Well, while I have utterly failed to watch an episode a day consistently, I did manage to re-watch the series in its entirety and loved it as always. I've also really enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts on the series and am delighted to see almost universal praise for it from folks. Especially happy for anyone who was a first time watcher here, I am always jealous of people who get to experience something like this for the first time!
I do think it's a shame that the season ends on a bit of a bit of a lead in to more that has not yet come, although based on the source material I do think they ended it in the best place I can, as
@fathomlessblue and any other manga readers will point out, the pace picks up pretty relentlessly after this with arguably far less breathing room.
I personally would love another season someday, as I know a lot of people will not find out how this continues otherwise. Whilst I do read some manga I don't consider myself primarily a manga reader and often I will not bother reading the manga version of something, even if I really did like the anime - but for this one I couldn't help myself and just had to get it to find out more. It helps that the manga artwork itself is beautiful too. And whilst I would definitely recommend reading the manga to anyone desperate to know what happens next, you should be aware that the story has not yet concluded, and indeed the manga is currently on hiatus so there's a chance it won't any time soon or even ever. Originally I think volume 11 was supposed to be out by now (I'm sure I put a pre-order in months ago), but it is now slated for August. I think that's the last of the current material and based on the hiatus news I doubt it will conclude the entire story.
But even despite all that I still think it's worth a read. There's definitely at least another anime season's worth of story to get through. Plenty more twists and turns and Phos suffering (I don't think that's too much of a spoiler!).
One thing that's quite funny is that this is not a series I saw when it was originally airing - I only found out about it later after seeing some high ratings and hearing other positive things about it. I'm really glad I did find this hidden gem though (sorry, everyone else was making puns so I had to get at least one groanworthy one in) as it rates very highly among the not inconsequential number of anime series I have seen.
Thank you again all for your wonderful insight and discourse around this series. It has been enlightening to say the least, and it's been nice to read other takes and impressions on certain aspects of the series I myself wouldn't have considered otherwise. I would be very happy to join another simulwatch in the future (as long as it's not something I hate
) so feel free to holla at me if anymore get planned
Having stayed away from translated releases, I will say this of the 10 volumes currently available: many of the lingering questions will get answered, but if you’re expecting a happier tone, oh booooy… Let’s just say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and the increasingly sombre nature of Phos’ story reflects that.
You can say that again!