No Guns Life 2

No Guns Life Season 2

Characters

Juuzou Inui

MAIN

Mary Steinberg

MAIN

Tetsurou Arawabaki

MAIN

Cronen von Wolf

SUPPORTING

John D. Kunugi

SUPPORTING

Seven

SUPPORTING

Christina Matsuzaki

SUPPORTING

Scarlet Gosling

SUPPORTING

Olivier Vandeberme

SUPPORTING

Victor Steinberg

SUPPORTING

Hugh Cunningham

SUPPORTING

Avi Covo

SUPPORTING

Mega-armed Tokisada

SUPPORTING

Aibou

SUPPORTING

Pepper

SUPPORTING

Edmund Baker

SUPPORTING

No Guns Life Season 2: A Gritty Cyberpunk Odyssey with a Gun-Headed Hero

No Guns Life Season 2, which aired from July to September 2020, builds on the gritty cyberpunk foundation laid by its first season, delivering a deeper dive into its noir-infused world and the enigmatic protagonist, Juzo Inui. Adapted from Tasuku Karasuma’s manga and animated by Madhouse, this 12-episode second season elevates the stakes with richer character backstories, intense action, and thought-provoking themes about identity, free will, and societal control. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes No Guns Life Season 2 unique and why it stands out as a compelling addition to the cyberpunk anime genre.

A World of Extended and Intrigue

Set in a dystopian future where cyborgs known as “Extended” roam a war-torn city, No Guns Life centers on Juzo Inui, a former soldier turned “Resolver” with a revolver for a head. The Extended, humans augmented with mechanical enhancements, face discrimination and exploitation in a society controlled by the shadowy Berühren Corporation. Season 2 picks up where the first season left off, with Juzo tasked to protect Rosa McMahon, a girl carrying valuable data coveted by Berühren. This mission spirals into a complex web of conspiracies, betrayals, and revelations about Juzo’s past as Gun Slave Unit Device 13.

The cyberpunk setting is a standout feature, blending gritty noir aesthetics with high-tech dystopian elements. Unlike the sleek, neon-drenched worlds of Psycho-Pass or Ghost in the Shell, No Guns Life opts for a raw, industrial vibe. The city’s rain-soaked streets, dilapidated buildings, and smoky backrooms evoke classic noir films, while the use of Unreal Engine 4 for 3DCG backgrounds adds a modern, immersive depth to the world. The animation, while not revolutionary, enhances the gritty atmosphere, with Cyclone Graphics’ CGI rendering creating dynamic environments that feel alive yet oppressive.

Juzo Inui: The Anti-Hero with a Gun for a Head

Juzo’s unique design—a hulking cyborg with a literal gun for a head—remains one of the series’ most striking elements. His head-gun, which can only be fired by someone else, symbolizes his lack of autonomy, a recurring theme in Season 2. The season delves deeper into Juzo’s backstory, exploring his time as a Gun Slave Unit during the war and his struggle to reclaim his free will. A pivotal flashback reveals Juzo confronting other Gun Slave Units in a militant protest reminiscent of the Bonus Army, a moment that forces him to question his actions and purpose. This exploration of his past adds layers to his character, transforming him from a stoic anti-hero into a figure wrestling with existential questions about freedom and identity.

Juzo’s development is complemented by his relationships with Tetsuro Arahabaki, a young boy with the ability to control Extended via the Harmony device, and Mary, a non-Extended mechanic with a sharp wit and a knack for fixing cyborgs. Season 2 improves on the first season’s pacing issues by giving these supporting characters more depth. Mary, in particular, shines as a human counterpoint in a world of cyborgs, her humor and loyalty bringing warmth to the grim narrative. Her reunion with her long-lost brother Victor adds emotional weight, raising questions about memory and trust that resonate with the season’s themes.

Themes of Control and Resistance

No Guns Life Season 2 distinguishes itself by weaving social commentary into its cyberpunk framework. The Berühren Corporation’s control over the Extended through medicinal cigarettes—used to dull nerve pain caused by enhancements—serves as a metaphor for systemic exploitation. This subtle critique of medical and corporate overreach draws parallels to real-world issues of dependency and control, making the series more than just a stylish action anime. The anti-Extended terrorist group Spitzbergen, led by Wachowski, adds another layer of conflict, as their radical opposition to cyborgs challenges Juzo’s own existence as an Extended.

The season also explores the concept of free will through Juzo’s head-gun, which requires an external trigger-puller, and Tetsuro’s Harmony device, which can override an Extended’s autonomy. These elements underscore the tension between individual agency and external manipulation, a hallmark of cyberpunk storytelling. The narrative doesn’t shy away from moral ambiguity, as even supposed allies like Spitzbergen and enemies like Berühren’s operative Seven reveal complex motivations.

Action and Soundtrack: A Cyberpunk Symphony

The action sequences in Season 2 are a highlight, blending hard-hitting gunfights with strategic battles that showcase Juzo’s combat prowess and limitations. His confrontations with Seven, another Gun Slave Unit, are particularly intense, combining raw physicality with emotional stakes. Madhouse’s animation, while occasionally uneven, delivers in these high-octane moments, with fluid choreography and creative use of Juzo’s gun-head mechanics.

The soundtrack elevates the experience, with Kenji Kawai’s score setting a moody, atmospheric tone. The opening theme, “Chaos Drifters” by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] feat. Jean-Ken Johnny, is a banger that captures the season’s high-energy vibe, while the ending theme, “new world” by This Is Japan, offers a more introspective note, though its quirky animation (including character twerking) has divided fans. Compared to Season 1’s “Motor City” and “Game Over,” the Season 2 soundtrack feels more polished, reflecting the show’s growing confidence.

Challenges and Hopes for the Future

Despite its strengths, Season 2 isn’t flawless. Some fans have noted that the pacing, while improved, can still feel rushed in parts, particularly in resolving complex plotlines. The lack of a confirmed Season 3, possibly due to the anime catching up to the manga, leaves some story threads unresolved, which may frustrate viewers eager for closure on Juzo’s origins and Berühren’s schemes.

However, the season’s ability to balance action, character development, and thematic depth makes it a standout. Its focus on Juzo’s journey from a controlled weapon to a man seeking freedom, coupled with its unflinching look at societal issues, sets it apart from more conventional anime. The series’ cult following, evident in online discussions, reflects its appeal to fans of cyberpunk and noir genres who appreciate its unique premise and execution.

Where to Watch and Why It Matters

No Guns Life Season 2 is available for streaming on platforms like Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Funimation, with both subbed and dubbed options. The English dub, particularly Juzo’s voice acting, has been praised for capturing his gruff, world-weary demeanor. For fans of cyberpunk anime like Ergo Proxy or Akira, or those intrigued by a protagonist with a gun for a head, this season offers a compelling mix of style, substance, and mystery.

In a landscape filled with isekai and shonen, No Guns Life Season 2 carves out a niche as a gritty, thought-provoking cyberpunk tale. It’s a story about pulling your own trigger—figuratively and literally—in a world that seeks to control you. Whether you’re drawn to its unique aesthetic, complex characters, or underlying social commentary, this season is a must-watch for those craving something different in anime.

Sources: Wikipedia, MyAnimeList, Rotten Tomatoes, Anime News Network, Fandom