Movies News Talk
Following a four-year break, the well-liked Korean fantasy anime Tower Of God has at last returned with its second season, appropriately titled Tower of God: Return of the Prince. Six years after the events of season 1, the second season picks up Bam, now Jue Viole Grace, who inexplicably joins the terrorist group FUG.
Bam's new road brings him to an odd alliance with ambitious Regular driven by tower king aspiration, Ja Wangnan. Along with examining the complicated dynamics of power and ambition inside the tower, this season promises to probe Bam's past and his relationship to Fug.
The anime's artwork clearly changed when Telecom Animation Film moved to The Answer Studio for season 2. Season 2 offers a more generic look while season 1 was renowned for its fluid and uniquely creative images. The way Shinsu, the magical energy running the tower, is portrayed—which has lost some of the flare it possessed in season 1—this change is especially clear.
The new art movement does not, however, inevitably lower the quality of the animation. Especially in the action scenes, the Answer Studio has kept the fluidity and care in animation. Season 2's fight scenes still visually enthrall and highlight the characters' dynamic skills. The art style is aesthetically pleasing and does not diminish the whole experience even if it might not be as unique as in season 1.
Tower Of God: Return of the Prince presents a fresh set of characters with novel dynamics and viewpoint for the narrative. Unlike Bam, Ja Wangnan reflects ambition, cowardice, and a bit of silliness. This opposing dynamic with Bam keeps the narrative interesting and helps it not to get repetitious.
Other fresh characters including Ehwa, Horyang, and Prince provide the story layers of comedy, drama, and action. These people give the narrative more complexity and enlarge the universe of Tower of God.
The protagonist, Bam, stays the major player in the story, but he clearly changes. Six years with Fug have shaped him into a darker, more aggressive person. As the season goes on, Bam's newly acquired authority and the mystery about his identity as Jue Viole Grace will surely be covered in more depth.
Tower of God: Return of the Prince opens the second season with promise overall. The animation stays fluid and intriguing even if the change in art style is obvious and might turn off some viewers. The interactions of the new characters with Bam produce interesting dynamics and give the narrative complexity. The season's narrative thread is compellingly spun from Bam's past and his relationship with Fug.
Tower of God: Return of the Prince keeps the spirit and mystery of its predecessor, and with any luck it will keep presenting interesting narratives and striking images all through the season.