[darktruth]

The trailer for the second season of Shakugan no Shana was shown at the comiket convention in Japan and someone recorded it on camera and uploaded onto youtube. You can check it out here, the promo for the movie DVD release is also tagged along at the end.

Saw some new characters in that trailer and am looking forward to this.

[Analog]

Have to wait a few weeks to see it... I still haven't watched the first season although it is in my Netflix queue.

[Eva]

I can't wait. I've been dying for season two for about a year. Glad they decided to add another season since the first season ended without much conclusion.

[darktruth]

I remember awhile ago that I read something important in the novel version of Shana that might or will most likely happen in the second season. Read at your own risk unless you've already read the novels lol.

Heard that Yuji eventually becomes one of the bosses or major villain that Shana has to fight. I guess this has something to do with the Reiji Maigo inside of him. This is definitely something I haven't seen much animes do. Have the main protagonist become a bad character.

[darktruth]

Finally! Season 2 of Shana has started. I just watched the raw of the first episode and it has started off ok, nothing outstanding or great yet as half of the episode was basically Yuji recalling the events that happened in the first season. The other half of the episode picks up where the series left off and it has a short sequence where Shana fights a new villain girl who originally appeared on the DS game.

I wasn't blown away by the opening theme this time as it's leaning towards a more rock edge but it was bearable. I found the ending theme more catchier and enjoyable as it sounds kind of similar to "Being" (the 2nd opening theme in the first season). Musically speaking, the opening and ending themes sound rather average. Maybe that's because I still like "Hishoku no Sora" and and "Being" but I hope there will be new ones later in the season that will be good from the first listen just like the two tracks mentioned.

Sucks Yuji couldn't hear Shana confessing her love for him at the end of the first season. It was funny to see her get embarrassed when he asked her what she said back then and she says she can't remember while blushing, even Alastor hesitated lol. Oh yeah, her trademark "Urusai! Urusai! Urusai!" is back XD.

[Flynt]

Looks like a good start to the new season. I'm glad its finally out

[Analog]

Just finished season one this week. I was fairly impressed although it seemed as if they held a lot back because they knew there would be another season to work through. Hope that they don't wait too long to license and release season two.

[Tacx]

Well, it's about time to go hunting some titles again, maybe i should search this one too. See you in the mayhem of my chaotic country.

And by the way, the video has been removed.

[darktruth]

So I just watched the 5th episode of Shana II and it seems to be lagging actual plot development a lot. It's definitely the weakest one out so far as nothing exciting happened. There was a little progress on Konoe's mysterious background as well as Ogata & Tanaka's relationship but it still felt rather lacking.

It's getting quite funny to see how dense Yuji is to Shana's feelings let alone Yoshida's (who had actually confessed to him). What makes it even more funny is the fact that Yuji was able to quickly pick up the original Yukari Hirai liking Ike in season 1 but can be so oblivious to the girls around him from their actions in this season. Heck even Ike had to tell directly to Yuji about him spending way too much time with Konoe which affected Shana & Yoshida.

This second season started off great but it's kinda worrying to see it slip and drag out the whole love-triangle/square issue ever since Konoe entered. Her mysterious background does have an interesting part on the story though and certainly raises questions on what the Bal Masque is up to.

[Flynt]

I wasn't too worried about episode 5. You have to remember its going to go for 26 episodes, there is bound to be some 'quieter' moments in it. I had more of a feeling this episode was setting the stage for far more interesting things, just as you mentioned Konoe and the Bal Masque.

[Tacx]

I just finished watching season one. I deeply enjoyed it. Well their concept of death, I mean existance is sure is harsh, being forgotten is worst than death.

[darktruth]

Man, eclipse hasn't released episode 7 yet and now episodes 8 has just aired in Japan! XD. So far, the majority of the episodes in this season has been slice of life without much fighting action, I'm really hoping they pick up the pace of actual story development on the Bal Masque and Reiji Maigo inside of Yuji.

Episode 7 looks kinda funny with Ike finally deciding to take action on Yoshida but for some reason, I feel like seeing more character development on Keisaku.

[Flynt]

yeah I'm wondering whats going on at Eclipse, cause their other series subs are up to date. Haven't seen ep7, raw or otherwise. Still have faith in the series though despites the last couple "quieter" episodes

[Tacx]

T-T my contact can't give me season two unless the season is finished. This sucks.

[darktruth]

Just watched episode 7 now. Man, it was funny seeing Ike getting sick from every single ride XD. I think this is the only filler episode so far that I liked.

1. Seeing the gang going on kiddy rides was a riot XD, I saw a kid's face in the background that had a "wtf?" look on his face hahaha.

2. Shana looked pretty cute when she was given the cat plushie she won from the VR game she did and even moreso when she's holding it while walking XD.

3. For a moment I thought Ike was going to throw up on Yoshida, that would've been hilarious to see her reaction (specially if it happened in Shana-tan lol)

Onto episode 8, Margery's past. It looks interesting.

[Flynt]

Episode 8 is very interesting, gives a little insight into Margery. I'm very curious about that young lad Yuri. Now we have to wait for Ep9 to see what happens.

[Tacx]

You know waiting sucks, but but but this series is worth the wait. I surely wish they speed up the release of episodes. What do you think Flynt?

[darktruth]

You can't do anything much regarding how fast the fansub groups are releasing them as it's pretty obvious they have other series to sub. I somehow don't see this second season getting licensed anytime soon after Geneon USA's demise so it's looking likely I'll have to import the Japanese R2 DVD's when it gets released.

Margery has somehow got me thinking how old she actually is seeing how she was still a flame haze back in the early 1900's, just after the great depression in the US. If I remember correctly, in season 1 it was stated that once someone becomes a flame haze they never age.

[Flynt]

@Roguefate...its like Darktruth say in regards to episode releases. That they are doing it once a week is pretty good. Shana is a current series, basically it is being subbed just after the ep airs in Japan.

@Darky.... yeah thats right, they don't age, I get the feeling Margery is old, like a few hundred years maybe. It wouldn't surprise me if she was originally from the 1700's or so. Its the impression I get from her.

[darktruth]

That brings me to another question. Is it possible for a flame haze to stop becoming one and return back to being a normal human being? I'm under the impression that once they become one, they stay as that forever unless they are killed by a Tomogara or killing themselves.

It's been ages since I last watched season 1 but I remember there was one episode where we see Alastor's previous flame haze partner leaving or sacrificing herself for some cause or something.

Also, just finished watching episode 9 and this is probably the most interesting episode by far. The action and story seems to be picked up now.

I feel really sad that Yuri got killed. He became a flame haze just because he wanted to save and protect people which isn't really a flame haze's goal. The fuzetsu Yuji casted at the end which contained the silver colour definitely adds to the speculation the Silver Margery is looking for is probably inside Yuji and if that's the case, man is it going to be an interesting on the conflict between her and Shana on what to do.

I suspect Margery will have no hesitation in eliminating Yuji to get her revenge on the Silver seeing how she didn't hesitate to sacrifice Yuri when he got in the way between her and Sydonay.

[Flynt]

Just finished episode 9 myself, your spoilers sum up the ep perfectly.

I havent seen season one for a while either but if I remember correctly, once you become a Flame Haze its for good. Alastor's previous partner did die and I'm pretty sure Shana tells Yuji in season one that the contract between a Lord of Guze and Flame haze is permanent.

Lets wait and see what surprises episode 10 brings.

[Tacx]

Hey, when will the next episode be released?

[Flynt]

Episodes 10 and 11 are quieter ones, but the plot keeps moving forward very nicely, with a couple of new revelations and explanations.
One mystery still going is just who Konoe and her butler are!
I like the way the series is progressing and I'm sure it isn't going to disappoint in the future

[darktruth]

My speculation on the new information Willhelmina told to Shana & Yuji.

I suspect the "certain battle" Johan & Pheles was fighting against was probably the Silver Margery is after. Both Johan & Pheles and the Silver severely wounded each other which results in Johan losing a significant amount of existence so Pheles uses a shell to store him and the reiji maigo they've been working on to save Johan. Yuji might've probably been caught in between this battle within the fuzetsu and he was probably picked at random as the shell.

The Silver, having knowledge of the reiji maigo, wants it as well and attempts to get it only to be defeated by the keeper of it. His powers end up being sucked into the reiji maigo resulting in the silver flames Yuji has when he casted a fuzetsu.

Again, this is just purely speculation by me as it could turn out in a completely different result but I'm just trying to put the pieces of small information that's been given out so far.

I also feel bad for Ike as being the class president XD, being worked around endlessly and not being able to eat Yoshida's lunch lol.

[Flynt]

That sounds reasonable, I hadn't worked any theories out as yet, but what you say makes sense.

BTW how do you black the text out? I have wanted to add spoilers but I cant find how to black the text out! Its probably staring me in the face, isn't it.

[Chimasterwang]

[spoiler][/spoiler*]
Without the "*" =P

[Tacx]

Oh, the black text are spoilers. Hmmm I see.

[darktruth]

What a cliffhanger episode 12 ended with. It looks like a huge battle will breakout now that Pheles has appeared. It really sucks for Shana on her second attempt to let Yuji know how she feels only to be interrupted this time. I'm really anticipating the next episode, just that too bad the series will be on a 2 week break before recommencing.

The last line of the preview is really worrying for the gang, "Tanaka sees Ogata disappearing within the flames", it seems she's gonna get killed off. This is rather devastating if that happens as I liked the group. I really do wonder how Tanaka is going to cope. Also, Konoe was able to pick up the wind shortly before Pheles appearance. This still puts back the mystery of her background and whether she's Hecate or not.

Can't wait for the next episode after 2 weeks. I guess there will be a new opening and ending theme. I also gotta say I'm really into "Joint" now, at first I didn't really like the whole rock aspect of the song but after listening to it more as the weeks went by I've finally appreciated it, especially the chorus part with the fast singing by Kawada Mami.

Oh on a slightly related news, Madman has secured the rights to release the first season of Shakugan no Shana in Australia after Tokyo Night Train sold off all of their titles to them (I guess the demise of Geneon USA had something to do with this as all of their titles were from them). I really hope Madman makes a box for season 1 after all the individual volumes are released. The Americans didn't get one even though one was supposed to come out with the OVA when it'd get released before Geneon USA announced its shut down.

[Tacx]

I want to watch it too, but but but but but but but. I can't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[darktruth]

Episode 13 sub is finally out! As I expected a big battle broke out but it was rather short-lived after all the hype it generated from cliffhanger of the last episode.

Margery went totally berserk and blasted Ogata to a crumpled heap in the process! At least this finally made her relationship with Tanaka more special after all the damages were fixed with Yuji's existence so I'm happy they didn't kill her off.

I had thought Pheles would be a badass character but I was surprised to see how weak she was after her short fight with Shana. She does appear to be reasonable though as she made a pact with Johan to not consume any humans and showed her love for him. Her entrance made her look kinda sweet and gentle when she was advancing towards Yuji (who was scared shitless of losing all of his existence so casted the silver fuzetsu which made Margery go insane).

There's also a new tomogara we now know as Sabrac that wounded Pheles and Johan, definitely an interesting character that we'll probably see sometime later. There's still the mystery of Konoe in the ending shot for this episode where she is mouthing something we can't hear. Is she really Hecate or not? We'll probably find out at the end of the season lol.

On more Shana-related news, CDJapan has put up the pre-order for a new Shakugan no Shana drama CD. I hope it's as funny as the ones I've been listening to off the Assorted Shana CD's. I've also pre-ordered the Japanese limited edition volume 1 of season II, can't wait to get this! Especially with all the extra goodies it comes with.

It seems like there's so many Shana CD's and DVD's suddenly coming out! I aim to get all the CD's and the entire Japanese DVD's of the second season since I don't see it getting licensed anytime soon after you know what happened with Geneon USA. I still need to get the Shana OVA special DVD, movie ost, Akai Namida CD single and the ost for the second season XD! On top of that, a new opening theme called Blaze will soon be used for the second season of Shana! Yes, I'm a Shana-addict lol.

[Chimasterwang]

Also a manic CD collector? XP

[darktruth]

Yes. XD. Shana II will be the first anime series where I will import the Japanese releases instead of either importing the R1 or buying the local releases. Besides Fullmetal Alchemist, Shakugan no Shana is the anime where I have the most number of merchandises off of it with all the CD's and DVD's I've bought from it.

Also, we Aussies will be getting a box to house all 6 volumes of season 1 that the US people didn't get.

Individual volumes. Box will be available with volume 6. This is to give a chance to those who started collecting the series already to have a box as well without having to buy a V1 and box again.

Link

[darktruth]

Finished episode 15 today. The story is getting more interesting as a lot of things happened in this episode plus Konoe's mystery is finally revealed here.

Shana certainly got emotional in this episode when Yuji was stabbed, disappeared and turned into Johan (which was a surprise) for a short time. Pheles was also able to reunite with him and this plot of the two lovers makes me think it's possible Yoshida could turn into one of the villains. Her ongoing contest with Shana to win Yuji's heart is making me believe more and more that she'll end up being selfish and do some bad things.

Also, my order of the limited edition of volume one was delivered two days ago and the extra goodies that comes with it are great.






There's an audio commentary by the voice cast actors on the feature DVD.

[Tacx]

There's so many rich people in this forum. Hey where's flynt? What's the current episode on shana?

[Lynk Former]

Not rich, just middle class Australians.

[Moelman]

Not rich, just middle class Australians.

What are you trying to imply there Lynk? XP

[Tacx]

*sob*
I'm starting to hate living on a third word country.

[Analog]

Finished episode 15 today. The story is getting more interesting as a lot of things happened in this episode plus Konoe's mystery is finally revealed here.

Shana certainly got emotional in this episode when Yuji was stabbed, disappeared and turned into Johan (which was a surprise) for a short time. Pheles was also able to reunite with him and this plot of the two lovers makes me think it's possible Yoshida could turn into one of the villains. Her ongoing contest with Shana to win Yuji's heart is making me believe more and more that she'll end up being selfish and do some bad things.

Also, my order of the limited edition of volume one was delivered two days ago and the extra goodies that comes with it are great.There's an audio commentary by the voice cast actors on the feature DVD.

I'm surprised you didn't get a special edition spy glass. Y'know, one to find out if you are really a human or just a torch.

Cool stuff Darky. I'm jealous as heck. BTW, have they aired the second OP for season II yet? I'm curious if it measures up to the other three. And I really, really like Joint as well, although its just a bit behind the two OP's for season I IMO.

[Eva]

BTW, have they aired the second OP for season II yet? I'm curious if it measures up to the other three. And I really, really like Joint as well, although its just a bit behind the two OP's for season I IMO.

Yes, BLAZE by KOTOKO aired during episode 16. The second ending theme Sociometry by KOTOKO aired during episode 16, too.

This time around, Mami Kawada handle the first opening and ending theme and KOTOKO takes over the second opening and ending theme. During the first series, the band and singer only switch position with the opening theme, this time, both handle duties of the opening and ending themes.

[Analog]

Just Youtubed the OP and ED. Wow, both great songs from Kotoko (as usual). If Kotoko has ever done a bad song, I haven't heard it. She's awesome! I think I might like the ED song a little better than the OP this time around though. But its picking between a 9 or an 8.5 on the analog digital music scale. XD