Major 2nd
“A Worthy Sequel or Strikeout?”
In 2017, the Naruto series concluded, and a new character, still disliked by some fans, was introduced. While people continue to criticize the creator, the studio, and the series for not allowing it to rest finally, I'm sure many fans are unaware that many other series have already taken a similar turn. Unfortunately, their lesser-known status shields them from a barrage of hate tweets every other week, which ultimately works to their advantage. A relatively unknown series also took the 'next generation' approach, and due to the lack of recognition for Gorou Shigeno, viewers overlooked the son of the anime sports superstar. But why is Major that lesser known and Major 2nd even more so? Are you curious about the content of these shows and whether they're worth your time? Let's explore the wealth of information I have to share!
Major, a baseball anime, gained widespread popularity in Japan during the 2000s and the early 2010s. The anime featured elements that were relatively new to the sports genre in general and, as such, amassed an audience in no time. The emergence of shows that have since become cult classics signaled a significant revolution in the anime industry during this time. Despite its lack of international success, Major managed to maintain its popularity and leave a lasting impact. As I mentioned earlier, the series breaks many major stereotypes that we've seen in newer sports anime series such as Haikyuu and Ahiru no Sora. That alone makes it a fantastic title.
We could also argue that the continuation of Major 2nd perpetuates stereotypes, as sports anime series typically don't follow a familial progression from father to son. However, despite its length, this journey is by no means monotonous. I'd like to cite the popular series Prince of Tennis as a beautiful example. Although the first 100+ episodes of The Prince of Tennis, featuring superstar protagonist Echizen Ryouma, achieved significant international success, including in the United States, the anime quickly lost momentum. Even if we remove the sports genre tag, I believe Major's realistic approach to the sport and the complex interplay of emotions it brings to the table make it an exceptional series.
“Major 2nd” chronicles the life of Daigo Shigeno, the son of the legendary baseball player Gorou. Now, while many people would consider him the luckiest kid alive, given that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, the reality is quite far from that. Being the son of a hotshot like that is a curse, as he will always be compared to his father. Without any say or choice, everyone will expect him to pick up baseball sooner or later.
But here's where the show introduces that difference once again. You see, Daigo isn't that talented, and, in the beginning, he isn't aware of that himself. But things become apparent as he spends a year with the same little league team his dad was a part of. Disheartened and broken to the core, Daigo faces criticism from every direction, and being in a situation like that for a child can be devastating. He has no choice but to persevere and advance, aiming to match his father's baseball skills. Two years later, Daigo meets Hikaru, the son of his father's lifelong friend. Together, these two take up the sport of baseball once again, and while being so different at the game, they end up getting better slowly but surely!
The characters experienced a noticeable decline in quality.
There are a lot of reasons why Major 2nd wasn't able to reignite the flame that Major itself had lit, let alone attract more viewers to the series. However, in my opinion, Major 2nd's characters don't stand out as particularly memorable or exciting. While the chemistry between Daigo and Hikaru and their approach to baseball is captivating, it's essential to acknowledge that the anime lacks other characters who can match their intensity.
This only causes the magic to fade away within a few episodes, as witnessing the story of someone transforming from zero to a hero is truly captivating. However, the absence of other strong characters to maintain the series' momentum significantly diminishes its appeal. Moreover, I believe the show bears a resemblance to the early days of sports anime series, a genre that, in 2018, didn't receive as much positive reception. However, this is precisely the essence of the series, as Major consistently develops its arcs organically without occasionally introducing catalysts to accelerate the plot.
While I don't mind it, the newer audience, who are fans of fast-paced shows, might not want to sit through Daigo's development throughout many episodes. While the current episode count may be relatively low, I don't believe it will remain that way. Health issues forced the author to stop drawing for a while, but by the time the series concludes, I envision it receiving the same number of episodes and seasons as the first major. I vividly recall how, back in the 2010s, the episode count deterred some people from watching the show. I strongly recommend watching the entire first series, as it is exceptional.
Average sound and animation
Despite a significant improvement over the older Major seasons, the animation still lacks the quality of other sports anime series released simultaneously. For instance, since it's baseball, let’s compare it to the likes of Ace of Diamond, and from the get-go, the difference becomes quite clear. I believe Ace of Diamond excels in areas where Major 2nd falls short. Despite its extensive character roster, Diamond no Ace consistently showcases exceptional characters and personalities.
When the characters are the central focus of an arc or a specific game, they captivate you. Furthermore, Ace of Diamond exemplifies the ideal animation standards for baseball anime in general. Ace of Diamond excels in ball motions, game aspects, and character art, making it a clear winner compared to Major 2nd. However, given the stark differences between the two shows and their distinct stories, the comparison is merely based on the idea that Major 2nd could have achieved tremendous success if its creators had emphasized the animation and sound department more. At times, the ball motions seem a bit out of place, and the overall aesthetic is reminiscent of the early 2000s, with the Blu-ray release adding a slightly sharper edge here and there.
Despite my admiration for the series, I hoped it wouldn't follow Boruto's path and diminish its established legacy, which is disheartening. It's worth noting that Major 2 shows a significant similarity to Captain Tsubasa, with both series debuting around the same time. However, due to Tsubasa's considerable influence on shows such as Inazuma Eleven, Knight in the Area, Days, Ahiru no Sora, and Ao Ashi, Major didn't initially enjoy the same level of popularity, nor did the new show garner much attention. So, it’s no wonder that the former ended up with a new generation game that looks great while the latter was only able to scrap another season, and that too after 2 years or so.
Undoubtedly, the Major series exemplifies some of the best offerings in the sports genre. It breaks certain stereotypes in ways people haven’t imagined, adding to the show's charm. But while Major was perfect for its time, asking whether it’d succeeded in this day and age brings us to the obvious answer, and that’s just no. Major was a much-needed replacement for Slam Dunk and Captain Tsubasa in the early 2000s. Major 2nd presents a story that, while intriguing on paper due to its exploration of the theme of 'can't escape your father's shadow,' ultimately falls flat and doesn't fully utilize its potential, in my view.
Although I haven't read the manga, I've heard some ardent fans exclaim that it will improve and that the upcoming seasons will demonstrate the actual quality of sports anime. But now, I don’t rank Major 2nd that high, even after watching beyond the first season. If you're a fan of baseball anime, such as Touch, H2, Cross Game, and Diamond no Ace, you should watch this series. Make sure you don't watch Major before diving into the second series, as this will prevent you from escaping the comparison trap and criticizing the series for not doing justice to its legacy by allowing its son to continue the show's legacy. I strongly suggest watching all the “Major Seasons” if you haven't already. They showcase the growth of Gorou well, going from all these different leagues to finally taking on the world's best.
Due to my intense affection for the first series, I give this show a 7 out of 10. Major holds a special place in my heart due to the nostalgia and memories it evokes. However, I don't believe the second season was necessary, and we would have been better served with a message indicating the conclusion of this baseball adventure. If you’re into the sports genre, watch the original Major Seasons since they’re pretty good. Additionally, the music in the series is outstanding, adding to its overall appeal.
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