Dorohedoro season 2 has concluded. At only eleven episodes long, it feels distinctly shorter than the first season, but also a little bit longer if only because it does not spend the first few episodes spinning its wheels. While it is clear that the information within those first episodes is important in retrospect, season 2 does not rely on the long view of the series to make its episodes relevant. Every seemingly disjointed moment, all of the action and reaction that weaves through its first episodes, comes together quickly, breaks apart, and then returns for the conclusion of the season. It is incredibly clear, from the pacing of the season and the final beats of the last few episodes, that there is more to come. Unlike the first season, which left on a a downbeat, a retreat from the action and a moment of setup for the long-haul, season 2 ends on the climb up to what feels like the story’s finale. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that the next season (which has been formally announced even if no other information has been provided yet) is only going to be six episodes. There may be plenty more story to tell that I can’t anticipate, but it really feels like we’re heading toward the end of things at the pacing that Dorohedoro likes to take.

I’m really not sure what to expect. The story doesn’t shy away from taking big, scary swings and, so far, no character is safe from harm. Even what I thought would be the ultimate villain has been knocked aside in the mad scramble to find the story’s conclusion. Every single “villain” that has cropped up save one has been shown sympathy and given the time and attention required to depict them as more than just some evil phantom meant to be ultimately defeated. And the story has slowly made clear that the tale it is telling is not so simple as that. It is beyond such sterile definitions and clear-cut conclusions. It has more to say than can be contained within a tale about good guys and bad guys. After all, those things are made up. Everyone’s just people, all of them will do various things depending on their lots in life, and the circumstances of their life tend to weigh more heavily on the scales of judgment than their choices. After all, most of them didn’t really get to make choices other than to continue to survive instead of giving up.

The gore and blood continued as expected, as did the occasional nudity saved from the sensors by merely showing blank skin at moments that the standard “smoke/fog/tattered cloth” would no longer cut it (usually due to action in the moment). It has been an interesting take on an ostensible adult-oriented tale, to find one that neither glorifies in violence or bare skin nor shys away from them. It has meant that, between the gags and dialogue, Dorohedoro can really deliver on some much more nuanced storytelling. I mean, anyone who says children’s media is simple and lacks complexity is likely not that experienced with children’s media, but the statements being made in media for adults tend to be less exact. They tend to have more to say with their morals and tales than children’s media which tend to stick to clear messages (some media, anyay, not all of it). I am always interested in a story that tells me to decide for myself, that offers up information and nuance and suggests multiple interpretations rather than merely making a statement, and Dorohedoro has leaned into that mode more than ever in its second season.

I do not know how long we will be waiting for Season 3. I kind of want to start buying the manga, or to save up my monney and plop it all down on the manga the next time there’s a major sale somewhere. I don’t want to know how the series ends until I’ve watched it, though. I want the anime to be my first introduction to the story’s conclusion, regardless of how well or poorly it sticks to the manga. It will be a tough wait, though. I only got into the show this year, so I was able to avoid the years of waiting that most poeple have been through. I’ve waited plenty of time for shows before and I’m sure I will again, but very few have ever hooked me like Dorohedoro has, and now that the place it held in my day-to-day life is empty once again, I’m not sure how I’m going to fill it. I’ve not found much that can compare, unfortunately, but maybe I’ll find enough to stay busy.