It’s no secret that sports anime tends to produce some of the best shows. Haikyu!!, is no exception to this rule. The story follows two volleyball players who don’t like each other but compliment each other’s talents. Hinata is short and fast and Kageyama is a well- rounded setter and they end up on the same high school team. They form a bond that benefits both of them and they grow as players. The second season of Haikyu!! started in October 2015 and looks to be set with bumps, sets, and spikes both on the court and off the court.
The first episode of Haikyu!!, the second season, outlines where the anime is going. Karasuno is a highly inexperienced team and will be having some practice matches with teams in Tokyo preparing them for the tournament. In the tournament Karasuno will have to face 2 of the top players. One of these players is Oikawa from Aoba Jousai High and Kageyama has developed a rivalry with him, vowing to surpass him as a setter. The other person is Ushiwaka, who has touched a nerve with Hinata, causing a rivalry to form between the two. This is predictable and will eventually lead to Kageyama and Hinata to improve as players. The first episode introduces all the major characters and their respective foils and sets the stage for these foils to unfold on the court and off the court.
The second season of Haikyu!! utilizes an interesting technique to bring in the audience. The technique is highlighting the rivalries that will focus during the season and instantly establishes a viewer’s commitment to the show. As a result a viewer is hooked on what happens next. The show’s first episode is successful as it creates a personal commitment from a viewer, as they want to find out what happens next.
Haikyu!!, the second season, looks as if it will steal this Fall’s season of anime. This is due to the rivalries that were set forth and the consequences that occur from being challenged. Combine this with the amazing art and swift animation resulting in a good show about bumping, setting, and spiking for a 5 star rating each week.
The first volume of Haikyu!! can be purchased here.
