After a six year long-wait Blue Exorcist has continued the canonical anime adaptation of the light novels in Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga. Taking place after episode seventeen of season one, Rin Okumura’s as a devil spawn has been outed and he must start back from square one to regain the trust and companionship of his friends as a result. Meanwhile, a new villain is working to revive the Impure King, causing further trouble for Rin and his friends.

Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga is a 2017 shounen anime series, it is produced by A-1 Pictures, and licensed by Aniplex of America. It is currently available on DVD & Blu-Ray in English.

Editor’s Note: This is a condensed review of Blue Exorcist’s second season, our full review of season two can be read here.

One of Spring 2017’s best anime villains: Saburota Todo.

Following volumes 5-9 of the original light novel source material, Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga takes on the Impure King arc. As his friends discover his secret origin and begin to distrust him, Rin must continue his work as an exorcist in order to defeat a great evil being resurrected by a traitor of True Cross Order.

Rin continues his training as an Exorcist, controlling his blue flame.

THE GOOD: Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga is a well-balanced continuation of the anime with several characters getting screen time, proper development, and tons of background. Kyoto Saga has also perfectly rounded together it’s action sequences & comedy moments, while not causing either to overshadow the dark toned story. Rin tends to often take a backseat to characters like Ryuji, who like most other characters involved receive the bulk of the screen time. It’s always good to see the lead character not completely take over progression in the story, which is a common issue of most shounen.

Ryuji and Todo take most of the spotlight this season.

THE BAD: At only twelve episodes it feels like Kyoto Saga was too quick of a good thing. The shortened season. however was likely to cut on production cause while also avoiding any possible production errors. Season three is reportedly in development with no current release schedule.

The wrath of the Impure King begins.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Though short, Kyoto Saga continues the canon adaption of it’s source material and is well worth the six year hiatus. With season two being well received by critics & fans alike, here’s hoping the third season takes no where near as long to produce. Otaku Dome gives Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga an 85 out of 100.