D.C.II S.S.: Da Capo II Second Season

D.C. II S.S., The real story of Da Capo II which makes the first season look like a filler. This is probably the last of Da Capo, and if not, this is surely the final story about Hatsunejima and its never withering Sakura Trees. A lot of things are explained here and it also shows some history. Most definitely a MUST WATCH for Da Capo fans.

The story is better than ever, but it's a little disappointing that the other things were completely left out. This is a very sad and lonely Da Capo. The undying Sakura Tree is at a most imperfect state, worse than ... ever before, but they can't wither it so easily just like they always did 50 years ago. It explains the existense of Sakurai, Yoshiyuki and also features his relations to Yoshino, Sakura and to his two step sisters, Oto-nee and Yume. The story is well written this time.

The art was fine. There are times when the animation is beautiful, there are times when its just okay and there are times that it looks a little bad and unnatural. Everything and everyone looked fine just like the first season, sadly, the characters are still not illustrated that well also like in the first season (they still have not so good side views), but it's not that bad, not so much of a major setback. The art still has a very good overall.

The sounds are as good as the first season. Everything blends well with the scenes with such beautiful music. The only problem here is that the OP and ED music are not that attractive. Most viewers would just skip it if they can.

The characters are the same as the first season but most of them are just background now. An unknown classmate is also featured a few seconds of air time with Wataru which felt like "eh?". Anyway, Yoshiyuki is not thickheaded anymore, but her sister Yume becomes the stubborn and irritating one this time in the early parts. Junichi is finally shown here which is great but Amakase will never be seen or heard of again, and so are the old characters.

This is now a serious show. It will only be funny on the first episode and no one will even attempt to hit Suginami anymore. Still, viewers will enjoy a fun start, a very dramatic continuation and a beautiful finish.

The continuation of DCII, DCII:SS follows the story of Yukimura Anzu, Asakura Yume and Otome, and the mystery surrounding the Magical Sakura Tree.

While DCII caters towards the fans of certain characters, DCII:SS follows the mold of what made the original Da Capo great. Like its predecessor, the story revolves around the mysterious events in the island of Hatsunejima. Although unlike the original Da Capo, the male lead has TWO 'sisters' that are very close to him. Drama ensues...

The character designs for DCII:SS is magnificent, especially those of Shirakawa Nanaka. The actual animation leaves much to be desired, but it is acceptable and in no way ... hampers the experience of watching the show.

Melodrama, a theme that is synonymous with Da Capo. Although somewhat overused, the timing helps accentuates certain key situations in the anime. I consider the actual background music somewhat average compared to its Visual Novel counterpart, but there are no complaints on this end.

Then we have our characters plus generic male harem lead. That itself isn't really fair to Yoshiyuki, who received a much needed boost in terms of personality this season. Even if he is still lacking, the huge improvement made me forget the train wreck that is Season 1 Yoshiyuki. Of course it wouldn't be a harem series without our cute bishoujos! If you expect more development from Koko, Minatsu, and Nanaka, then you are watching the wrong show (sadly).

I started watching Season 2 with great anticipation and I leave it fully satisfied. It stayed true to its source material and I believe that is what makes a great Visual Novel adaptation. Those who aren't overly fond of melodrama and the somewhat predictable plot, then this isn't the show for you. If you have watched the previous season, then I highly suggest that you watch this post haste unless you want to keep that bitter taste in your mouth after seeing a train wreck.

I hope those who read this consider DCII:SS, an anime worthy of the Da Capo name! (Feel free to forget about DCII)

I watched all Da capo series (up to DC III minus DC If) in one run, so this will cover a bit DC II as the prequel and some of its parent stories.

Story: 7
This is the only aspect why I follow through all DC series. The story from DC I captivated me a bit and it's even better in D.C II (especially SS). The mystery behind the never-withered Sakura tree is handled fresh in each series, a bit connection from previous story but still original. This is pretty good considering how many stories have been produced for this sakura tree.

Art: 6
In short, It's ... better than DC I with more vibrant colors imo.

Sound: 6
Opening is good (DC II SS), but others are really weak to leave impression on me.

Chara: 4
This is the worst problem with DC series. Almost all characters are mediocre at best. I have never seen any other MC in other series as boring as Yoshiyuki. Frankly speaking, I'm sick of this "A popular guy who is kind to everyone but dumb enough to realize other's affection". Any cliche situations can be found here and the most annoying thing is when that MC being dragged around by his friends without being able to decline. Oh, man.

Junichi from DC I is a tiny bit better for me considering his sense of humor, but Yoshiyuki is REALLY boring, except when the series reaches its end where the sadness built up.

The only interesting characters for me are Minatsu which is handled much better than its counterpart, Miharu from DC I and the Asakura sisters (but only near the end). Beside that, mediocre to the letter.

Continuation: 3
I really don't understand why this is called D.C II SS. Except the same characters, everything from DC II seems dissapear without explanation. The most obvious one is Yoshiyuki's relation with Koko. Well, they mention it a bit in ep 2 (CMIIW) but after that, she was thrown away from the story. I really hope that the relationship and the problems could contribute in either adding more flames in the conflict in SS or solving it.
Shortly speaking, I think I will feel better if I watched DC II SS without watching DC II.

Plot: 6
This score is for DC II SS WITHOUT DC II because as I say, there is no important continuation whatsoever, including the plot. I really love how they built up the tension towards the end of the series. The road to climax is really good and tear-jerking. I would be glad to give this 8 or 9 if the ending is not as cliched as it is. Sola's ending is waaaay much better than this.

Enjoyment: 5
Good story, nice plot, boring characters, and horrible continuation. Well, at least I enjoy the story.

Overall: 6
Shortly speaking, it will be good series if there is no DC II and they handle the characters and the ending better.