TV Review | Tower of God Season 2 Episodes 1-2

“With striking new animation and the story shifting to Ja Wangnan, Tower of God cleverly reinvents itself. Season 2 is off to a strong start.”

Tower of God is an anime based on the Korean webtoon written and illustrated by S.I.U. with animation done by The Answer Studio for season 2. New episodes stream weekly every Sunday on Crunchyroll.

STORY

The first episode reminds us of what happened at the end of the first season, but it quickly jumps to what happens next. With season 2, Tower of God reinvents itself. It introduces new characters and more importantly shifts the focus from Bam to Ja Wangnan. Bam is now a member of FUG, a crime syndicate that opposes Jahad. He is now a mysterious figure who always remains stoic. Ja Wangnan is a fun character and makes a great lead. He desperately wants to reach the next floor of the tower. Wangnan reminds of Han Solo. Indeed, he appears as tough cookie but he turns out to have a big heart. Let’s not forget his money problem too.

It’s a new beginning that was needed for this series. And it’s a success. Season 2 is off to a strong start. It reminds me of the story structure used by Sword Art Online. The characters are now on the 20th floor of the Tower of God, passing the first test to reach the next floor. The level of difficulty has increased so it is going to bring new challenges. The first two episodes lay the ground work for what to expect next. They introduce the new characters and the dynamic between them.

VISUALS

The Answer Studio has taken over Telecom Animation Film for animation duties on season 2. You can tell right away the difference in animation style between the two studios. Tower of God has upped its game for season 2 and a by a long shot. In fact, The Answer Studio has created striking visuals that are worthy of such a story.

OPENING AND END CREDITS

Moreover, like season 1 both the opening and end theme are performed by the same group. Season 1 had the Korean idol boy band Stray Kids. While season 2 has the Japanese idol girl band NiziU. Two different styles that fit for each season. The opening ‘Rise Up’ is an electrifying song that puts in the mood for this season. It bears the idea of rising up the floors of the Tower of God. The opening credits is stylish and even has one of the characters Yeon Yihwa doing lip-sync to the song, which is quite original to see. It definitely makes this opening standout among the others.

The end credits uses the theme ‘Believe,’ which is a powerful song. The credits is a tribute to webtoons. Indeed, it recreates scenes from the series as webtoon pages. Whether it is the opening or the end credits, season 2 doesn’t disappoint!