Nanatsu no Taizai: Mokushiroku no Yonkishi 2nd Season

The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse Season 2

Aired Date:2024-10-06

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:74/100

Genres:Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Season:2

Total Episodes:12

Duration:24 min/ep

Studio:Dentsu

Source:MANGA

Format:TV

Director:Maki Kodaira

Review:50/100

Watch Online: Official Site Twitter Netflix

Synopsis

The second season of Nanatsu no Taizai: Mokushiroku no Yonkishi.

Trailer

Characters

Tristan Liones MAIN

Percival MAIN

Gawain MAIN

Lancelot MAIN

Arthur Pendragon SUPPORTING

Macduff SUPPORTING

Dreyfus SUPPORTING

Gilthunder SUPPORTING

Io SUPPORTING

Ironside SUPPORTING

The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse Season 1 – A Bold New Chapter in Britannia

The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse Season 1, which aired from October 2023 to March 2024, marks an exciting continuation of Nakaba Suzuki’s beloved fantasy universe. As a sequel to The Seven Deadly Sins, this anime introduces a fresh cast and a new prophecy, set 16 years after the Holy War that saw the defeat of the Demon King and Supreme Deity. With vibrant animation, compelling characters, and a mix of nostalgia and innovation, Season 1 lays a strong foundation for the adventures of the titular Four Knights. Here’s a human-crafted exploration of what makes this season a captivating addition to the franchise.

A New Hero, A New Prophecy

At the heart of Four Knights of the Apocalypse is Percival, a kind-hearted and naïve boy raised by his grandfather, Varghese, in the secluded haven of God’s Finger. Voiced by Shou Komura (and Edward Mendoza in the English dub), Percival’s innocence and charm echo the early days of Meliodas, the protagonist of the original series, but with a distinct flavor. When a tragic encounter with a mysterious knight—revealed to be his father, Ironside—shatters his peaceful life, Percival embarks on a journey of vengeance and self-discovery. Along the way, he learns he is one of the Four Knights of the Apocalypse, a group prophesied to bring destruction to the world.

The prophecy sets the stage for a gripping narrative. Unlike the Seven Deadly Sins, who were framed as outlaws with a redemptive arc, the Four Knights are hunted by the forces of Camelot, led by King Arthur, who seeks to prevent their rise. This dynamic flips the script, positioning Percival and his allies as underdogs in a world that fears their potential. The show balances Percival’s personal quest with the broader mystery of the prophecy, keeping viewers hooked with each revelation.

A Cast That Shines

One of the biggest challenges for a sequel is living up to its predecessor’s iconic characters. The Seven Deadly Sins boasted a dynamic ensemble, and Four Knights of the Apocalypse rises to the occasion with a cast that feels both fresh and familiar. Percival’s companions—Nasiens (voiced by Aino Shimada), a gentle herbalist; Donny (Kikunosuke Toya), a former knight with a rough edge; and Anne (Kanna Nakamura), a fierce aspiring Holy Knight—bring diverse personalities that gel well together. Their banter and growth as a team are highlights, with moments of humor and heart that make their bond believable.

The show also weaves in connections to the original series without overshadowing the new cast. Characters like Lancelot, son of Ban and Elaine, and Tristan, son of Meliodas and Elizabeth, appear as fellow Knights of the Apocalypse, offering fans a nostalgic thrill. These ties are handled deftly, ensuring the focus remains on Percival’s story while honoring the legacy of The Seven Deadly Sins. The villains, including Ironside (Toshiyuki Morikawa) and Pellegarde (Rikiya Koyama), add menace, though their motivations are only partially explored in Season 1, leaving room for deeper development.

Stunning Animation and Sound

Produced by TMS Entertainment and animated by Telecom Animation Film, Season 1 delivers a visual upgrade from the later seasons of The Seven Deadly Sins, which faced criticism for inconsistent animation. The blend of 2D and 3D animation is seamless, with fluid action sequences that capture the intensity of battles against Holy Knights, demons, and even a rampaging dragon. The vibrant landscapes of Britannia, from misty forests to rugged towns, immerse viewers in the world.

The soundtrack, composed by Kohta Yamamoto with main themes by Hiroyuki Sawano, enhances the epic tone. The opening themes—“Up to Me!” by Little Glee Monster for the first cour and “Your Key” by JO1 for the second—infuse energy, while the ending themes, “Friends Are For” by Moonchild and “Mikansei” by Zakinosuke, add emotional depth. These tracks perfectly complement the show’s mix of adventure and introspection.

Themes of Destiny and Choice

Thematically, Season 1 explores destiny versus free will, a staple of shonen anime elevated by strong character writing. Percival’s journey from a sheltered boy to a leader grappling with his prophesied role is compelling, especially as he confronts the idea that he might destroy the world. The show also touches on prejudice, as King Arthur’s campaign against non-humans threatens Britannia’s fragile peace, echoing real-world tensions.

While Percival’s naivety can occasionally frustrate, it’s a deliberate choice that underscores his growth. His unwavering optimism inspires those around him, making him a beacon of hope in a darkening world. The supporting cast’s struggles—Nasiens’ search for identity, Anne’s defiance of societal norms, Donny’s redemption—add layers, ensuring the story resonates beyond its action-packed surface.

Reception and Room for Growth

Four Knights of the Apocalypse Season 1 has garnered positive reception, though it hasn’t reached the heights of its predecessor’s peak popularity. Fans on platforms like IMDb praise the animation and Percival’s charm, with some comparing him favorably to early Meliodas, while others note the show feels slower-paced. Critics, like those at Common Sense Media, highlight its engaging story and positive themes of courage and friendship, though they caution about fantasy violence and partial nudity, earning it a TV-MA rating. The series holds a 7.1/10 on IMDb and a “Good” rating on Anime News Network, reflecting solid but not universal acclaim.

Some viewers find the premise forced or Percival’s innocence grating, but these are minor quibbles in a season that sets up future arcs. The narrative leaves plenty of questions unanswered—Who are the Four Knights truly destined to destroy? What drives Arthur’s descent? These mysteries, combined with the announcement of Season 2 (which aired in Japan from October to December 2024 and hit Netflix on January 30, 2025), promise more epic battles and revelations.

Final Thoughts

The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse Season 1 is a worthy successor that carves its own path while honoring its roots. Percival’s journey, backed by a lovable cast, stunning visuals, and a stirring score, makes for an adventure that’s both nostalgic and new. Though it doesn’t always match the original’s intensity, it’s a grand new beginning that leaves fans eager for more. Whether you’re a longtime Seven Deadly Sins devotee or a newcomer, this season offers an exciting dive into Britannia’s next chapter.

Catch all 24 episodes of Season 1 on Netflix, and prepare for Season 2’s continuation of Percival’s quest. As the prophecy unfolds, one thing’s clear: the Four Knights are here to shake up the world.

Sources: Information compiled from web sources including Wikipedia, IMDb, Netflix, and Anime News Network, critically reviewed for accuracy.