The second season of Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari is set to release on July 3! The first season concluded on March 28, 2023, with 12 episodes, and now, a second season is in the making. The team behind the anime’s production revealed three new cast members for the upcoming season.
Blending Japanese mythology and folklore in a way did before, Malevolent Spirits revolves around the main character, Hyōma Kunato, as he fights his anger regarding ‘Tsukumogami’ and learns how to live amongst the spirits that ruined his life. Brimming with action, mystery, and supernatural elements, the series has established itself as a manga worth a read, and now, we look forward to what the anime can deliver.
The manga, written and illustrated by Onigunsou, went on hold for a while with no updates in chapters or news, leaving many readers unsatisfied with some forgetting about the existence of the manga altogether. However, the announcement and release of the first season brought fans back and hooked on the series once again. As we patiently wait for the next season, let’s take a look at everything we know about the series.
Also, Read Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari Review: Tsukumogami Good Or Evil?
Malevolent Spirits: Season 2
The manga was initially serialized in Miracle Jump, a section in Shueisha’s Seinen manga magazine, for a year and then was later published in Ultra Jump in 2016. The anime adaptation was announced in November 2021 and aired on BS11 and Tokyo MX on January 9 in Japan. Crunchyroll streams the anime internationally, except in Asian territories.
The anime is directed by Ryuichi Kimura and is produced by Bandai Namco Pictures. The scripts and series composition are done by Keiichirō Ōchi, while Shiori Fujisawa handles the character designs. The opening theme song, Dare ga Tame (For Whom), is performed by Megatera Zero, and the ending theme song, Private Room, is performed by Azusa Tadokoro with music composition handled by John Kanda and XELIK.
The Plot and Characters
In a world where spirits can roam about in the human world, transforming into physical entities known as tsukumogami by possessing old objects, the Saenome clan acts as protectors who peacefully transport the spirits to where they came from to prevent chaos. Kunato Hyouma, a member of the clan, possesses a deep resentment after a tsukumogami took something very dear to him.
Concerned about potential supernatural disasters taking place due to Hyouma’s anger towards these spirits, his grandfather sends him to live in Kyoto with a woman named Nagatsuki Botan. Surprisingly, Botan has a unique bond with tsukumogami, “living with them as family.” Will Hyouma be able to peacefully co-exist with these spirits, or will he forever hold a grudge against them?
The above image shows the new cast members added to the roster for the second season. It includes Tsuzumi, voiced by Kouhei Fukuhara, Tsumabiki, voiced by Mika Doi, and Fukie, voiced by Yusuke Shirai. Additionally, Karakasa no Tsukumogami, a strange life source for the tsukumogami, will be voiced by Yoko Hikasa.
Hyōma Kunato, voiced by Takeo Otsuka, is the lead character in the series. He is the heir to the Kunato house of the Saenome clan, and he’s sent to live in the Nagatsuki house in hopes he can let go of his anger. Botan Nagatsuki, voiced by Yuki Takada, is a young woman who lives in the Nagatsuki house along with many tsukumogami.
The five benevolent tsukumogami living in the house include Nagi, voiced by Chikahiro Kobayashi, Yu, voiced by Reina Ueda, Kagami voiced by Aimi Tanaka, Suzuri voiced by Yoshiki Nakajima and Haori, voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro.
Worth a Watch?
With almost no complaints from the first season of the anime, Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari had a strong start. The fresh story and concept kickstarted this series with several positive reviews and ratings. Ninety percent of its viewer base appreciated Kunato’s backstory and validated his resentment towards the spirits, expressing it is only natural for him to hate supernatural beings after what they had done to him.
The flawless animation makes the viewers feel as if they’re in the anime itself. What sets this supernatural anime apart is the fact that the series gives the spirits some depth by diving into their backstories and motives. Undoubtedly, we can see this anime standing tall among several other anime released this year. If you haven’t already, catch the first season on Crunchyroll while you await the second season!
Also Read: How To Watch Monogatari Series? Watch Order & Fillers
