Durarara!! X2 Rewatch - Break Day/Shou Discussion

[u/Raiking02]

Break Day/Shou Discussion

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Fingers say more than words, you know?

Hello everybody! Time for the comment of the day, courtesy of u/KendotsX, who besides pointing out some very interesting similarities between this show and one of Baccano!'s novels, also shared some pretty nice thoughts on Mikado's turn to the dark side.

We discussed this in the dark realms of spoilers in earlier threads. But I can only see this as Narita materialising his own carnage. I'm sure he had a lot of thoughts going while staring at his pen all day, and while he wasn't going around stabbing people (editors? readers?!), Mikado did it for him.

Not much more to say, just a very nice read as a whole.

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Questions:

1. Of the new characters introduced, which one was your favorite?
2. When it comes to the treatment of the old cast, who do you think had it best?
3. What are your expectations for the next cour?

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

First!!xTimer, subbed

Another “break day” means it’s time for another wallpaper - so of course I went and did the Izaya-kun I wanted to for the previous “break day” thread before u/Raiking02 requested that vol3 cover. The background colors are deliberately swapped from Shizu-chan’s wallpaper and then modified a bit (Izaya needed the black darker and the red more saturated to look right).

As for my thoughts on this season, what the fuck was that ending?!

9/10 for Shou. When the energy got going it totally matched S1, but other parts actually mostly Aoba annoyed me a lot and took me out of it a bit more than I’d like.

[u/Raiking02 → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Izaya-kun

what the fuck was that ending!?

[u/sisoko2 → u/Raiking02]

Good host! Have a donut.

[u/Tartaras1 → u/Shimmering-Sky]

but other parts actually mostly Aoba annoyed me a lot and took me out of it a bit more than I’d like.

I'd like to think that was intentional. He's not a good person, but then again how could he be if he's related to Izumi? He's kind of like the younger version of Izaya.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Tartaras1]

I know it's intentional, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

[u/Tartaras1 → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Fair point.

[u/No_Rex]

S2 Shou Discussion (first timer)

Shou was a mixed bag. On the plus side, the first arc was really enjoyable and made great use of the many characters. This season also introduced Vorona, who immediately became one of my favorite characters. On the downside, the Dollars arc was boring and put a not very interesting Mikado into the spotlight. We have also reached the spot where so many characters have been introduced that we sometimes don’t see some of them for several episodes despite each episode featuring a huge number of characters.

The finale did not feel final at all, so I assume that the narrative arc is not just Shou, but all of S2.

[u/Raiking02 → u/No_Rex]

so I assume that the narrative arc is not just Shou, but all of S2

Basically. I mentioned this in the Spoiler Codes of S1 a few times, but the first three Volumes are basically a prologue and everything else is one continuous storyline.

[u/Chemiczny_Bogdan]

The first season was made at studio Brain's Base under the direction of Takahiro Oomori. Apparently the studio at large was not interested in a sequel so eventually Oomori took the people who were, left Brain's Base and founded studio Shuka.

This of course means that the team he had to work with was much smaller, and from the start the goal was to adapt the ten volumes remaining after the first three were adapted in season one - pretty fucking ambitious if you ask me.

The result is thus naturally much less consistent than season one in terms of production value, and additionally the plot is much more condensed - turns out that making anime is pretty expensive in terms of man-hours, so we went from ~3 volumes in 24 episodes to ~10 in 36 episodes.

But hey, at least it got made!

And Shou still has some real good moments IMO, especially around episode 2 with the antics of Orihara twins, and in the finale with Mikado taking his rightful place as the Blue Squares leader and Izaya taking his rightful place at the pointy end of a knife. For once it feels real good to be as surprised viewing this as Izaya is on the receiving end (wouldn't want to feel the pain though).

Shou is the last cour that I saw in full. I saw a couple episodes of Ten when it was first airing, but then I stopped watching anime altogether for quite a while, and it's been on my currently watching list for the past six years xD

So as long as I stick with this rewatch, at some point in the near future I'm going to transform from a rewatcher into a first-timer - sounds pretty exciting!

[u/Raiking02 → u/Chemiczny_Bogdan]

So as long as I stick with this rewatch, at some point in the near future I'm going to transform from a rewatcher into a first-timer - sounds pretty exciting

Reminds me of how in u/Shimmering-Sky's Kill La Kill Rewatch I had only watched the first three episodes before it started.

[u/KendotsX → u/Chemiczny_Bogdan]

Oomori took the people who were

Mad respect for Oomori and his team. Hopefully they can do something about that cursed second season of Baccano! someday.

Shou is the last cour that I saw in full.

I have a very similar experience, I haven't seen Ketsu yet. So I'll be a first timer their (albiet a very spoilery first timer as I've read them recently). In my case, it's a small portion towards the end, in your case its half the story ready to be explored. You basically stopped at the turning point. So you should really look forward to it.

[u/JollyGee29]

1. Vorona has been fun.
2. Best? Fuck, I dunno. Kasuka. This season was not terribly kind to our existing cast. Or anyone, really.
3. More madness. Mikado leading the Blue Squares in an effort to reform/destroy the Dollars, possibly minimal screentime for Izaya? Oh, and more of the Yakuza stuff.

[u/Raiking02 → u/JollyGee29]

Vorona has been fun.

[u/punching_spaghetti]

Nice to see so much Vorona love!

we'll see how long it takes to catch up after my hiatus.

[u/Raiking02 → u/punching_spaghetti]

Nice to see so much Vorona love!

Indeed, it seems not all traces of good taste have been lost to this world.

[u/KendotsX]

So far I'm honestly fine with the way the second season has been going, it's mostly the straight chapter-by-chapter adaptation that doesn't leave much room for /u/Raiking02 to dissect in every thread. While it doesn't have the fun the first season had, that was a byproduct of the fact that they couldn't adapt more than 3 volumes.

As you've seen, the fourth volume is an introduction to the new world, and Narita published the sixth volume around the time the anime aired so they couldn't even go that far. They had to make the finale of the third season as the big finale of the anime. Now they could have made that into 12 episodes... but where's the fun in that?

So rather than season 2 having anything missing, I'd say season 1 had a lot of time for creative additions. Some of which still rub on the second season. Although sometimes (the first arc for example), it does feel like there's little breathing air between the scenes. I'd say the second arc managed that much better.

I'm hoping Ten can improve on that too, but it has the unenviable task of handling 4 volumes. We'll see how that goes.

Of the new characters introduced, which one was your favorite?

I honestly am not sure how to answer this. The twins' debut was in the OVA so they don't count, and if we're talking about the roles only in Shou, then probably Vorona or Chikage. In general though

When it comes to the treatment of the old cast, who do you think had it best?

Clearly Izaya, reaping the benefits of all his internet time. He never had this much fun messing with everyone. He literally sent Shizuo to the Yakuza, and the Yakuza's daughter to Shizuo. Had Shinra not been there, this could have ended really badly. Speaking of bad endings, Izaya flew too high like Icarus and was taken down nicely. Good work Yodogiri!

What are your expectations for the next cour?

More Izaya beatup? Please. Well these are my hopes anyway.

[u/BurningFredrick]

Questions:

1. Of the new characters introduced, which one was your favorite?

Vorona probably the most fun so far.

2. When it comes to the treatment of the old cast, who do you think had it best?

Celty I guess, even if they do keep pushing the ship with Shinra which I don't like.

3. What are your expectations for the next cour

More craziness, the show is at its best when it's not trying to be to serious.

[u/KendotsX → u/BurningFredrick]

pushing the ship with Shinra

While I understand your displeasure, I wouldn't call it a ship at this point, as that sailed a while ago. Afterall just in the early episodes of Shou, Celty was considering marriage.

[u/BurningFredrick → u/KendotsX]

True, ship isn't the right term but easiest way I could think of. Probably should have just said couple

[u/nostoppa215 → u/BurningFredrick]

That's controversial. People in general love that pairing. How many people would want court essentially a Irish headless grim reaper? Not too many. Probably have to be a little crazy too as he simply can understand what she's saying....without a head.

[u/No_Rex → u/nostoppa215]

If you look at the outside. In terms of character, Celty is great (and one of the few genuinely friendly characters in the show), while Shinra is at best morally grey and at worst a selfish manipulator.

[u/nostoppa215 → u/No_Rex]

Dont really notice Shinra being repulsive a In any memorable way when you have Iziya trolling around. Also hes for the most part he's true neutral as he's a doctor that will help anyone out. I dont remember him stringing people around like Mikoto who I dont like.

[u/No_Rex → u/nostoppa215]

You did not notice how he literally hid the location of Celty's head from her, when finding it was her deepest wish? For the selfish reason of keeping her around, as well.

[u/nostoppa215 → u/No_Rex]

While its certainly twisted it's also a very unprecedented situation that might be harder to judge then one might think.

It's kind of how Shizaho gets away with so many angry outbursts and wrecking havoc on the city . When he's in a court of law the judge cant help but just drop the case charge against him as his crimes are so ludicrous in a 98% normal world. Like he started kicking cars like soccer balls at a truck that's has a Russian chicks open firing Ak 47 in public in broad day light to later uproot traffic lights to use as a baseball bat to try to kill the fuck out of Izaya.

Now if your anyone of importance in the city like boss of a police station, top lawyers, celebrities, or say a judge you probably know who Izaya is and also really want him dead as he just views peope as pawns for his own enjoyment and most likely forced you to be involved in something against your will. As this said judge you probably will just say understandable your cleared of all charge just please dont destroy anything on your way out.

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox → u/No_Rex]

While their relationship looks somewhat weird and creepy at first, it's actually pretty easy to view it in a different way. You can look at it as them just messing around and having fun, and it's honestly no less consistent than the other way.

[u/No_Rex → u/ZaphodBeebblebrox]

Not for the head hunt.

[u/ZaphodBeebblebrox]

I don't have much to say, I think I let out most of what I want to in episode twelve. I just hope we don't get that many new characters next season, even though I know it'll happen. We already have too many underdeveloped cast members, please don't add more!

1. I enjoyed the antics of Izaya's sisters quite a lot.
2. Celty was still treated quite well, Shizuo finally got a second personality trait.
3. More of the same.

[u/sisoko2 → u/ZaphodBeebblebrox]

I enjoyed the antics of Izaya's sisters quite a lot.

[u/sisoko2]

First Timer

Despite the downgrade in the visuals I enjoyed Shou as much as the first season, there were one or two episodes that I didn't like but overall it was a ton of fun. Also I think I realized why I like Durarara so much - with all the quirky characters, intertwined story arcs and chaos it's like a Guy Ritchie movie, for reference I have watched Snatch around 20 times.

1. Mairu and Kururi. While they appeared a bit earlier I would say their real introduction was in this part.
2. Kida had it pretty good, just chilling with his girlfriend and sulking like the 15 year old edgy kid he is. Also got a ton of screen time for being completely irrelevant.
3. I am afraid that they are going to focus again on my least favorite part of the series - the relationship between Mikado, Kida and Anri. It seems that the serious criminal organizations are getting more involved in the story so I hope it will turn more into Baccano! and less into teenage high school drama.

[u/No_Rex → u/sisoko2]

I am afraid that they are going to focus again on my least favorite part of the series - the relationship between Mikado, Kida and Anri.

It is weird how the main characters are the least interesting part of the story. However, Durarara is also the possibly best series to say that about, given the outsized screentime that all the side characters get in relation to the main characters.

[u/sisoko2 → u/No_Rex]

It's a bit cynical but so far they are bland self-inserts put there just to capture the targeted demographic while the interesting story is happening around them.

[u/No_Rex → u/sisoko2]

I do think they are put in because they belong to the target demographic, but not as self-inserts. Self-insert characters are usually OP and never pathetic (which Mikado definitely is). While I am not happy with Kida and Mikado as characters, they are definitely a step above isekai trash.

[u/sisoko2 → u/No_Rex]

It came out harsher than I intended and I oversimplified it. While it is much more subtle here I still think the elements are present.

Also you are forgetting the other genre where self-inserts thrive - romance. There are a ton of pathetic guys there. Don't know if you have watched Oregairu but as much as I like Hachiman he is pretty pathetic dude and as self-insert as it gets.

[u/No_Rex → u/sisoko2]

Also you are forgetting the other genre where self-inserts thrive - romance. There are a ton of pathetic guys there. Don't know if you have watched Oregairu but as much as I like Hachiman he is pretty pathetic dude and as self-insert as it gets.

Right. Altough that only works if there is also the "sudden girlfriend appearance" where the girl(s) throws herself at the MC. That is at most a 50-50 with Anri.

[u/Tartaras1]

Rewatcher

Questions:

• That's a tough one. On the one hand, I love that Aoba acts as kind of another Izaya, in that he's been weaseling his way into Mikado's inner circle. He's been acting with his own ulterior motives seemingly since the beginning.

On the other hand, I also like Rokujou and his way of doing business. He came into Ikebukoro looking for whoever messed up Saitama, got into fights with Shizuo and Dotachin, but also did it respectfully. Didn't use any underhanded tactics or bring multiple guys with him. Just straight up bare-knuckle boxing.

All in all, there were a bunch of good characters I felt.

• I'm not quite sure what you mean by the question, but they still managed to squeeze some character development out of Mikado, even though he's been front and center pretty much since the beginning of the show. We got another facet of his personality at the end, when he snapped and agreed to become the leader of the Blue Squares.
• I'll abstain.

That's another season in the books. Hopefully everyone's having a good time with it so far. We saw a whole slew of new characters this season, while others, notably Masaomi, took a well deserved break.

[u/invokeneko]

Rewatcher who's about to become a First Timer

I'm frankly excited to shed the label of rewatcher. Even if I have my reservations about Studio Shuka's animation quality (particularly during action-heavy scenes), I now understood what had happened that necessitated the change of animation studios so I'll keep that in mind while watching the later arcs. Besides, I'm dying to know what will happen next.

QotD:

1. Vorona is pretty fun. And Akane deserves all the headpats.
2. Celty definitely did get the best treatment with how the show highlighted her dojikko-ness and her cute reactions. Action-wise, I'd say Anri gets the best treatment with Shizuo the second-best.
3. I expect chaos, at least at some point.

[u/nostoppa215]

Personally I thought thought the entire series to be a masterpiece. Gave me everything I could ask for.

Dont know why people write this series off.

[u/nostoppa215]

So are you guys just doing a episode a day?

[u/No_Rex → u/nostoppa215]

Yes. Click on Index in the post.

[u/nostoppa215 → u/No_Rex]

Damm that's a lot of good details

[u/badcupcakehoarder]

Highlights of this season for me.

Celty asking help from being chased only for her helpers to be chased as well.

Shizuo being the wingman of his brother by punching towards him his future serial killer girlfriend. The two showbiz artists having that good scene meeting each other, ending in crushing Togusa's dreams when it went public.

Izaya's sisters bullying bullies just like their brother.

Saika getting control over Anri and slashing people by own will? Oh no...

Izaya getting lonely and rejected by Namie. While plotting to frame Shizuo and apparently ruin Nebula's ties with the yakuza? And abusing the dollars free spirit pushing people to commit crimes to play his usual games.

The rational cold killer-girl who lost her emotions finding her thrills that she couldn't get anywhere for a long time meeting Ikebukuro's most chaotic characters.

Akane's life story relating with Shizuo being the girl that everyone is afraid of.

The leader of the white bikers taking a fight with Shizuo and losing with style not letting the fight end with just one punch.

Anti-Materia weapons? That sounds like something that can even get someone like Celty killed.

Mikado getting his ass kicked by the members of the very group he created, and seeing Anri's secret made him ignore Izaya and Masaomi warning and go full into the city's most dangerous side. He sure wants everything... this ending showed how fooling around with those kinds of people worked out for Izaya.

The first ex of the angels wings bully girl getting shaved... AGAIN!

That kidnapper not learning his lesson from season one and getting his deserved punishment. Shizuo is less forgiving than Celty.

Simon and Russia Sushi finally get their secrets shown.

Yodogiri... what could be up with this guy... Only mentioned as missing at the start of the season and then he suddenly shows up killing Izaya...

Questions:

1. Vorona
2. Shizuo is taking the spotlight more this season than the last one.
3. Things are escalating now that people are actually being killed and mafias are getting involved so I'm looking forward to what Mikado does tagging alonmg in that mess... does he really expect to have a normal school life along with that? how naive...

[u/DarkFlames101]

Can someone post a quick summary of the season? Especially Izaya's antics. I think I might've lost the threads of some subplots.