This is part of the “Stardom’s Favorite Daughter—Icon or Illusion?” watch series, which you can find here.

By no means is something new being invented here. From the last time this took place, the main difference, if anything, is perhaps the influences are being brandished more clearly. Mechanically, it works for all the same reasons it did the first time. Exceptionally straightforwardand devoid of any complex thought in the best way possible, and in a sort of way, a goodbye before Stardom transitions into its next phase—one that, of the six here, only the three daughters remain in—early on in 2015.

Sentimental fluff aside, man, it’s as fun as the first time.

Even though it was true and has been true throughout her first run, Koguma’s willingness to get beaten up carries her matches ideologically when her opponents commit to it. Yoshiko in particular feels all kinds of mean in this one, and it doesn’t come off as some kind of bland violence when paired with the personalities of Mayu and Io. Kairi and Nanae’s team too, one I wasn’t very fond of, are good foils to keep Koguma in the fight. It’s simple stuff, breezy to get through, and a correct utilization of everyone involved. A good time, even if it’s a pseudo goodbye to a collection of names that, truthfully, aren’t (or won’t) be missed.

Rating: ***1/2