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Hetalia: Axis Powers Season 2

By Chris Zimmerman
November 15, 2010 - 11:05

Hetalia: Axis Powers is a strange beast. Taking an absurdist look at World War 2 by throwing out all the grim history and replacing it with an abundance of humor and an exceptionally wild cast, Hetalia’s format is done in the style of cartoon shorts, usually five minutes in length, ensuring for a fast paced, joke fueled experience. Given the premise, this should be insulting but given the series’ propensity for thinking outside of the box, it succeeds in its goal of producing laughs.

The set carries on with its unique brand of comedy, seeing the Allies pooling their resources in an effort to best the Axis powers.  Considering both sides are ineffectual and for the most part incompetent, nothing of particular note gets done. Needless to say, wackiness and hijinks are the name of the game for Hetalia, and while it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, viewers should note the show’s premise is intended for laughs.

The first set concentrated pretty heavily on the Axis powers, their group name is in the title of the series. This second effort expands on the cast, giving the other “nations” their time to shine. The allies in particular are put under the microscope, and as usual, their stereotypes are the focused and the primary factors in making up their personalities. For instance, America is a burger guzzling energetic fellow looking to save the day, whose loud personality often outshines that of poor Canada.

A sizeable amount of extras are relegated to a bonus disc, containing the usual trailers and clean openings. There are a few commentaries from the English cast included that are lively and energetic, some interviews with the Japanese cast and even a nifty bandana.

Hetalia: Axis Powers is a series that requires shutting your brain off, if only to ignore the gaping holes in logic and the mockery of World War II. Those without a funny bone might find themselves seriously offended and should steer away. Everyone else craving  zany antics and just an all around fun time should give Hetalia a chance. It’s not exactly high brow but it does entertain.

Viewers should be warned to be aware of the smile plastered to their faces when watching Hetalia, as it might become permanent.

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Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12