Fate/Apocrypha Part Two [Anime Review]

Note: Review copy supplied by MVM Entertianment

Title: Fate/Apocrypha Part 2
Anime Studio: A-1 Pictures
Publisher: MVM Entertainment
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Released: November 4th, 2019
Classification: 15
Language: Japanese/English
Discs: 2
Episodes: 12
Extras: Clean OP & ED, Trailers

“Miracle Child” Amakusa Shirou Tokisada — Shirou Kotomine, wishes for the salvation of all humanity using the Greater Grail. “Holy Maiden” Jeanne d’Arc – as Ruler, seeks harmony within the Great Holy Grail War. Sieg — an unknown boy, who picks up the sword for the sake of his own wishes after harboring the power of the “Dragonslayer” within him.

If you read my review of Fate/Apocrypha Part One, you’ll know that I absolutely loved the way the story was playing out. The focus on the relationships between the master/servant pairings was a joy to watch and really helped guide things along. The reason I mention this is that this particular side of the storytelling is not split across quite so many characters this time.

Various events play out that means there are not only fewer pairings, but changes in pairings too. Kairi Shishigou and Mordred continue to be really good characters throughout the run, and their dynamic moves along a logical arc. The main focus though, at least in terms of heroes, is on a three-way grouping of Sieg, Ruler, and Astolfo.

On that point, I will say that if you didn’t care for Astolfo in the first release, you may struggle a little at times with this half of the tale. For me personally, he has been the star of the show from the get-go though, and he was every bit as lovable here.

When it comes to the villains, things are not as straight forward as you may expect. Ruler sums it up nicely when she mentions that Shirou’s wish of salvation for all humanity is not itself wrong. If anything, you could argue that his goals are, to a point, noble.

In much the same way, we get a full-blown arc dealing with Jack The Ripper. This run of episodes works hard to create a degree of sympathy for the loli serial killer, and on that point, it succeeds. As the tale draws to a close, we also get to see divisions amongst the heroes, as they question the paths of certain allies. The whole thing was superbly done.

Best of all though is the ending of the series. While a little bittersweet, the final moments are really good. It brings the overall story to a proper conclusion and one that feels right.

Aesthetically, the same strengths from part one also apply here. The show looks great, and really comes alive when it comes to action and emotion-driven scenes. The soundtrack was every bit as fitting, and the voice cast was once again really good in their roles. While the new opening theme, Ash by LiSA, had a beautifully epic feel to it, it’s the ending that I thought deserved special recognition this time. Koe by Asca was a lot more menacing at times than the original ending theme, then sinks into a relaxed – but still dark – section, before ending with a happier tone. In a way, it felt representative of the story as a whole, balancing the different elements that went into play as the key events played out.

Overall, Fate/Apocyrpha Part Two is another superb release, and for me, it was a touch above the first part. The emotional and flashy scenes were excellent, the core cast all shone brightly, and we get a satisfying ending. This is a 5 out of 5 for me.