Qwaser of Stigmata II

Qwaser of Stigmata II is a 2011 anime series based on the manga series written by Hiroyuki Yoshino and illustrated by Kenetsu Satō. Fans first saw the manga series in Japan's Champion Red magazine in 2006, but the continuous popularity and intrigue surrounding the characters and storyline led to the creation of Qwaser of Stigmata's first animated season in 2010 and its second in 2011. Retaining much of the original art style and narrative flavor, Qwaser of Stigmata II offers viewers an enriched experience and in-depth exploration of the universe created by Yoshino and Satō.

The series follows an unusual yet captivating blend of fantasy, action, adventure, and supernatural elements, presenting a uniquely intriguing premise. Set in a world where the Russian Orthodox Church secretly holds influence and power, the story revolves around individuals known as "Qwasers" who derive their monstrous strength and magical abilities from "Soma," an essence found in a woman's breast milk. It might sound strange to newcomers to the series, but this unusual element only works to increase the show's charm and distinctness in the world of anime.

The Qwasers, including our mysterious protagonist Alexander "Sasha" Nikolaevich, are classified by the elements they control. This concept ties in with a corresponding chemical element from the periodic table, further blending scientific, magical, and alchemical undertones. The Qwasers navigate geopolitical landscapes, dark institutions, conspiracy theories, and dangerous opponents to achieve individual and collective goals. And Sasha, who controls the element of Iron, is a crux to these unfolding mysteries and battles.

Qwaser of Stigmata II continues to immerse viewers deeper into the intrigues and conflicts of these Qwasers. Alongside Sasha, the series re-introduces viewers to a host of intriguing characters, like Mafuyu Oribe and Tomo Yamanobe, students at St. Mihailov Academy, where much of the story unfolds. Many other characters have their stories intricely woven into the central narrative, each with their unique set of abilities, motives, conflicts, and resolutions that make the series a compelling watch.

This narrative involves continuous battles, magic-infused altercations, and the taming of Titans, mixing elements of mythology with contemporary plot devices. School life coincides with secret missions, clandestine movements, power plays, and dramatic battles, creating a contrast that will keep you engaged. The story doesn't shy away from showing a light to the darker implications of wielding such power, adding more layers to the narrative.

The character development in Qwaser of Stigmata II is positively noteworthy. The protagonists' personalities, histories, and motives undergo significant development and exploration, offering an intriguing glimpse into their psyche. The multifaceted characters, from the stoic Sasha to the compassionate Mafuyu, bring in various flavors and contribute to several emotional highs and lows throughout the series.

Similarly, the animation quality does justice to the unique premise of the show. It takes on a darker palette to mirror the narrative's tone, blending in suspense and intensity. The character designs remain faithful to the original manga, with the settings, locales, and backgrounds infused with incredible detail. The combat sequences, in particular, stand out due to their fluid animation and stunning visual effects, adding gravity to the action scenes.

The series also employs symbolism, and while some of it may be too complex for the casual viewer, those with a closer eye for detail will appreciate the depth it adds to the storytelling. Meanwhile, the combination of an intriguing opening theme and thought-provoking closing makes every episode a staple for the fans.

In terms of content, Qwaser of Stigmata II may not suit all viewers. It contains elements of ecchi and fanservice, appealing to a specific fanbase, and may not resonate well with others looking for strictly action and fantasy genres. However, the show strikes a balance of fan service with intense character-driven plotlines, far from being mere titillation.

Qwaser of Stigmata II, in many aspects, builds on the goodwill established by its predecessor and stands on its own merits. It continues the spirit of the original manga series - a rollercoaster ride of emotions, displaying a unique mix of action, fantasy, intrigue, and ecchi elements. It's a series for viewers who appreciate intricately designed plotlines, multi-layered characters, and aren't afraid of unconventional themes. As such, Qwaser of Stigmata II adds its distinctive flavor to the diverse world of anime!