Vandread The Second Stage

(TV Series 2001 - 13 episodes - GONZO)

3 reviews - 12.0 total score (Explanation of the rating system)
avg. score: (4.0)

3. Yogi

This got a lower score for three reasons. ONE, they changed the opening song. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. TWO, He Who Everybody Wanted To Kill in the first stage is suddenly a Good Guy here. "Though your sins be scarlet," eh? Kick his ass, please. THREE, one instance of blatant Dues ex Machina. On the plus side, we get to see Hibiki finally come to terms with himself, as well as an actually bad-ass male character. Other than that, see my review for Vandread.

2. Tempy

Vandread The Second Stage starts off immediately after the events of Vandread, and improves on the original on all fronts. The characters develop somewhat, and the story actually goes somewhere. The show also throws some plot twists at the audience, and while the story is intriguing, there are a gazillion plot holes as well. The CGI has been improved; though still obviously CGI, the direction of the action sequences keeps things exciting. Despite its faults it remains a very amusing show with lots of energy, ecchi fanservice, mecha action and humor.

1. weasl

When I first heard that Vandread 2 was in the works I was ecstatic, and when I first found some of the early character designs in one of my Newtypes I became intrigued. The early plans showed two girls. One the daughter of Hibiki and Dita, and the other the daughter of Hibiki and Meia. Of course later Vandread 2, becomes Vandread The Second Stage, and instead of taking place decades later we had a series that brought a conclusion to the events in the first season. While I'm saddened that idea of Vandread 2 was left behind, I'm glad that GONZO choose to provide us with a more fitting conclusion to the series.

Starting where the first series left off, Vandread The Second Stage manages to do what few sequels pull off. Improving on the original. For all intents and purposes the Second Stage is simply episodes 14-26 of Vandread. A great deal of the answers to questions brought up in the first season coming to light, as well as a number of side characters getting more screen time and depth. My only real complaint about the story (well other then rather bizarre plot twists) was how underused the Misty, Hibiki, and Dita love triangle was later in the season. In my opinion it was never used to its full potential. Simply put if you enjoyed the first season the second is a no brainier. More fanservice, kawaii girls, and mecha, but this time with a real ending complete with massive space battle.