Looking back at the time I first watched Blue Exorcist's anime adaptation, I was pretty hyped to finish them all, especially since I knew it was currently airing the latest season at that time. However, last Saturday when I finally finished another season of it, I somehow felt unhappy. Not unhappy because of how it turned out, but unhappy because I know that after I finish its next season I will wait for months or most possibly years again for the next arc to be adapted. Also, I already caught up with its manga so that kinda added to my unhappiness because I'll be waiting for its update, but anyway I know it will be worth it because things are getting heated up.
Backstories and characters are slowly getting unraveled and the emotions are gradually getting higher. So before I get fully consumed with those, allow me to share my review on its fourth season, the Beyond the Snow Saga.
About the Anime
Blue Exorcist: Beyond the Snow Saga (Ao no Exorcist: Yuki no Hate-hen) is is a shounen anime that premiered in the fall last year. This anime series is a sequel to its third season—Shimane Illuminati Saga. This season aired from October 6, 2024, to December 22, 2024. Same with the previous season, it's also animated by Studio VOLN. It still has 12 episodes which were the adaptation of chapters 69 to 99 of its manga.
After the incident in Inari City, the Order now realized the biggest threat that humanity would face would be no other than the Illuminati organization. Even though they contained the opening of an artificial Gehenna gate, still the pollution it caused was considerably alarming. Lower demons became wild and various incidents regarding them continued to increase. With the rise of those demonic activities, the need for exorcists became higher and that's why the Order decided to make the Exorcist Certification Exam earlier than expected.
To aid them with that change, the Vatican HQ sent one of their powerful exorcist—Lewin Light also known as Lightning—to True Cross Academy to be one of their cram school teacher. Drawn with his prowess and expertise, Suguro asks to be his apprentice. However, later on, he realizes that behind Lightning's easygoing facade, a sinister one lurks. Determined to unravel the mystery of the Blue Night, and unconventional as he is, he's willing to use any way of extracting the truth, even if it means sacrificing something or someone in the process.
On the other hand, internal turmoil is brewing between the Okumura brothers. With the disappearance of Shura, the brothers were tasked to locate her, however, even though they're together, the rift still became apparent. With all the unsaid feelings and repressed emotions, it would be soon when things would blow out. The coldness will dominate in their hearts, but a new flame will emerge but it won't be warm anymore for it will certainly burn anything that comes in its way.
I have no major qualms about this season, for I definitely enjoyed it. Compared to its previous season, the plot here is more solid and at the same time more fast-paced. The drama, action and lore were getting interesting, and the way it slowly built up those conflicting emotions was brilliant for me. Also, I was really anticipating Yukio's POV since there are a lot of foreshadowing about him in the prior season. I know how he'll end up, but still, I'm curious about how they'll adapt his side in anime.
I came across some reviews about this season, and for them it was kinda rushed—but I don't know because for me it doesn't feel that way. I'm not that fond of dragging scenes that would usually be just for the emotional build-up—which at some point—became unnecessary and boring to watch. Maybe it's because I already know what will happen next so I'm not that interested with filler scenes, but yeah, I wouldn't deny that it was fast-paced. Of 'course there's that betrayal again, but this time the betrayal gets closer—so if you want to know who it is (it was quite obvious tho), then you really need to try watching this season.
As for its visuals, I was pleased that Studio VOLN made it better now. It wasn't the perfect art style, but it was much nicer than the previous season. The art style and character design kinda look messed up last season, so seeing how it fared now; I'm genuinely happy. However, the animation still is not that consistent. The early episodes' animation was okayish—like it's on the borderline of good and bad—but I was surprised and awed with how it turned out in the last episodes. The confrontation and internal duel were animated decently well, so it was really a satisfying watch.
Moving on from that, its soundtrack was just...fine. The opening song wasn't sung by UVERworld anymore, but nevertheless it's still a decent opening tho its tune isn't much to my liking. The ending song however was another thing because I like its tune! It's just laidback, but it's nice to hear! It often caught me off guard because just when things get heavy and sinister in the episode, it suddenly plays signaling that the episode had ended. The vibes it gives off is entirely different from the mood that most of its episodes emanate, but still, it is a nice way to end each episode. Also, I really feel the need to praise Lightning VA. He voiced his character's outgoingness and eccentricity accurately, and usual the other VAs also did well!
Overall, this season was definitely a solid 9/10. I know the story is getting heavy and some changes in character behavior may potentially confuse especially the non-manga reader, but trust me—cliché as it seems—everything happens for a reason. This season's end is the start of an important progression of its main plot, so if you're up for a supernatural anime with interesting lore, action and drama then this is the sign! Start watching Blue Exorcist now and be sure to get up until this season— where tales beyond the snow get unraveled.
So before I end this review, I'll share with you its trailer, so—
Have you watched this season already? Or you still have not yet? If you have something to share, then feel free to comment below. Well, that's all for today, minna-san~ I hope you enjoyed reading my review.
Arigatou and tanoshinde ne~
The pictures that didn't have source were screenshots from the anime while the last picture was edited in Canva.
I think this is my sign to see this... again
Definitely a sign >=<!
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I totally agree that this season had a much better pace, more direct to the point, and with the plot moving forward in a delightful way. The whole thing with the Illuminati, the early exorcist exam, and above all, Yukio's internal mess and the tension with Rin... wow, it got really interesting and dramatic! It had me super hooked. And yes, it's great that they improved the animation! The difference with the previous season was noticeable, especially in the final episodes; those fights and the internal duel were very well done.
Definitely! I enjoyed how well-animated and straightforward those scenes were. I don't know, but the time I'm reading it in manga—it seems longer there. I guess they made it brief so that they could proceed to more exciting parts. I love that they didn't reveal yet Shiemi's reason, and of course, the way they ended the season with a bitter-sweet cliffhanger was certainly a perfect way to hook viewers to watch its next season.
cada vez se está volviendo interesante, buen post!
it's getting more and more interesting, good post!
Yes! it's certainly getting more exciting~ Btw, thanks 𓁹‿𓁹 ʰᵉʰᵉ, I really appreciate it >--<!