TRIGUN STAMPEDE [Season 2 Episode 1]

TRIGUN STAMPEDE Season 2 Episode 1: A Rusty Welcome Back to No Man’s Land

Three years after Studio Orange’s explosive 3DCG reboot, TRIGUN STAMPEDE returns with Season 2 (dubbed “Stargaze” in fan circles), and if the first episode is any clue, Vash the Stampede’s journey is far from over—even if he’s currently too busy napping through his own comeback.

The episode kicks off with a familiar face: Meryl Stryfe, now a seasoned journalist with a sleek new haircut and a wardrobe upgrade that screams “I survived No Man’s Land and all I got was this cool leather jacket.” She’s still chasing leads on the planet’s most wanted, but this time, she’s got backup: Milly Thompson, the beloved gentle giant from Yasuhiro Nightow’s original manga, finally makes her Stampede debut. Ditching her iconic bulky coat for a more practical outfit (but keeping that signature big gun), Milly’s arrival is a love letter to long-time fans—one commenter even gushed, “Milly looks great; she’s still simple, tall, and cool with her big gun.” Their dynamic is instantly electric: Meryl’s sharp wit balances Milly’s earnestness, and when they team up to investigate a string of plant robberies, you can’t help but grin. It’s like catching up with old friends—if those friends were armed to the teeth and hunting intergalactic outlaws.

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Vash. The “Humanoid Typhoon” is… not doing great. After the catastrophic July incident (Season 1’s gut-wrenching climax), he’s in a catatonic state, cared for by a mysterious new ally who’s clearly got his hands full. One fan summed it up perfectly: “Poor Vash looks like he’s still depressed after the July incident. It looks like his new friend is taking good care of him in his vegetable state.” Even his signature spiky hair is a mess—blonde and unkempt, prompting jokes that he’s “looking like blonde Eren” (Attack on Titan fans, you know the vibe). But don’t worry: the episode drops hints that a “new girl from the pod” will soon yank him out of his slump. Because what’s a Trigun story without Vash bouncing back from the brink?

Visually, Studio Orange doesn’t miss a beat. The 3DCG animation is crisp, with No Man’s Land’s dusty deserts and ramshackle towns popping with that gritty, lived-in feel fans love. The action sequences—though sparse here—are smooth, and Milly’s first fight scene (she takes down a group of thugs with effortless grace) is a masterclass in balancing humor and intensity. One viewer even declared, “Trigun way above [other CGI shows like Girls Band Cry]—no contest.”

The soundtrack, as always, is a bop. The new opening theme, while not quite the earworm of Season 1’s “Tombi,” has a haunting, atmospheric vibe that fits the episode’s somber tone. And when the familiar Trigun melody kicks in during a quiet moment with Vash, it’s hard not to get nostalgic.

But the episode isn’t just fan service. It sets up a juicy new mystery: plant robberies are on the rise, and all signs point to Vash’s estranged brother, Millions Knives. The final scene teases Knives in a weakened state, hinting at a power shift that could shake No Man’s Land to its core. Meanwhile, Vash’s caretaker—a weary local with a heart of gold—steals the show with his deadpan dedication to the comatose gunman. “Felt real bad for that guy taking care of Vash,” one commenter noted. “He seems like he’s got a lot going on… Vash is looking crusty rn but he’ll bounce back!”

Of course, no Trigun episode is complete without its share of chaos. The plant robberies, Meryl and Milly’s banter, and a cryptic pod containing a mysterious girl all hint at the wild ride ahead. And let’s not forget the bounty on Vash’s head—now higher than ever, making him the most wanted man in the galaxy (again).

Is it perfect? No. Some fans grumbled about the slow pace (“This first episode feels like a reintroduction even if Vash didn’t get much screen time”) or the lack of high-octane action. But for most, it’s a welcome return to a world that’s equal parts brutal and heartfelt. As one viewer put it: “Welcome back Trigun! The vibes and mood of the series still feel similar to the previous. Love the soundtrack as usual.”

TRIGUN STAMPEDE Season 2 Episode 1 isn’t a fireworks show—it’s a rusty, warm hug from an old friend. Vash may be down, but he’s not out. And with Meryl, Milly, and a galaxy of trouble waiting, the Humanoid Typhoon is bound to wake up soon. When he does? No Man’s Land better hold on tight.

Final Verdict: 8/10. A solid start that balances nostalgia with new mysteries. Now, pass the donuts—Vash is gonna need ’em when he finally wakes up.