Note: This review contains a spoilerfree section but will discuss spoilers including sensitive topics featured in the anime from then on. This is a followup to my review for BanG Dream Its MyGOhttps://anilist.co/review/25759 600https://i.ur.com/DNHP0da.jpeg To those familiar and those unfamiliar Welcome to Ave Mujicas world. I think the most important thing to keep in mind first and foremost is that BanG Dream Ave Mujica is a direct sequel of BanG Dream Its MyGO so do NOT start with this season. MyGO is where the series started off the franchises next Girls Band Generation with a more focussed intricate project filled with passion and a crucial understanding of both existing and new audiences making for a new entry which could even be a new entry point to the franchise for some. As its sister band and season or perhaps even the Shadow to MyGOs Sonic if you will Ave Mujica picks up right from where MyGO leaves off letting it start sprinting into the plot without delay since MyGO set it up all throughout its own season. Yet at the same time it is able to take its time to gradually build everything up from its characters and many different internal and external conflicts. This sense of familiarity is vital to how Mujica may interact with ones expectations and vice versa. As such I find this followup to be a faithful and simultaneously fruitful effort in treading plenty of new ground for the series particularly conceptually and stylistically. Spoilerfree section ends here. 600https://i.ur.com/g0Kp5w9.jpeg Introduced in MyGO Ave Mujica starts as a band of masked individuals under the guidance of Sakiko who formed the band in desperation as she continues her attempts to escape the inevitable fates in her life. The band is thrust into the height of popularity meaning the public and entertainment industry has all eyes on them ensuing the characters conflict of self between the stage and reality which becomes increasingly blurred. While the bands being or becoming professional has been an idea the franchise has explored before it has yet to reach this scale of prominence or focus prior. This aspect of the band allows it to become even more dramaheavy where words are not minced and phrasing is crucial as words have much much more weight on them than one may initially think. On top of that Mujica takes the interpersonal drama deeper as familial relationships shape much of the plot and conflicts for these characters which brings us to why they had masks in the first place. 600https://i.ur.com/BJWcD6F.jpeg Ave Mujicas doll imagery and theatrics are ever present its in the opening the ending its vital in Mutsumi and Mortis and even outside of the anime in the live intermissions. While MyGO frames its main characters as children of free spirit damaged and at a crossroads on their own building their own moments for a lifetime Ave Mujicas characters are truly young people cast away as insentient beings only acknowledged for an ideal they provide: The next heir to the Togawa group the daughter of famous actor Minami Mori and comedian Wakaba a versatile selfsufficient bassist in 30 bands Sumimis Uika and rising Youtuber Nyamuchi. Throughout the season we find that their integral family units intentionally or not have damaged all of them and set them on paths which eventually bring them to a point of desperation needing this band in particular. Not only does this play into the live performance scripts Sakiko sets up for the band as they consciously or not take on some of their own insecurities as a performance for the audience but these issues are taken into their personal lives as the drama becomes more and more interpersonal and inescapable including the members families with lots of moving parts over time. Hatsune lays down her life on the stage perhaps the only way she knows how even to an audience of none in Episode 11 which is perhaps the most defined rendition of these. This is the beginning of the secret the beginning of the liar. 600https://i.ur.com/7h3wjLY.jpeg Because of how it plays with its theatrics I believe Ave Mujica excels at subverting expectations particularly narratively. The masks were a vital part of the bands brand and aesthetic yet the defiant star Nyamu swiftly takes control of the narrative Position Zero with a massive domino effect for the rest of the season. Not only are our expectations subverted but those of the characters and the inuniverse audience witnessing what they believe are all intended theatrical performances. The presence of Ave Mujica in the entertainment industry brings higher stakes and consequences to each characters actions. Things are just as personal as before but now theres a spotlight illuminating it all through thick and thin. On top of that the element of performance also brings an array of surprises. In Episode 2 the band begins playing the song Ave Mujica which gives a feeling and sense of familiarity as we heard this song prior in MyGO Episode 13. However this time around there is one underlying factor to performing this song the band hadnt accounted for: their mentally strained rhythm guitarist Mutsumi whose struggle is conveyed purely through her movement and facial expressions as they prepare to perform. This is a bit reminiscent to how Tomori was left to perform for herself at the beginning of MyGO Episode 10 only there is more weight to Mutsumis isolation as a massive crowd and her own bandmates are watching expecting her to perform as usual as she has become known to perform quite well and not make mistakes during live performances as Uika states. 600https://i.ur.com/wctoTB2.jpeg Such cases really establish what sets MyGO and Ave Mujica apart where MyGO is a spontaneously assembled band rising while helping each other move forward Ave Mujica is a band conjured by Sakiko solely which rises to the top of public attention and gradually falls before they make amends after spiralling in their own personal lives realising that they do truly need this band. Everyone starts off ready to use this band as a means for another goal whether it be to reap their own benefits or for someone elses sake or in some cases both. Yet this is really the start of a new part of their life as Mujicas perspectives and values center around basking in their internal pains with the band as a means to express themselves on a deeper level yet masked as performance which shields them under Sakiko who holds herself responsible for their lives as she invited them to the band in the first place and has at least some involvement in making them reach a breaking point. As if to rise once more the dolls become knights by the finale marking a new age for these personal heroes who cant help but return to stand alongside those who were once simply their peers to proudly take the stage as their calling now as desired and treasured individuals who know how to put on a SHOW. 600https://i.ur.com/5urRKUh.jpeg Just as MyGO sets up Ave Mujica the latter has MyGO carry out and continue their own state of taking on the world with them serving as a key to unlocking some of the most vital doors in this maze of drama. From individuals within the bands to the phenomenal tieup of the CRYCHiC story from the very beginning of the entire AveMyGO saga. Its rare that I tear up while watching something its usually after the fact if I do but I felt it all when Sakiko played the opening notes to Haruhikage. All of the drama surrounding this band where the characters are now the power of the song itself and the knowledge that they got to have a conclusive ending to this chapter all acknowledging how important this period of time was for each of them. In general I am very appreciative of how MyGO is integrated into this story. The focus is still on Mujica but MyGO has some of the missing pieces to Mujicas puzzles. Uika envisions Tomoris lyrics which she helped spark out of Tomori furthering her desperation and then her own lyrics all the while Mutsumi is trying to reform CRYCHiC through Tomori. Tomoris also a figure of the past that Sakiko still holds onto through her cycles of suffering still looking through all of the sticky notes. You will always be famous Tomori. Taki understands and to an extent can resonate with Mutsumis family situation as the first person to call attention to this and shes also the necessary cable needed for Umiri to realise her detachment from all of her bands cant make something genuine which she actually seeks. Even ANON TOKYO herself looks into Sakikos actions and deduces part of her reality which can often seem contradictory due to the constant odds she really is at. MyGO also keeps up some of the humor and more lighthearted aspects of Bandori though Mujica still has some of that to claim for itself as well. With the finale especially MyGOs presence in this season is integral lining up but also distinguishing the two bands different callings and approaches as they continue onward. 600https://i.ur.com/PxMdU7z.jpeg A strength of MyGO that also holds true for Mujica is the finer details in the directing. The umbrella motif from MyGO makes a return the doll imagery and performances to Sakiko having the police station saved as a contact and Uikas many trails of Sakikoobsession lying around are crucial in adding complexion and making things all the more gutwrenching in this blurred world of harshness. Once again the directing creates a space where angles facial expressions lighting and sound are precisely executed to convey what they need to with perhaps my favorite example of this being Episode 5. Episode 5 follows the disbandment of Ave Mujica and we witness its repercussions its aftermath. As Sakiko returns to her former life before Ave Mujica she becomes numbed to her quiet and still life unignited by things she would usually have a more visceral reaction to. The only words she utters this entire episode are ... I hate myself. Just one example of how Avemuji particularly focuses and communicates the weight and power of these characters words and phrasing and how much new territory it covers for the series. 600https://i.ur.com/n6zF91q.jpeg Another major point of note and discussion when it comes to this season was its handling of Mutsumi and her Dissociative Identity Disorder which is explored indepth throughout the season in the form of primarily Mortis. Early on Tomori refers to Ave Mujica as A cry from a Sakichan I dont know. Just as that is to her I see Mortis as a cry from a Mutsumi which nobody else knows of and it isnt just a onetime thing Mortis presence is integral as her unique self to bridge what would otherwise be unlikely ventures for Mutsumi. Even after shes seized the narrative and made her best efforts to keep the band together she is not forgotten but internalised getting to live alongside Mutsumi while risking her own consciousness. As a result I think Mutsumis DID was handled and integrated very well not only in how it is portrayed not only how the two entities affect each other and the people around them but also how it matches the vision Sakiko had for the band itself initially a state for Mutsumi which arises from experiencing the most confronting harsh reality amidst and partly because of her own turmoil which has grown for itself and is living with a purpose to protect its inhabitants. Sakiko doesnt initially acknowledge Mortis existence but after witnessing Soyo who fully acknowledges and calls Mortis by name she is able to reflect on and realise that Mortis is her own being just as the Mutsumi she knows is. Mortis is acknowledged as her own individual by the characters of the show and ultimately makes HER OWN decision to get Mutsumi to return with their reconciliation after becoming overcome by her own guilt and fear of losing her worth and thus consciousness death she is every bit as desperate as her fellow Mujica members. When she makes her choice Mortis initial introduction in the band comes to mind: I do not fear death. With them finally being able to make their guitar sing and stand on stage with the rest of Mujica Mutsumi and Mortis arcs make for incredibly gripping character building and writing to me marking a high favorite and my definite favorite from this cast. 600https://i.ur.com/fdO6Sd5.jpeg Sakikos scripts reflect her strong feelings and desire to create an escape for herself and her consistent fight despite the waves that crash over her time and time again. It was incredibly gratifying to watch her finally grab hold of her own fate her own narrative and take on her calling coming to understand the responsibility of anothers life for herself. The introduction of a major family conflict was teased in MyGO and looking at it all now watching how Sakiko handles and reacts to the rainy atmosphere and the crashing waves around her still hits narratively and emotionally. Nyamu is perhaps the most dynamic when it comes to how she operates with the band. In the beginning shes putting makeup on a face that is going to be wearing a mask anyway as if to protect what lies under as much as she can. Yet she runs the show and sets the stage for the rest of the season with her sudden unmasking truly understanding her audience and telling of her desires in the band the goaloriented individual she is. Yet watching her become drawn to Mutsumi and Mortis acting prowess is unique and potent in the dynamic between them and how she interacts with the band from then on. I do not fear love.. 600https://i.ur.com/XlK70Lq.jpeg Uikas role as an observer who commentates over the events of the episodes due to her own lack of selfidentity where she cant help but mimic the actions of those around her similar to Mortis while trying to ignore the darkness of her sins and indulging in her light with Sakiko which heavily recontextualizes her actions and the entire Togawa family conflict established early on. Furthermore throughout the season itself it feels like her words and actions do not align shes always talking about being on Sakikos side but theres a very clear disconnect between what she decides to address with Sakiko and when she agrees with the others over her. As a WTC fan I cant help but mention some of the similarities to that series when it comes to her. Its fine I just wasnt expecting it to be When They Cry that isnt where the similarities stop either. Umiris arc comes across a bit more unserious especially as a majority of it takes place on the real world stage but Mujica still manages to craft a very solid character out of her despite lower screentime which can definitely be resonated with. Over the course of the season we see her slowly starting to care for her peers particularly Mutsumi with Takis words dropping the last weight on the scale to set off her spontaneous and desperate tendencies whether it be her human connections or her own diet. Im personally quite proud of her and can feel the panic in her actions. As she finally acts upon her concerns for Mutsumi she becomes quite the motivator and a key part in bringing the band back together as well as supporting Mortis to help her find purpose and solidify her sense of self. Certainly more to explore but a strong foundation for a key character in this series. Of course this anime cant be spoken about without mentioning the insert songs and the performances surrounding them. I already mentioned the selftitled song performance but that really is just the beginning. Haruhikage is brought back once more for CRYCHiCs story to be tied up quite nicely as is the Wanting To Become Human Song being modified for Episode 7. Performance wise its even messier than MyGOs performances which is how it should be because they havent performed together in a very long time and this isnt anyones band anymore. Just a fleeting sendoff to the past which was never resolved or closed off before only run between. Super satisfying payoff for Soyos arc I will mention. The one who did everything she could to bring it back understood best how they couldnt return how it wouldnt be the same. Everyones changed since then especially Soyo herself. 600https://i.ur.com/QjkypdO.jpeg As for Ave Mujicas songs theres plenty of outstanding work here with songs covering the forming of their band and their approach to pieces of yearning and obsession to which it becomes glaringly clear why Uika was chosen as the vocalist for the band. Georgette Me Georgette You is for sure one of my favorite EDs and hearing it weekly gave me both a second to breathe and dread after many of the shows heaviest plot points or cliffhangers. Theres multiple new songs that debuted in the latter half of this season though since they have subtitles now I dont feel as obligated to go over them lyrically. The performances of said songs however are very intentional and once again stand out in reflecting the state of the band. Episode 10 has the official reunion of Ave Mujica and though one may think itd be smooth sailing from there but an underlying feeling of facade takes prominence here as opposed to MyGOs reunion in which they came back together through genuine expression and understanding between its members while Ave Mujica is more of a calling an incomplete form of what is to come. This intentional disconnect is key to conveying the way in which they are connecting to the band. The members are letting themselves be drawn to the band after acknowledging that it is all they have left so dream on they did. 600https://i.yt.com/vi/ObYzQgnAho/hq720.jpg?sqp=oaymwE7CK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAy0IARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD8AEBAHCYAC0AWKAgwIABABGGUgZShlMA8=rs=AOn4CLCIgi4jF5mhrf8JyFQxNblxlDx1A Some bonus thoughts as usual: The voice acting performances were topnotch in this. Particularly Yuzumoon voicing all of the alters for Mutsumi and Sasaki Ricos Episode 11 performance are nothing short of phenomenal. I will admit the latter half episodes can feel a bit jumpy and scattered some of which is partly due to the lack of a common location for the Mujica members before they reunite theres Umiri and Uikas school but besides that it has to very swift with its individual focus episodes. Im not really sold on the idea of introducing a twin sister just to set up Uikas backstory but I understand that this isnt her story. Its possible we see her in the game or something later down the line but that is something I feel a bit conflicted about. Still nothing knocks this down enough for me to really lower my opinion of it. Watching this weekly and being able to write at length about my thoughts on this series has been a joy. All in all Ave Mujica has proven itself to be a beast of its own reaching another scale of drama and angst through diving into its characters deepest depths with a big underlying plotline all carefully set up just as Saki does with the band. The relationships are plenty twisted yet it stands out as a one of a kind experience carrying on the greatness of its predecessor while forging a world within itself the land of the dreamers. There is plenty of life and potential which is tapped into throughout this entire saga and with a sequel already on the horizon I applaud this masquerade for all it has been and eagerly await whats to come. 600https://i.ur.com/eaGsYbb.jpeg