The Japanese animation studio Liden Films takes over the production of the dark fantasy anime Goblin Slayer for its second season. Misato Takada took over as director for all twelve episodes though Takaharu Ozaki remained as the “chief director.”

Goblin Slayer (Brad Hawkins) continues to slaughter goblins, but at the behest of the Guild Girl (Sara Ragsdale), he becomes a mentor to young adventurers. His companion the Priestess (Hayden Daviau) is working to get a promotion, the High Elf Archer (Mallorie Rodak) prepares for her sister’s wedding, the Dwarf Shaman (Barry Yander) continues his adventures, and the Lizard Priest (Josh Bangle) becomes a brilliant strategist. The team continues to slay goblins with their stoic leader, but when a call from the Sword Maiden (Meg McClain) calls for their aid, Goblin Slayer’s childhood friend Cow Girl (Brittany Lauda) wonders if he will return.

Keep in mind that this show is not for kids, neither are the light novels or the manga. This is a brutal and sometimes gruesome dark fantasy that explores the terrifying side of these magical worlds.

This season tones down the amount of violence and focuses more on how Goblin Slayer is evolving as an adventurer. He begins to see the value in the friendships he has made and even struggles with guilt when he encounters the sibling of a victim he was not able to save. It showed excellent character growth for him.

That being said, the story does not cease the violence. It is given in more focused doses, but all of the goblin slaying you could want is there.

Whenever I hear a show changes studios, I get hesitant, but this proved unnecessary. The second season carries the same quality as the first season. You are hooked on the brutal tale that is the Goblin Slayer’s path as well as his companions who have become his friends. Now the conclusion did have a bit of a “deus ex machina,” but it is still satisfying.

Say what you want about the anime, it is a compelling tale that usurps the usual tropes of fantasy fiction and focuses on a seemingly small side of its world while we get glimpses into what the real “heroes” are the world are doing. It is entertaining, interesting, and addicting once you dive into the world that is Goblin Slayer.

Check out the trailer below:

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Extreme violence, Gore, Some strong foul language, Disturbing images

This review is based on the dub from Crunchyroll.

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