In 2016, Mob Psycho 100’s first season aired to universal acclaim. Lauded for its originality, a product of webcomic author One’s magical mind, it reaffirmed Japan’s mastery of all things weird and wonderful. Three years on, its hotly anticipated second season has hit screens, continuing to follow One’s now finished webcomic.

So having concluded its short but sweet 13 episode stint recently, how does Mob Psycho 100 II hold up against its top-notch first season?

The titular protagonist, middle schooler Mob, is riddled with the anxieties and insecurities any run-of-the-mill introvert teenager faces. He wants the girl of his dreams to like him, he wants to be physically fit, and he wants to conquer his shyness. But unlike typical teenagers, Mob’s a powerful psychic, capable of exercising evil spirits and whisking objects about the place with a flick of his fingers.

Teaming up with the secretly fraud psychic Reigen, who runs the Spirits and Such Consultation Office, Mob Psycho 100 II aptly continues Mob’s journey of self-discovery.

A cacophony of offbeat comedy and character study

Mob Psycho 100 II, like its first season, is a cacophony of offbeat comedy and character study. Locking its gaze on Mob and Reigen, the two undergo massive growth throughout its 13 episodes. Highlights include Mob’s heartwarming romance with Emi (I’m disappointed this wasn’t continued), Mob and Reigen’s fallout (resulting in character development for Reigen), and coming to blows with the upper echelon of villainous esper organization Claw (a chance for Bones to flex their animation muscles).

And speaking of Bones, Mob Psycho 100 II’s animation studio, they knocked it out the park. Responsible for the equally excellent My Hero Academia, the animation on display gets top marks, bolstered by fluidity and polish. This takes center stage most prominently in the seasons’ tail end, as Mob and a bevvy of espers face off against Claw.

(Of course, Mob’s showdown with Mogami Keiji in episode 5 is also deserving of special mention. It’s outstanding!)

Bones successfully retain One’s artistic quirkiness, whilst refining the clunky bits, to manifest visual splendour throughout Mob Psycho 100 II.

Despite its highs, like the first season, Mob Psycho 100 II always left me wanting more. Side characters remain with minimal to no development, spelling the standout pitfall of this otherwise spot-on series. It successfully expands on its likeable leads in Mob and Reigen, but don’t expect Hanazawa, Mezato, or Tsubomi to receive similar attention. And if you’re scratching your head trying to recall whom those characters are, that only proves my point. Mob Psycho 100 II has a fascinating cast, but with scant time to explore its members.

A flawless successor to its first season

Mob Psycho 100 II is a flawless successor to its first season. It’s chock-full of the laugh out loud gags, white knuckle action, and amazing animation fans have come to expect, with a generous slice of character development for Mob and Reigen. Its supporting cast remains lackluster by comparison, being largely underdeveloped, but this barely detracts from Mob Psycho 100 II’s countless successes.

(Fingers crossed One-Punch Man season two will be as good.)

Catch both seasons of Mob Psycho 100 on Crunchyroll HERE.