizuo still wants to kill Izaya, while Izaya is still up to no good with his scheming (specifically around Celty with how things went last season). Namie is still a brocon. Seiji is pretty much in love with Harima Mika and same for Kida with Saki. Shinra is cute as always, doting after his to-be Dulahan waifu. Though, in between all the hellos and other anime references, the staff sneaked in a murderer on the loose, dubbed as Hollywood due to his dramatic flair and weird costume sense (I say, he’s watched too many episodes of Samurai Flamenco).

Drrrx2-01-00038Drrrx2 1-00174

But the real stars of this episode were actually Heiwajima Junior (Hanejima Yuhei), due to his career escapades and genes. And Orihara twins, who were as lively as ever with Mairu doing most of the talking and kicking but these two would become this season’s favourite in no time due to the wincest element. Emilia comes a close third with her horrible Japanese and airhead attitude. At least, she got to grope Celty, fans should be pretty jealous from this new Mrs. Shingen and mother-in-law to Shinra and Celty who were as marvellous as the phrase: old is gold. It’s being theorised that the golden afro guy, Kasuka’s agent is actually a cameo of Isaac from Baccano! I won’t be really surprised of it because we have seen him before in season one. Anyways, I felt right at home and it’s good to be back!

Drrrx2 1-00198Drrrx2 1-00200

As many know from reading our winter preview chart, Durarara holds a special place in many anime bloggers hearts as their gateway into the world of aniblogging. At least for myself, I didn’t start reading the popular blogs until I got hooked and wanted to know more about the interesting world of Durarara. I saw how much fun the reviewers had expressing their views on the episode so I decided to give it a shot as well. I can’t believe that it has been over five years since we last saw Celty, Kida, Izaya, Shizou, Mikado, Anri and just about every other character and yes I know we got an OVA episode, but for the main series at least it has been a while and I wonder how the voice actors feel about reprising those iconic roles?! I am sure there is some youtube video of them being asked that question. For me Durarara was my first exposure to hearing the likes of Kana Hanazawa, Daisuke Ono, Hiroshi Kamiya and Miyuki Sawashiro. I know crazy? I might have heard them before but then again I was a noob back in the day when it came to Japanese voice actors so it was a somewhat new experience memorizing their names at that time.

durarara s2 (1)

While those old faces are great to see once again this is a brand new season that takes place a year and a half later which of course means new characters! I know not all of these characters are new especially Izaya’s little sisters who appeared for a bit in the OVA episode, but the opening alone showed at least four to five brand new characters and for the most part I am super curious as to how they will be used and what they bring to the table. I did notice that there was even a random LOLi thrown in the opening so eventually skylion will catch up right? Kidding! So as a huge fan of Durarara what do I want from this season? I have a few like discovering more info on Celty’s missing head, Anri and Mikado’s odd “relationship”, which I know isn’t really that and what kind of evil is Izaya going to pull this season? So, yeah I am super happy to see how things play out! Also I can’t forget the otaku pairing of Erika and Walker who named dropped several anime like SAO 2, Index, Oriemo, Mahouka, Black Bullet and there were billboards for Aldnoah.Zero and Samurai Flamenco thrown in too! That said the Miyuki door on the van had me dying! Wow that was a bit crazy.

Extra Drrrr!

Drrrx2-1

Transformation ho!

Click for more Show ▼

Woooooo!! Yes! I am so happy that Durarara is back in my life, even though I do have complaints about the opening being kinda dull. At least the episode returns us to that old comfortable feeling with all these unique characters and I was surprised that we had some character growth from Celty who was a bit shy at least to me I felt she was, but this season for some odd reason she is very lively and excited and the display of her new abilities and powers? I really had no idea she could transform her bike back into horse mode and create shadow illusions? While that was great again I am curious about the new characters and how they get pushed into the story! So what are you ready for with this new season?

I thought I would never see this day but hey, as a fan this episode and the continued cours later are very rewarding. Even when I haven’t read the novels still, I love this verse and can’t get enough of it. It was business as usual and even with the animation studio changing, there was no difference except for the quality going high as per the current trend. Must be due to the same people working behind the production but kudos should be given where it’s due. However, I have to echo Fosh for the new opening being not as exciting as the previous one but it has been growing on me with time. The ending sequence was nostalgic and I have gathered all the stills here for your viewing pleasure.

This was just the start and with more characters to be properly introduced later, I’m really looking forward to plot thickening. Specifically for Izaya to wreck havoc with his next scheme. Shingen doesn’t seem to be playing by the books and with increased experimentation on Celty, I can only wonder what he’ll try to do with the information. Will he work with Izaya? Whatever happens though, this is not the only thing going down in Ikebukuro with Dollars dominating the streets, Kida is supposedly back, a mysterious murderer is on the loose and there are clear signs of mafia pulling some strings from the back. As I said before, welcome to this crazy place and I hope you will stick around till the end!

Preview:

Drrrx2 1-00204

Meet Aoba, the kouhai who will start something interesting again.

About

We live, laugh, enjoy and strictly believe on "more the merrier". When together, we usually come up with very chatty, conversation-based episodics and interesting posts.
Blinklist BlogMarks Delicious Digg Diigo FaceBook Google MySpace Netvibes Newsvine Reddit StumbleUpon Twitter

85 Responses to “First Impressions – Durarara!!x2 Shou”

  1. JPNIgor says:

    I was shouting like crazy when they started to make direct references to animes like “DO YOU GUYS WANT TO BE SUED OR WHAT?!” while laughing histerically.

    Well, I guess the first episode was kinda weak but again, it is the first episode. It just threw a bunch of characters whose connections we’re going to see in the long term. And I’m so excited knowing that there will be three… “seasons”… until 2016. It’s Durarara madness.

    Fosh, pls tell me how did you learn so many VA names. The only one I know and I remember the voice is HanaKana, and that’s when she doesn’t pull any weird voices like Tokyo Ghoul’s Rize or Seryu “Weird-Justice”-san.

    • Kyokai says:

      Drrr! is famous for referencing popular anime and haven’t you watched Gintama? This kind of referencing is pretty much acceptable in the industry.

      Btw, remember the first episode of season one? Not too great either but then shit hit the fan later. I guess you can’t really blame the staff as the story has too many characters already and more have been introduced to bulk it up even more.

      I just hope we get something crazy like that phone stomping by Izaya in this season too.

      • JPNIgor says:

        No, I didn’t watch Gintama. I thought what was acceptable was either making those “piii” when referencing or changing names, not making straight references to characters to the point of saying the name of the series. And I really don’t remember cases like this from the first season.

        Yeah, I remember. That’s why I’m not complaining much. It’s possible that even whatever seems worthless in this first episode could blow our mind being something extremely important by the end of the third part in 2016.

        Want crazy stuff? Leave it to Izaya hahaha

        • Kyokai says:

          Really? Erika and Walker name-dropped a lot in season one as well. Also, the van had another famous character. Plus, there were Baccano! character drop-in cameos too.

          I’m already guessing the Hollywood murderer would be part of the audience’s shock and horror. Though, I wish the trip remained together personally. Oh well, you can’t get everything you wish for but at least there’s Shizuo and Izaya, just as we left them. xD

          • JPNIgor says:

            I guess Baccano would be acceptable knowing that a bunch of the 1st season staff worked on it as well.

            Yeah, Hollywood would be the most obvious one. And even though it would still be exciting, I’m really hoping that they will pull a dinosaur instead of a rabbit out of the hat.

            Shizuo S2 Izaya, though it’s not hahaha.

    • belatkuro says:

      The titles mentioned by Walker and Erika are titles from Dengeki Bunko, which is also the same imprint that Durarara is published in. Also, both A/Z and SamFlam are produced by Aniplex, which is also the main producer of this show.
      It’s perfectly fine and it’s more of killing 2 birds with one stone. They get to promote Dengeki titles and Aniplex shows at the same time.

  2. Namika says:

    To be completely honest, I’m not sure how I feel about this episode. I haven’t re-watched the first season in ages, however I feel like it was a lot calmer and strangely different. I know, it’s only the first episode, but still, it felt too different from the old Durarara. Of course I will keep watching it, there’s just no way I’d quit. After all, this anime is dear to me on a whole different level, aside from just being a kickass show. But after that Psycho-Pass fiasco, I’m a little paranoid.

    • Iron Maw says:

      Actually, in terms of structure the first episode of preview played out the same.

    • JapanInspired says:

      I think I understand what you mean.
      I also had the strange feeling of Drrr being a little different. Maybe because I re-watched it about a year ago, I have a feeling that I should have waited a bit, to finish the 1st season and jump right to the 2nd one. So it would be earier to compare. Or maybe it’s just weird seeing it again.
      And I also, somehow got the feeling that the characters look a bit different, especially Izaya, I have no idea why. Looks a bit younger, to me.

      • Kyokai says:

        As I said, the character designs have been a bit updated. This should look much better from the previous season. As I watched in 1080p, I loved the details.

        • JapanInspired says:

          I understand what you mean.
          It’s just Izaya, to me, is the one that looks the most different.
          The other characters pretty much look the same.

          • Kyokai says:

            Because of his wider face and elongated eyes? I guess, we’ll see how it goes in the next episode.

            • Namika says:

              The art style was totally fine, if you ask me. A tiny bit different, but not enough to be bothersome.
              What felt different were the characters themselves. I can’t put my finger on it, but the dialogues, the interactions felt more light-hearted and this whole episode lacked that distinct atmosphere. It felt simpler and plainer. Though again, I may have become an infinite bitch throughout the years xD

    • Kyokai says:

      The animation has changed a bit as it has been years since the first release. Same for the characters who look a bit updated, especially the nuance of character outlining but besides this I don’t see much difference.

      I’m pretty sure this would not go the Psycho-Pass way because, PP was written by a bunch of people putting their heads together, while Durarara!! solidly exists because of Narita and he has been always the man behind the story since day one.

      It’s alright, things will be okay! 😉

      • Namika says:

        Yeah, I’ll repeat this like a mantra. 😀 And try not to be a pessimist for a change ^^” after all, this is Durarara. I’ll love it regardless of what happens.

    • BlackBriar says:

      Of course I will keep watching it, there’s just no way I’d quit. After all, this anime is dear to me on a whole different level, aside from just being a kickass show. But after that Psycho-Pass fiasco, I’m a little paranoid.

      Here’s the recent trailer for the Psycho-Pass movie to ease said paranoia:

      • JPNIgor says:

        KYAAAAAAAAH! OMFG I CAN’T WAIT! *-*

        • BlackBriar says:

          Like the first and second anime seasons, the music for the movie will be provided by Ling Tosite Sigure.

          • JPNIgor says:

            Pretty obvious, their voice is so unique you’ve got to recognize it.

            There are so many of their music that I’m digging so much right now.

            • BlackBriar says:

              Speaking of that, here’s the streamed opening of the movie featuring Ling Tosite Sigure’s theme song “Who What Who What.”

            • Kyokai says:

              Looks good.

            • BlackBriar says:

              Now to wait a ludicrously long time for the subbed version to be released.

            • Namika says:

              Yeah, I find myself loving their tracks quite a lot. Tokyo Ghoul opening especially :3

            • BlackBriar says:

              Yeah, Tokyo Ghoul’s “unravel” is one of the best tracks on their list. It’s addictive. Even now I’m still hooked on it.

            • JPNIgor says:

              Yeah, I’m still hooked to unravel to this day. But I guess Unravel only features the vocalist for Ling Tosite Sigure, while the other members aren’t around.

              I like their softer songs quite a lot like 24 Reverse and seacret cm.

      • Kyokai says:

        Hiroshi Kamiya and Tomkazu Seki….. Double HNNNNNGGGGGG!

      • Namika says:

        I simply can. not. wait. to get my hands on this movie. The premise is so interesting, and that branch of the storyline was the one I wanted to see the most – the international scene, and what role does Sibyl play in it. Though I’m trying not to expect much, to be honest, I’m pretty sure that I’ll enjoy this movie to bits. And were gonna see Shinya again, which is a plus in and of itself 😀

  3. Iron Maw says:

    So glad to have show back! Honestly with the way episode was put together you think that the staff had be frozen for 5 years only to be let out just now. lol

    When I heard the news that Durarara was coming back I got really excited! Because I have so many favorite characters, but I was a bit sad that Brains Base was not going to be working on this second season. However, the same thing happened with Log Horizon season two and so far that series is doing just fine so we shall see how things go.

    Quick clarification here, while BB isn’t doing this, the same staff who worked on the first season and Baccano are all here. In fact Shuka was basically created just to adapt the rest of this series, which just shows the huge amount of love the teams has DRRR!!.

    • Foshizzel says:

      Yeah 5 years!

      True I can get that vibe from the episode even if the studio was shifted out for another the love and attention spent on this was all over and I am thankful for that <3

    • Kyokai says:

      When I didn’t hear anything for two years after the release of Drrr! I thought it has faced the no-sequel rule of Brains Base besides Natsume. The only anime they have made seasons of.

      I’m just glad the staff got back together and did this. We all sure needed it!

      • belatkuro says:

        Well Brains Base is still adhering to that no-sequel-besides-Natsume rule since DRRR is done by a new studio, albeit the exact same staff and cast. Also, they passed Oregairu s2 to Studio Feel. So yeah, they really don’t like doing sequels besides Natsume.

        • Kyokai says:

          Feel for Oregairu 2? 🙁 Oh man, I like it for the story not fanservice. I hope they do justice with it. >< Btw, about time, Brains Base should do another Natsume but I guess, we'll have to wait with Omori heavily busy with Drrrx2.

  4. JapanInspired says:

    It’s heeeeeereeee!
    Kyokai, I understand your feelings sooo well.
    Such nastalgia. I remember watching Durarara, and it was one of the first shows I watched when I got more serious into anime. And that was 4 years ago? Still one of my favorite shows.
    I got chills when the Opening started. I’ve waited for this so long. It was a dream for Durarara to get a 2nd season. And it took them so long to get to it.
    But now it’s real! Yeah!
    Isn’t this the best present to start the year with?

    Though I’m a bit shocked that Walker and Erika read SAO. Don’t mean to offend anyone. Just kinda…. you know…

    • Foshizzel says:

      Feels good to have Durararara back in our lives <3

    • Kyokai says:

      Been five years since but I’m glad the 10th year anniversary of the novels helped kick off this project. Though, I’m pretty sure the staff were in planning stage for a while.

      Though I’m a bit shocked that Walker and Erika read SAO. Don’t mean to offend anyone. Just kinda…. you know…

      I know this feeling! But then again, they always read the IN stuff and however much I hate it, SAO is popular in Japan.

      • JapanInspired says:

        I sometimes think, that they wanted the novels to go more forward, so they had more to use in the anime. …Or maybe I’m making excuses for them, lol.

        In the first season they were going mad about Spice and Wolf and Yotsuba, so comparing that to My sister cant be this cute and SAO is like they’re not one of my favorite characters anymore. It’s depressing…

        SAO is ridiculously popular. H-hooooww did this happen, humanity…? orz

        • Kyokai says:

          Anime Production is srs bsns yo! That should be the only explanation valid for us. 😉

          And you can’t do much about SAO’s popularity. It has happened and we should just look the other way.

    • Namika says:

      Oh yeah,compared to a year of not having Kuroko no Basket which I constantly complain about this was brutal 😀 5 years! 😀 But admit it…. the longer the wait, the happier the reunion :3

      • JapanInspired says:

        Ahaha, yeah, KuroBasu keeps coming and coming.

        Sure it’s true, the more you wait, the more you cherish it. Now lets see if our wait was worth it ^^

  5. bobob101 says:

    As an actual episode this wasn’t to special, especially since I was marathoning the entire show less than a week before hand to refresh myself. That being said, that marathon really made me want to go and see what the city of Ikebukuro has in store.

    I really need to watch Baccano

    • Foshizzel says:

      I should have done the same thing, but I will admit to being WHAT the heck?! Especially the girl with Kida until I looked it up and was like oh his girl friend.

      Yes! Baccano is a must watch.

    • Kyokai says:

      This was exactly like the first episode of Durarara back in the day and I remember wondering to myself, “How the hell am I going to keep track of all these characters?!”

      Well, I got the hang of it and the 2nd/3rd episodes were quite good so I’ll just relax.

      Btw, same for me. Need to finish Baccano!

    • Namika says:

      Happy to hear that O’m not the only one here who still has to finish baccano xD

  6. BlackBriar says:

    It… it’s here… It’s finally here!!! Yes! Welcome back, Celty and Ikebukuro!! You’ve been missed (Keeping composure is almost impossible right now). Though it’s only been about 8 months since marathoning the first season, I couldn’t wait to see the second show up. Probably was more torture for those who’ve watched when the first season aired. Five years is a long time. Long indeed.

    A slow start but easy to overlook as nostalgia had completely taken over, rendering any possible complaints utterly irrelevant. Besides, beginnings should take time to create exposition and since two more cours are on standby, there’ll be a lot to show. How nice it was to see familiar characters again while saying hello to new ones. Among other things, what makes Durarara!! such an icon is its show of relevancy to how people in this day and age just dote on the internet for various reasons.

    Not even halfway through the episode and that snake Izaya is up to no good. After last season’s cliffhanger ending, I’m curious as to whether or not Celty will get her head back. Most are already aware of its last known location.

    Dotachin and his gang are true otakus. Can’t believe all the names from the LNs they’ve read. “The Irregular at Magic High School (Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei)”, “A Certain Magical Index (Toaru Majutsu no Index)”, “My Little Sister Can’t Be This Cute! (OreImo)”, “SAO (Sword Art Online)”, “Black Bullet”. All mentioned names that have become anime adaptations.

    • Foshizzel says:

      Indeed! I missed all the characters <3

      Reminds me of Game of Thrones because there are sooooo many characters and each of them have a story to tell and sadly not everyone will get a focus, but since we are getting 2 and 3 seasons of Durarara maybe we will get more time for all of the characters.

      LOL yeah all those anime references I was dying with that Miyuki door xD

      • Kyokai says:

        You have something there, Fosh! Durarara!! is the GoT of anime fandom period. 😉

        And on name dropping, even the cop oyaji dropped Lupin the III, while chasing after Celty. I love collecting these references and of course the random billboards. 😉

  7. BlackBriar says:

    I said before how I marathoned the first season. It was the Japanese version but I still remembered a few English dub episodes and thought it was just as good because the voices went well with the characters. So my question is: Who do you think does their role better?

    Izaya Orihara: Hiroshi Kamiya/ Johnny Yong Bosch (Yukio Okumura, Ichigo Kurosaki, Braz D. Blood, Lelouch Lamperouge, Renton Thurston, Ryuunosuke Uryuu, Makoto Tachibana, Saruhiko Fushimi, Sasori, Yuu Narukami, Nagate Tanikaze)

    Shizuo Heiwajima: Daisuke Ono/Crispin Freeman (Haji, Holland Novak, Kirei Kotomine, Alucard, Itachi Uchiha)

    Shinra Kishitani: Jun Fukuyama/ Yuri Lowenthal (Pip Bernadotte/Enrico Maxwell, Sasuke Uchiha, Yosuke Hanamura)

    Celty Sturluson: Miyuki Sawashiro/ Kari Wahlgren (Saya Otonashi/Diva, Anemone, Saber, Rip Van Winkle)

    Kyouhei Kadota: Yuuichi Nakamura/Steve Blum (Spike Spiegel, Vincent Valentine, Orochimaru, Shishio Makoto)

    • Foshizzel says:

      When it comes to the world of dubs the guys are awesome! I always watch any dub when it stars Steve Blum, Crispin Freeman and Johnny young bosh! Those three are great actors, but if I had to choose just one probably Crispin Freeman as Shizuou <3

    • Di Gi Kazune says:

      Puchiko-chan wins-nyu.

    • Kyokai says:

      I’ll always remain biased about the Japanese seiyuu. I love them and especially for Durarara!! I just can’t imagine anyone else’s voice except for the original cast.

      • Foshizzel says:

        True but for me if I want to get my family and friends into anime the dub is the way to go! My dad liked a few episodes of Space Dandy season one thanks to Toonami/Funimation for showing dubbed episodes, but I know with all forms of entertainment the original stuff is always better.

  8. Overcooled says:

    It took me an entire season to remember all the old characters and they added MORE! I’m on overload!

    But seriously, more Durarara!! is amazing. I have such good memories of watching it…and first finding Metanorn through Durarara!! posts hehe.

    I’m gonna echo most of the comments here and say that I wished I rewatched season 1 right before. I feel so lost. Hopefully in the next couple of episodes I’ll regain my bearings. I’m mostly just stunned to see my beloved Izaya again and have it not be a hallucination.

    • BlackBriar says:

      I’m mostly just stunned to see my beloved Izaya again and have it not be a hallucination.

      Oh ho ho, that reminds me. I seem to recall someone cosplaying as a female version of Izaya Orihara. My memory’s not that hazy, right? 😉

    • Kyokai says:

      I counted 30+ characters in the ending sequence… It’s going to be an exercise to remember all the new characters but oh well, I’m pretty sure, we’ll survive. 😉

      Btw, hasn’t Izaya’s design been upgraded? I’m going to love the cat and mouse chase yet again.

      • sherrislok says:

        I think they did something to his hair. I preferred his look in the first installment. Eyes of all characters also seem different.

  9. skylion says:

    Still have yet to watch episode eight of the original….::runs like Celty is after him::

    • Foshizzel says:

      buhahaha! Soon……..

    • Kyokai says:

      *summons skylion to Metanorn Dungeon*

      • BlackBriar says:

        Uh-oh, the Boss Lady found a heretic. He needs to be converted.

        • Kyokai says:

          And tortured…

          • BlackBriar says:

            It should go in this order: Capture, torture, imprison then convert. An assured way of getting the job done because by then, he’ll be easy to mold into the perfect follower fan.

            • Highway says:

              She eventually gives up on that stuff if we resist long enough.

              #StillNotThatInterestedInType-Moon

              🙂

            • BlackBriar says:

              @Highway: You mess with the bull and you’ll get the horns. Durarara!! has a rabid fan base that rivals Type-Moon and Kyokai is of both. Watch yourself. If you don’t, I may speak fondly of you at your funeral. 😉

            • Foshizzel says:

              LMAO Hwy and Sky are testing Kyo’s nerves xD

            • Highway says:

              I’ve watched the first series of DRRR and watched this first episode of the second series. It’s just not a favorite of mine. I couldn’t tell you any favorite scenes from the first one. I could barely tell you *any* scenes.

              I tend to find it has too many characters, and doesn’t develop the few characters that I’m interested in past Celty.

  10. sherrislok says:

    The action flicks Yuhei stars in are really ridiculous. Vampire ninja? It’s so absurd.

Leave a Reply to belatkuro