The second season of The Legend of Vox Machina has finally wrapped up, and the adventure is more epic than the last. If you are a fan of fantasy, you’ve already finished this series. For those who aren’t fans of fantasy, go stream it now! Do not be intimidated by its setting, theme, or even the fact that it is based on Dungeons and Dragons. This is a great story regardless of its themes. I am astounded at how a tabletop game became this epic story. I will be here for the whole adventure and recommend you do the same.
Dragons have invaded Iman, bringing death and destruction to its citizens. It is up to Vox Machina to collect the Vestiges and save Tal’Dorei from the Chroma Conclave. Does this band of misfits have what it takes to become the heroes Tal’Dorei needs?
What is left to say about this series? The animation is fantastic and has some of the best-choreographed action I have seen in animation. The voice acting is expectedly amazing. The cast gives their best performances yet, and I recommend you watch this series for the fantastic storytelling that comes from it.
For those who haven’t seen this show, it gets violent and crude, but I couldn’t have it any other way. The best part of this series is how user-friendly it is. You don’t have to know anything about fantasy, Dungeons & Dragons, or Critical Role. Prior knowledge may help you pick up an easter egg or joke, but it isn’t crucial to your enjoyment. I love that this series is so accessible because it brings such a misunderstood genre to a general audience without sacrificing what makes it so good in the first place. I need more people to nerd out with.
These two seasons of The Legend of Vox Machina have cemented this series as a staple in the fantasy genre. It has a terrific adventure with real stakes and character growth. I love that even though I know what is going to happen, I am still on the edge of my seat, fearful of the outcome. I love that Vox Machina starts as this selfish band of misfits without any real purpose or direction. They are even hesitant when they are first called to action because they weren’t hero’s then. I love watching them face their many trials and learn from them, slowly stepping into their roles as heroes. They are still flawed and will constantly encounter situations where that look bleak, making this fantastic storytelling.
If you haven’t started watching The Legend of Vox Machina, now is a great time to start. This is a fantastic story that you shouldn’t miss out on. You can stream both seasons now on Amazon if you have a Prime Membership.
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The Legend of Vox Machina – Final Thoughts
I have reviewed this show with my initial reaction, but I would like to leave you with my final thoughts. I have watched this series multiple times at this point, and while some of my initial thoughts prove to be accurate, there are some revisions I need to make. If you are on the fence about this show, you shouldn’t be. Watch this show. Even if you aren’t a fan of fantasy or Dungeons and Dragons, the amazing storytelling, unique characters, and terrific voice acting will leave you wanting more. There is not a doubt in my mind that this is a step in the right direction for both the fantasy genre and the health of Dungeons and Dragons.
The Legend of Vox Machina does a great job at being beginner-friendly. I’ve said this before, this is casual fantasy at its best. You don’t need to learn new languages or keep track of multiple houses, but that does not mean the story isn’t complex. There are multiple narratives nicely woven into in the form of important backstories and impactful lore. You do not need to have seen Critical Role, although there are enough Easter eggs to keep the fans happy. The only problem I see people having with this show is with the magic and the skill checks. They don’t name their attacks like in anime, and skill checks happen, but they don’t matter unless you’ve played the game. Knowing dungeons and dragon rules only really adds flavor because some of the rules have been adjusted for narrative reasons.
I was skeptical at first because I didn’t know how they would adapt a tabletop role-playing game into a story, but they do. The story is amazing, and the fights are done beautifully. I will give a bit of warning; this show is heavy on the gore. I don’t mind it, but it might be a shock for those of you who aren’t used to it. This is an adult cartoon with adult themes, so viewer discretion and all that. I am excited for season two and the future of fantasy as a genre.
If you are on the fence about this show, don’t be. You can watch the entire first season over on Amazon.
