Director: Masakazu Obara,
Starring: Yuuki Kaji, Erik Kimerer, Sachika Misawa, Kira Buckland, Shintaro Asanuma, Lucien Dodge, Rina Hidaka, Sarah Williams, Aki Toyosaki, Michelle T. Hseih
Running Time: 300 minutes
Certificate: 15
Accel World returns for this second collection of episodes and it is with a certain amount of trepidation that I approach. For author, Reki Kawahara, was also responsible for Sword Art Online a show which started off phenomenally but returned with less than impressive results. Accel World manages to keep itself together and focuses on the relationships and events without diverting too much attention elsewhere. It’s a grand return and a fairly successful conclusion to a wonderful show that further explores ideas of futuristic communication and virtual lives.
In order to push the story forward we’re introduced to a very worthwhile antagonist. In fact, he’s one of the most hateable characters in fiction. Seiji Nomi is the kind of villainous brat from the Joffrey line of punchable jerks. He exploits his powers and has far too much fun degrading others. As he begins to remove powers from our heroes and laugh while he does it we actually enjoy how much we hate him. Had it only been this addition, then the show may be unbearable, but seeing the protagonists have to fight heart and soul against him makes their achievements all the more worthwhile. We also see the evolution of Chiyuri, now a full-fledged Burst Linker herself. As she discovers her powers our male heroes begin to fight with one another over their true feelings for her.
The world of Accel World gradually unfolds and we are introduced to new mythology bit by bit. This avoids gigantic sections of exposition dumping and also allows for subplots involving new characters to flourish. Some are very emotionally charged but still question the addictiveness and danger of playing such online games. The show depicts such activities as both social and anti-social clearly outlining the dangers and benefits of such hobbies. It’s this fairness which makes the series easy to engage with, as we’re never being preached to. Rather than forcing us to think a certain way, we are instead made to feel certain emotions which in turn add to our thoughts.
Accel World does everything right. It offers an intriguing world, explores memorable and relevant themes, and gives us characters to interact with. The animation may not be incredible, but it certainly captures the difference worlds perfectly and is clear in their design. Voice work and music combines for exciting action sequences and calm and peaceful quieter moments. Definitely a series worth anybody’s time.
[usr=4]Accel World Part 2 is released on DVD and Blu-ray from 21st July via MVM.
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