Grand Blue Season 2

Grand Blue Dreaming Season 2

Characters

Kouhei Imamura

MAIN

Iori Kitahara

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Chisa Kotegawa

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Aina Yoshiwara

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Sakurako Busujima

SUPPORTING

Nanaka Kotegawa

SUPPORTING

Azusa Hamaoka

SUPPORTING

Otoya Naomi

SUPPORTING

Shinichirou Yamamoto

SUPPORTING

Hajime Nojima

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Yuu Mitarai

SUPPORTING

Kenta Fujiwara

SUPPORTING

Toshio Kotegawa

SUPPORTING

Kudou

SUPPORTING

Shinji Tokita

SUPPORTING

Kaya Mizuki

SUPPORTING

Ryuujirou Kotobuki

SUPPORTING

Shiori Kitahara

SUPPORTING

Grand Blue Dreaming Season 2: A Deeper Dive into Chaos and Camaraderie

Grand Blue Dreaming Season 2, which premiered on July 7, 2025, returns after a seven-year hiatus to deliver more of the raucous, heartfelt, and utterly absurd college life that made the first season a cult classic. This seinen comedy, adapted from Kenji Inoue and Kimitake Yoshioka’s manga, continues to balance its signature blend of crude humor, scuba diving, and surprising emotional depth. While Season 1 set a high bar with its impeccable comedic timing and vibrant characters, Season 2 takes risks by evolving its dynamics and introducing new elements, though it stumbles in some areas compared to its predecessor. Here’s an in-depth, spoiler-light review of why Grand Blue Dreaming Season 2 is both a chaotic triumph and a slightly uneven successor, pushing the series to new heights while grappling with its own ambitions.

A Familiar Yet Evolving Cast

The heart of Grand Blue lies in its ensemble of lovable degenerates, led by Iori Kitahara, a college freshman whose dreams of a glamorous university life are perpetually drowned in alcohol and absurdity. Season 2 picks up with Iori and the Peek a Boo diving club, where drinking and stripping take precedence over actual diving. The core cast—Iori, Chisa, Kohei, and the rowdy upperclassmen—returns with the same infectious energy, voiced by a stellar cast that includes Yuma Uchida (Iori) and Ryohei Kimura (Kohei), whose performances elevate even the weakest gags. Their chemistry, built on seven years of in-universe shenanigans, feels more lived-in, with relationships leaning less on misunderstandings and more on genuine familiarity. This shift allows for richer interactions, particularly in moments of camaraderie, like when the “scumbros” rally around Kohei in Episode 6, showcasing a heartwarming loyalty beneath their crude antics.

New characters, such as Iori’s tech-savvy younger sister Shiori, add fresh dynamics. Shiori’s introduction in Episode 1 sets up intriguing plot threads, hinting at family tensions and new comedic fodder, though her role feels underutilized early on. The Oumi Women’s University arc, ongoing by Episode 6, introduces additional female characters who challenge the group’s antics, adding layers to the show’s gender dynamics without fully resolving them. While these new faces bring potential, they occasionally disrupt the established rhythm, making some episodes feel like they’re searching for balance.

Comedy: Still Potent, but Uneven

Grand Blue’s humor remains its biggest draw, relying on exaggerated facial expressions, absurd misunderstandings, and a relentless commitment to nudity gags. Season 2 retains this DNA but struggles to match the razor-sharp pacing of Season 1. Episode 1 starts strong, with Iori’s misadventures and the club’s booze-fueled chaos delivering laughs, but some jokes fall flat due to sluggish animation and awkward timing. For instance, a Reddit user noted that characters “awkwardly sliding in from off-screen” dulls the delivery of fast-paced gags, a stark contrast to Season 1’s precise comedic beats. Moments like the cross-dressing maid antics in Episode 5, however, recapture the show’s unhinged brilliance, with Iori’s seiyuu nailing the absurdity.

The humor’s subjectivity is a double-edged sword. Fans of the manga praise the adaptation’s fidelity, with iconic “titan faces” and fan service hitting familiar beats. Yet, for some, the reliance on repetitive drinking and stripping gags feels less fresh, especially when compared to Season 1’s novelty. The show shines brightest when it leans into character-driven comedy, like Kohei and Iori’s love-hate bickering, which remains a highlight due to their dynamic as “an old married couple” navigating the club’s chaos. The introduction of arcs like the Charpy impact test teases future episodes that could elevate the humor to new heights.

Animation and Sound: A Mixed Bag

Studio Zero-G and Liber return to produce Season 2, with Shinji Takamatsu directing and writing scripts, bringing his comedy pedigree from Gintama and Daily Lives of High School Boys. However, the animation quality has sparked debate. Manga readers have criticized the lack of fluidity in character movements, though anime-only viewers find it serviceable. The art style retains its vibrant coastal aesthetic, with diving scenes offering brief but stunning underwater visuals. Yet, some episodes suffer from inconsistent character designs and stiff transitions, which can break immersion, particularly in high-energy comedic moments.

The sound design, however, is a standout. Yukari Hashimoto’s new score injects fresh energy, complementing the show’s chaotic vibe, while the returning voice cast delivers with gusto. The actors’ ability to sell ridiculous lines with unapologetic zeal keeps episodes engaging, even when the animation falters. Fans on Reddit have lauded the voice acting for carrying weaker scenes, with one user noting it’s “by the grace of their performances” that the show remains enjoyable.

Themes and Depth: More Than Just Debauchery

Beneath the surface, Grand Blue has always been about more than drunken antics. Season 2 doubles down on the theme of camaraderie, showing how the club’s shared passion for diving (when they actually do it) and their unwavering support for each other create a found family. Episodes like the Oumi Women’s University arc highlight this, with the group’s loyalty shining through despite their questionable morals. The subtle romantic tension between Iori and Chisa continues to simmer, though its lack of progress may frustrate viewers seeking resolution.

The show also explores personal growth, albeit subtly. Iori’s journey from a reluctant participant to someone who embraces the club’s chaos reflects a quiet acceptance of his own flaws, mirrored by Kohei’s unwavering commitment to his otaku passions. These moments, while sparse, add depth to a series that could easily rest on its comedic laurels.

Reception and Expectations

Fan reactions are overwhelmingly positive but tempered by comparisons to Season 1. On MyAnimeList, Grand Blue holds an 8.44 rating, reflecting its enduring appeal. Reddit threads buzz with excitement, with users calling it “peak comedy” and celebrating its return after years of waiting. However, some express disappointment over animation quality and pacing, with one fan noting that Season 1’s “superior vibe” is hard to replicate. X posts echo this enthusiasm, with users like @AnthonyRedux calling it “peak fiction”, while others share detailed episode reviews, indicating a dedicated fanbase eager for more.

What Sets Season 2 Apart

Season 2’s greatest strength is its refusal to play it safe. By introducing new characters and arcs, it expands the Grand Blue universe, even if it occasionally stumbles. The focus on established relationships over misunderstandings marks a natural evolution, making the comedy feel earned rather than forced. While it doesn’t always match Season 1’s polish, its ambition to deepen character dynamics and explore new scenarios—like the all-girls college infiltration—sets it apart as a worthy continuation.

Final Verdict

Grand Blue Dreaming Season 2 is a chaotic, heartfelt return that captures the spirit of its predecessor while forging its own path. It’s not flawless; the animation and pacing issues hold it back from surpassing Season 1’s comedic precision. Yet, its infectious energy, stellar voice acting, and moments of genuine warmth make it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike. Whether you’re here for the diving, the debauchery, or the surprising depth of its friendships, Season 2 delivers a wild ride that’s uniquely Grand Blue. Available on Crunchyroll with weekly episodes, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best college memories are the ones you barely survive.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A riotous continuation that stumbles but never sinks.¹