The release of Blue Lock Season 2 has been met with mixed reactions, especially following Episode 2, which showcased significant issues with animation quality. Anticipation for the anime’s U-20 Japan match arc has been high, but since the season’s trailer dropped, fans have voiced concerns over visual downgrades. Episode 2 has intensified these worries, as the animation’s use of still frames and lack of fluidity disappointed viewers hoping for dynamic sports action.
Although Blue Lock Season 1 faced some animation issues, particularly during the second selection, fans expected improvements in Season 2 due to the franchise’s growing popularity. Unfortunately, the initial tryout match in Episode 2 used numerous static shots and slow-motion sequences, which made the action feel stilted.
Blue Lock Season 2 Animation Falters, Leaving Fans Worried
The reliance on close-up shots, speed lines, and visual effects didn’t fully capture the energy and intensity Blue Lock is known for, and the episode has drawn comparisons to a slideshow by frustrated fans on social media.
While the episode’s art style remained faithful to the manga’s distinct panels, the lack of character movement and overuse of special effects left many fans disillusioned. The animation in Shido’s goal, for example, used impressive effects but relied heavily on visuals without movement, which limited its impact. Despite these setbacks, CGI elements were improved in scenes showcasing Chigiri’s speed and Karasu’s dribbling, earning some positive feedback from fans online.
This change in animation quality could be due to production challenges. Blue Lock recently experienced a director change, with Yūji Haibara taking over from Shintaro Inokawa. Haibara’s expertise in visual effects, as emphasized by anime producer Ryoya Arisawa, may explain the episode’s focus on special effects rather than fluid movement.
There is speculation that the tight production schedule—following Blue Lock: Episode Nagi and coinciding with That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3—might have impacted the season’s quality.
As the U-20 Japan arc continues, fans hope the production team will focus on animating the highly anticipated match scenes. While Blue Lock has had a rocky start to Season 2, viewers are still holding out hope that upcoming episodes will meet the series’ ambitious standards and deliver the dynamic action that fans expect from the story’s climactic moments.
