Pop Team Epic Season 2: Highly anticipated new developments and reviews

Pop Team Epic TV Animation Series 2 Review and Recommendation

Overview

The second series of Pop Team Epic is a 12-episode TV anime series that aired from October 2 to December 18, 2022. It is based on the Takeshobo manga Pop Team Epic by Okawa Bukubu, with series composition and direction by Aoki Jun, animation by Space Neko Company and Kamikaze Douga, and production by King Records. The series follows a story full of humor and parody that revolves around two characters, Popuko and Pipimi.

■Broadcast information

The broadcast period was from October 2 to December 18, 2022, and was broadcast on TOKYO MX, BS11, AT-X, BS Nippon Television, HTB (Hokkaido Television), and MBS (Mainichi Broadcasting System). In addition, it was exclusively distributed on Amazon Prime Video for unlimited viewing online, and was simultaneously broadcast live on terrestrial television on TikTok LIVE and Niconico Live Broadcast. The composition of each episode may differ slightly between TV broadcast, Niconico Live Broadcast, and distribution.

■ Story

The story of Pop Team Epic can be summed up in one sentence: "This is a story of dreams and hope (just crap)." This sentence from the official website perfectly captures the essence of Pop Team Epic. This anime, which depicts the daily lives of Popuko and Pipimi, entertains viewers with its humor and parodies that break common sense. Each episode is independent and features a new theme or parody. For example, "Identity" is about self-awareness, "Great Bali Bali Pipic" is a parody of giant robots, and "POPUTAN" is a parody of a fantasy world.

■ Characters

The two main characters in Pop Team Epic are Popuko and Pipimi. Popuko has short hair, and Pipimi has long hair. Both characters have been outdone by King Records, but this is part of the humor in the anime. Popuko and Pipimi are played by a variety of voice actors, and by having a different voice actor each time, it keeps things fresh. For example, the cast is full of great voice actors, such as Hirano Aya, Paku Romi, and Otani Ikue for Popuko, and Chihara Minori, Kugimiya Rie, and Inuyama Inuko for Pipimi.

■ Voice actor

Pop Team Epic has a very impressive voice cast, and adopts a unique style in which a different voice actor plays Popuko and Pipimi in each episode. This allows viewers to enjoy a new combination of voices every time. Particularly impressive are the episodes in which male voice actors play Popuko and Pipimi, such as Kazuhiko Inoue, Nobuyuki Hiyama, and Junya Enoki as Popuko, and Ryo Horikawa, Toshiyuki Morikawa, and Yuuma Uchida as Pipimi. This kind of casting provides fresh surprises for viewers. Special appearances by Shuichi Ikeda and Takanori Nishikawa also add to the appeal of the work.

■ Staff

Pop Team Epic's production staff is also impressive. The original work was written by Okawa Bukubu, planning and production was handled by King Records, and series composition and series direction was handled by Aoki Jun. Sound direction was by Kane Toru, sound effects by Koyama Yasumasa, sound production by Glovision, music by Gin (BUSTED ROSE), and music production was also handled by King Records. Animation was produced jointly by Space Neko Company and Kamikaze Douga, and production was handled by King Records. The combined efforts of this staff support Pop Team Epic's unique worldview and humor.

■Subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of Pop Team Epic Season 2 are as follows:

• #1 Identity (2022/10/02)
• #2 Great Baribaripipic "It's here! A super huge fusion" (2022/10/09)
• #3 POPUTAN (2022/10/16)
• #4 Train Battle (2022/10/23)
• #5 Shining Shoulder (2022/10/30)
• #6 POP Memories to YOU♪ (2022/11/06)
• #7 Rising Hell Hellshake Arrow (2022/11/13)
• #8 Pop Team Epic Battle Royale (2022/11/20)
• #9 BUMP-BOO-CRUSADERS (2022/11/27)
• #10 Kingdom of Nature (2022/12/04)
• #11 Mature Duo Pipic (2022/12/11)
• #12 Endless Love (2022/12/18)

■ Related works

Pop Team Epic has many related works, including the first series, video bonuses, new special editions, and rebroadcast remix editions. These works also allow you to enjoy the humor and parodies of Popuko and Pipimi. The first series in particular is an important work for understanding the world of Pop Team Epic. In addition, the new special edition and rebroadcast remix editions add new perspectives and editing, providing fresh enjoyment for existing fans.

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and music for the second series of Pop Team Epic are as follows:

• OP1: "Endless Love"
• Lyrics: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Composer: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Arrangement: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Sung by: Shouta Aoi
• OP2 "PSYCHO:LOGY"
• Lyrics: leonn, Komatsu Rena, Matsuda Rina, Mio Aoyama, BOUNCEBACK, Hibino Hirofumi (Blue Bird's Nest)
• Composer: BOUNCEBACK (Blue Bird's Nest)
• Arrangement: Hirofumi Hibino x ats-, Takehito Shimizu & Toru Watanabe (Blue Bird's Nest)
• Sung by: Shouta Aoi
• ED1 "Friendship Peace"
• Lyrics: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Composer: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Arrangement: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Sung by: Popuko, Pipimi
• ED2 "Nakayoshi Peace (Super Budget Hero Great Bari Bari Pipic MIX)"
• Lyrics: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Composer: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Arrangement: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Sung by: Popuko, Pipimi
• ED3 "Nakayoshi Peace (B-side MIX)"
• Lyrics: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Composer: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Arrangement: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Sung by: Popuko, Pipimi
• ED4 "Nakayoshi Peace (Katsushika Mix)"
• Lyrics: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Composer: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Arrangement: Katsushika native (VIXI)
• Sung by: Popuko, Pipimi
• ED5 "Nakayoshi Peace (Sweet Pop MIX)"
• Lyrics: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Composer: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Arrangement: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Sung by: Popuko, Pipimi
• ED6 "Nakayoshi Peace (Dance Rock MIX)"
• Lyrics: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Composer: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Arrangement: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Sung by: Popuko, Pipimi
• ED7 "Shouta Aoi Gymnastics"
• Lyricist: Okawa Bukubu
• Composer: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Arrangement: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Sung by: Shouta Aoi
• IN1 "Identity"
• Lyricist: Okawa Bukubu
• Composer: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Arrangement: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Sung by: Popuko, Pipimi
• IN2 "Shining Shoulder"
• Lyricist: Okawa Bukubu
• Composer: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Arrangement: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Sung by: Popuko, Pipimi
• IN3 "POP Memories to YOU♪"
• Lyricist: Okawa Bukubu
• Composer: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Arrangement: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Sung by: Popuko, Pipimi
• IN4 "Spinal Cord Removal Ondo"
• Lyrics: Hana Ono, Kazushige Touma
• Composer: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Arrangement: Gin (BUSTED ROSE)
• Sung by: Popuko, Pipimi

■Review

The second series of Pop Team Epic continues the success of the first series while adding new ideas and humor. The style of having a different voice actress play Popuko and Pipimi in each episode provides fresh surprises for viewers. Also, by incorporating different themes and parodies in each episode, it keeps viewers entertained without getting bored. Particularly memorable are episodes such as "Great Barabaripic" and "POPUTAN", which cleverly parodies giant robots and fantasy worlds.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of Pop Team Epic. The opening songs "Endless Love" and "PSYCHO:LOGY" are impressive with Aoi Shouta's powerful singing voice, drawing viewers in. In addition, the various versions of the ending song "Nakayoshi Peace" leave a deep impression on viewers as a song that symbolizes the friendship between Popuko and Pipimi. Furthermore, the insert songs "Identity" and "Shining Shoulder" also play an important role in livening up the themes of each episode.

Pop Team Epic's humor sometimes includes dark humor and vulgar jokes, but this is what draws viewers in. In particular, the interactions between Popuko and Pipimi, and the setting in which King Records has taken the rug out from under them, provide viewers with laughs. Additionally, the performances of the stellar voice cast are also an important factor in enhancing the show's appeal. Different voice actors play Popuko and Pipimi each time, allowing viewers to enjoy new voice combinations.

The second series of Pop Team Epic is enjoyable not only for fans of the first series, but also for new viewers. It is a must-watch for those who love humor and parody. The gorgeous voice actors and music are also elements that will attract viewers. It is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy the world of Pop Team Epic.

■Recommendation

The second series of Pop Team Epic is a must-watch for anyone who loves humor and parody. We especially recommend the second series to those who enjoyed the first series. New viewers will also enjoy the humor and parody of Popuko and Pipimi. The stellar voice cast and music are also elements that will draw viewers in. We highly recommend watching it for anyone who wants to enjoy the world of Pop Team Epic.