Long Zu 2

Dragon Raja II -The Mourner's Eyes-

Characters

Mingfei Lu

MAIN

Zihang Chu

SUPPORTING

Dragon Raja Season 2: A Deeper Dive into a World of Dragons and Destiny

Dragon Raja Season 2: The Mourner’s Eyes (also known as Long Zu II: Daowangzhe Zhi Tong), which premiered globally on July 18, 2025, builds on the foundation of its first season with a bold, introspective, and visually captivating continuation. Adapted from Jiang Nan’s bestselling Chinese fantasy novel series, this donghua (Chinese animated series) produced by Tencent and animated by Studio GARDEN delves further into the intricate world of dragon slayers, hybrids, and existential mysteries. This review explores what makes Season 2 unique, its strengths and flaws, and why it stands out as a compelling evolution of the Dragon Raja saga—all while avoiding spoilers and promotional fluff.

A Shift in Narrative Focus

Unlike Season 1, which introduced Lu Mingfei as an ordinary high schooler thrust into the dragon-slaying world of Cassell College, Season 2 takes a more ensemble-driven approach. The narrative steps away from centering solely on Mingfei, giving supporting characters like Chu Zihang, Nono, and Caesar more room to shine. This shift creates a richer, more layered story that explores the motivations and backstories of the dragon-hunting team. The season’s subtitle, The Mourner’s Eyes, hints at its thematic core: grief, sacrifice, and the emotional weight of confronting ancient, godlike dragons.

What sets Season 2 apart is its willingness to slow down and prioritize character development over relentless action. While Season 1 leaned heavily on high-octane battles and world-building, Season 2 balances these with quieter moments of introspection. Lu Mingfei, still a relatable everyman with low self-confidence, evolves subtly as he grapples with his mysterious “S-Rank” status and cryptic visions. His flaws—indecision, self-doubt, and awkward humor—make him feel human, grounding the fantastical elements. However, the pacing can feel uneven, with episodes 4–6 dragging as the plot lingers on school-life dynamics before ramping up for major dragon encounters.

Visuals and Animation: A Mixed Bag

Studio GARDEN’s animation remains a highlight, with stunning fight scenes that blend modern technology and fantasy. Dragon battles, especially those in episodes featuring the Three Gorges Dam, are breathtaking, with fluid choreography and vibrant effects that rival top-tier anime. The integration of sci-fi elements—like airships and high-tech weaponry—creates a unique aesthetic that distinguishes Dragon Raja from traditional fantasy. However, some fans have noted that certain sequences, particularly in episodes 2 and 6, feel overly smooth, possibly hinting at AI-assisted animation. This “ uncanny” smoothness, especially in character gestures and vehicle motion, can be jarring and detracts from the otherwise polished visuals.

The art direction excels in environmental design, from the gothic halls of Cassell College to desolate dragon lairs. Yet, the character animation occasionally falters, with rushed development for supporting cast members like Nono and Chu Zihang leaving their arcs feeling incomplete by the season’s midpoint. Despite these hiccups, the visual ambition is undeniable, and the climactic battles deliver a visceral payoff.

Themes and Storytelling: A Deeper Cut

Season 2 tackles ambitious themes: the cost of power, the nature of destiny, and the blurred line between human and dragon. The show’s exploration of hybrids—humans with dragon genes—adds moral complexity, questioning whether these “heroes” are saviors or pawns in a larger cosmic game. The narrative draws heavily from Jiang Nan’s novels, incorporating pop culture references and urban youth sensibilities that resonate with its target audience. However, this reliance on novel-specific lore can make the story dense for newcomers, as the plot assumes familiarity with Season 1’s intricacies.

The season’s strength lies in its refusal to glorify its protagonists. Lu Mingfei’s lack of overt powers, despite his S-Rank status, subverts typical “chosen one” tropes, while characters like Nono bring a mix of sass and vulnerability that adds emotional depth. Yet, the story’s ambition sometimes overreaches, with unclear goals and convoluted subplots (like the mysterious boy in Mingfei’s visions) leaving viewers puzzled. The humor, a carryover from Season 1, feels less effective here, occasionally clashing with the darker tone.

Sound and Voice Acting

Shirō Sagisu’s original soundtrack for Season 2 elevates the experience, with dramatic orchestral scores amplifying the tension of dragon battles and melancholic tracks underscoring quieter moments. The Japanese dub, featuring talents like Daiki Yamashita as Lu Mingfei, brings authenticity to the characters, though some fans on platforms like Reddit have criticized the Chinese dub for failing to convey the story’s emotional weight. The sound design, particularly in action scenes, is immersive, with dragon roars and weapon clashes adding intensity.

Reception and Critique

Fan reactions on platforms like Reddit highlight Season 2’s polarizing nature. Some praise its deeper exploration of characters and lore, with one user calling episode 2 “better than my expectations” for its emotional beats. Others, however, find the pacing sluggish and the animation’s smoothness off-putting, with one viewer abandoning the season after episode 1 due to its slow start. The season’s 24-episode run (compared to Season 1’s 16) allows for more storytelling but risks overstretching the plot. A third season, confirmed on August 10, 2025, suggests confidence in the series’ staying power, but Season 2’s reception will likely hinge on how it resolves its lingering mysteries.

What Makes It Unique?

Dragon Raja Season 2 stands out for its blend of urban fantasy, sci-fi, and psychological depth. Unlike many anime or donghua that prioritize action or romance, this season dares to explore the mundane struggles of its characters against a backdrop of epic stakes. Its focus on ensemble dynamics, flawed protagonists, and morally gray conflicts sets it apart from more formulaic fantasy series. The cultural context—rooted in Chinese youth culture and Jiang Nan’s novelistic vision—gives it a distinct flavor, though it may alienate viewers unfamiliar with the source material.

Final Verdict

Dragon Raja Season 2 is a bold, imperfect step forward for the franchise. Its stunning visuals, complex themes, and character-driven storytelling make it a worthy continuation, but uneven pacing and occasional animation quirks hold it back from greatness. For fans of the novels or Season 1, it’s a rewarding, if sometimes frustrating, journey. Newcomers may find it harder to connect without prior context. Rating: 7.8/10—a unique, thought-provoking season that sets the stage for bigger battles ahead.

Where to Watch: Available on Crunchyroll with Japanese and Chinese dubs.