Noragami Aragoto

By: Robert Murphy

Every modern image of a God or deity in today's society will most likely depict a heroic figure who is fearless or a wise and knowledgeable being of great respect. So when you look at someone like Yato, with his torn up handkerchief and track suit, the last thing you would expect to hear is that this guy is some sort of God. This however has not hindered his quest towards becoming an exceptional God who will one day be worshiped across the world for his deeds and I for one want to be one of them. 

Not too much has changed since the last time I laid eyes on my favorite lesser known deity and this certainly isn't a bad thing, but for starters it feels like the animation for Noragami was bumped up slightly from it's first season. Things appear far more brighter and crisp than in the previous season and it highlights all the different elements being brought forth for the story this time around quite well. Yato as I said is still his straight up goofy self and he along with his vessel Yukine continue to do any odd job around the city to try and increase his popularity. Thankfully though there isn't much rehashing over the source material, the first episode briefly covers what Yato and Yukine do best by answering any and all requests brought to them and eliminating spirits that happen to be plaguing humanity in the process. 

After this it's right into the new action as more about Yato's mysterious past becomes revealed. There were many questions to be had for his character in the first season such as how he was able to remain a God for so long without disappearing or what happened between him and the God of Fortune Bishamon to make her so angry towards him. These big missing pieces to Yato's past however all start to pour right into the story almost immediately. Rather than put all of the focus on the lead character, the show shifts gears and focuses on Bishamon herself as well as other cast members to push the story along to where they need to go.

This season proves to be the one that further grows all of the characters that were actually pretty shallow the first time around, it didn't mean they were bad, but I wanted to know so much more. Bishamon was barely brought up before and the main point of her interaction with Yato was to create tension for him by beating the ever loving snot out of him but we just never knew why. Now though the entire first half of Noragami Aragoto is devoted to finding out about her and her past and by extension her issues with Yato himself. There was also the effort made to delve further into the vessels or regalia of the Gods done here as well. Outside of their uses as sacred weapons of Gods there wasn't too much said for these people but viewers now gain a great deal of knowledge as to what these people experience. This is also a shining moment for Yukine who I initially didn't like due to his spoiled nature but he also has a large amount of growth as he learns more about what it means to be a regalia and later on a blessed vessel. 

The world expanding doesn't just stop at the regalia however as more about how the Gods of this world interact and live comes to light. It would seem there is a governing council for the Heavens who watch over various situations and deliver judgement where it is seen fit. Only two or three other Gods are actually introduced during this time but the one the show focuses on mainly is a fellow God of Fortune by the name of Ebisu. He like most of the Gods that are alive today are eternal with shrines and documentation of their deeds all across the world. The relationship between him and Yato develops rather interestingly though and Ebisu's nonchalant approach to reincarnation infuriates Yato to no end because even though Gods will come back to life they forget their past selves to a large degree. It is a hot button issue for Yato and besides opening up the viewers to more information on how Gods work in this world, it continues the deeper emotional side to the story.

Perhaps my only real issue this time around is with Hiyori. Her story before had such an intregal part to play in everything that was going on before but now she is more of an after thought at times. She still has plenty of hilarious moments where she tries to fight using ridiculous wrestling moves and is also a great part of the trio with Yato and Yukine, one moment in particular was extremely touching this season. But the show attempts to push her away for some dramatic tension and even tries their hand and letting her lead a normal life with her friends and potentially a boyfriend. This would be fine if she didn't spend the whole time wishing she could remember Yato though and it's ultimately a waste of time for a character who is at the front of the most of the scenes.

Despite this Noragami once again hits the nail on the head as it's second season presents a great combination of action and comedy but now a rich full story to go along with it. Most of all, all the questions from the first season are filled in rather quickly and there is simply no time wasted as it all unfolds. It's not rushed with it's points as it still has time to be light hearted and packed with great moments of monster slaying, while also leaving some stories still left to be told about where Yato comes from. It's enough to make anyone pay the 5 yen in order to see Yato become the fantastic God he is meant to be. 

Good:

- Still a great level of humor and action

- Much deeper story this time around

- Bishamon and other characters gaining more screen time

Bad:

- Hiyori feels under utilized at times but still manages to shine with Yato and Yukine

Scully Rating: 8.8 out of 10