Monster Strike: Deadverse Reloaded [Episode 2]

Monster Strike: Deadverse Reloaded Episode 2 – A Slow Burn with Glimmers of Potential

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re here for non-stop action, Episode 2 of Monster Strike: Deadverse Reloaded might leave you scrolling through your phone mid-episode. But stick around—there’s more to this revival than meets the eye (pun intended, given Rinne’s face-blindness).

First off, props to Yumeta Company for reviving a series that’s been gathering dust for a decade. The 2025 reboot marks the first linear TV run for Monster Strike, and while the pacing is slower than a snail on a Sunday stroll, it’s clear they’re building something intentional. This episode picks up right where the premiere left off, with Rinne—our exorcist-in-training who can’t see faces—grilling Jugemu and Neo about the “Master Orb” and those weird monsters popping up. Spoiler: they’re about as helpful as a broken GPS. Jugemu brushes her off like she’s asking for homework answers, and Neo? Let’s just say his resting robot face isn’t winning any charisma awards.

But here’s the tea: Jugemu’s low-key stalking game is strong. Rinne spots him at her school the next day, and suddenly, the “mysterious stranger” vibe gets a little too real. Is he a transfer student? A secret agent? A guy who just really likes that one vending machine by the gym? We don’t know yet, but the tension is there—even if it’s buried under Rinne’s endless questions.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the animation. Fans on MyAnimeList are already calling out a major glitch—humans have faces in some scenes! For a show centered on Rinne’s inability to recognize people, that’s like forgetting to put cheese on a pizza. Oops. But hey, maybe it’s a hint? Like, is the Deadverse messing with her perception? Or did the animators just hit “copy-paste” on a generic crowd scene? Either way, it’s a head-scratcher that’ll have you pausing to double-check.

The best moments? The quiet ones. Early in the episode, Rinne plays the cello, and we get this sweet montage of Yakumo, Neo, and Jugemu just… chilling. No monsters, no Master Orb drama—just three people (and a robot?) existing. It’s these small, human touches that make the slow pacing worth it. And let’s not forget the korokke obsession! Jugemu’s snack of choice is fried croquettes, and honestly? Relatable. If I were fighting interdimensional threats, I’d be stress-eating korokke too.

But let’s address the complaints: yes, Rinne feels underpowered. One fan on MAL rants, “The MC needs to be much more stronger than this,” and they’re not wrong. So far, she’s more of a question machine than an exorcist. But here’s the thing—Monster Strike has always been about growth. The original series took time to let characters evolve, and this reboot seems to be following suit. Give Rinne a break; she’s still figuring out how to fight monsters and navigate high school. Cut her some slack!

The biggest issue? Accessibility. Fans are begging for subs like it’s the last slice of pizza. “Where on earth are the fan subs?” one user cries. “People outside Japan can’t watch this!” It’s a valid frustration—how are we supposed to hype up a show if we can’t even understand it? Here’s hoping the team sorts this out soon, because this revival deserves an international audience.

So, is Episode 2 worth your time? If you’re patient, yes. It’s a slow burn, but the character dynamics are intriguing, the world-building is hinting at something big, and that korokke subplot? Iconic. Just don’t go in expecting Demon Slayer-level action. This is a show that wants you to lean in, not lean back.

Final verdict: 3.5 out of 5 korokkes. It’s not perfect, but it’s got heart. And in a world of flashy, forgettable anime, heart counts for a lot.

P.S. Don’t forget the serial code at the end—“フライドチキン” (fried chicken) gets you Yakumo as a reward. Because even in the Deadverse, free stuff is free stuff.

Monster Strike: Deadverse Reloaded Episode 2 is streaming now (if you can find subs). Let’s hope Episode 3 brings more answers… and fewer animation glitches.

— A fan who’s now craving korokke.

(Word count: 897)