English Dub Season Review: Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World Seasons 1-2

Based on the Japanese light novel series written by Kei Sazane and illustrated by Ao Nekonabe, the story picks up where season one left off in a dystopian magical world fractured by war between the technologically advanced Empire and the magic-wielding Nebulis Sovereignty. Formed over a century ago by persecuted astral mages, the Sovereignty was built upon three powerful founding families, Lou, Hydra, and Zoa, now locked in a political struggle as a crucial leadership election approaches. With Queen Millavair Lou Nebulis VIII striving to minimize bloodshed, the extremist Zoa family threatens to plunge the world into chaos if they gain power. Amid rising internal tensions and the looming threat of all-out war, Princess Aliceliese “Alice” Lou Nebulis XI is forced to seek unlikely alliances to fulfill her vision of peace. Most notably with Iska, a revered warrior of the Empire and her sworn rival. As the two walk a perilous path between loyalty and conviction, their forbidden connection grows and potentially turns them into possible traitors to their nations and star-crossed symbols of hope in a divided world.

On the technical side, Season one was animated by Silver Link and directed by Shin Oonuma and Mirai Minato, with Kento Shimoyama handling series composition and Kaori Sato as character designer and chief animation director. Seima Iwahashi, Ryōta Tomura, and Ryūichirō Fujinaga of Elements Garden composed the series’ music. Season Two was animated by Silver Link and Studio Palette, and directed by Yuki Inaba, with Studio Palette credited for series composition, Kaori Yoshihara designing the characters, and Elements Garden composing the music. For Season One,  Kaori Ishihara performed the opening theme “Against.”, while Sora Amamiya performed the ending theme “Ice Bird Cage”. For Season Two, the opening theme song is “Back to Back” performed by AliA, while the ending theme song is “Para Bellum”, performed by Sizuk.

While much of Season One was spent on the two leads meeting and getting to know each other despite not reciprocating romantic feelings of any sort or at least suggesting anything romantic, the 2nd season continues the tense and forbidden connection between Iska of the Empire and Alice of the Nebulis of Sovereignty. While the first season introduced their star-crossed dynamic and the ideological war between their homelands, the second dives deeper into the brewing political unrest. Alice’s younger sister Sisbell draws Iska’s team into an escalating conflict, setting the stage for a broader and more volatile narrative that intertwines personal loyalties with national stakes when, in Season Two’s latter half, she’s mostly treated as a plot-macguffin.

As the plot unfolds, this show presents multiple viewpoints, forcing viewers to re-evaluate motivations on both sides of the war. However, despite these ambitions, the pacing often falters. Moments that should have been pivotal are either rushed or glossed over entirely, leaving certain character arcs and plot threads underdeveloped. And attempts to take this a step further as Season 2 expands the story’s scale, focusing on the internal power struggles within the Sovereignty and the increasing instability of the Empire. The complex web of alliances, particularly among the three royal Houses, is also amplifying tensions. 

Character development remains centered on Iska and Alice, whose relationship is as strained and unresolved on a consistent level. It’s almost infuriating at times, especially when external forces prevent meaningful progress. Secondary characters and various Sovereignty nobles receive more attention, though their screentime sometimes feels fragmented due to the show’s uneven storytelling. Season Two falls victim to introducing new characters with minimal buildup, serving the plot more than they enrich it.

While the production quality of Season One was fine for what it accomplished, Season 2, unfortunately, dips compared to the first. A long delay and a mid-season production handoff to Studio Palette for quality control, and it sadly shows. Battles that lack the impact and polish of Season One, and key scenes suffer from abrupt editing or clumsy choreography. That said, the opening and ending themes stand out as highlights that are both entertaining and servicable.

Overall, while Season One does its job in introducing the characters and the progression of the two leads, Season Two attempts to expand the narrative and deepen the lore and world-building that Season One lacked. Season Two struggled under the weight of its ambition due to a series of bad decisions, such as Production and quality issues, rushed pacing, and uneven tone, which kept it from fully delivering on its potential. Still, the story maintains a degree of emotional engagement thanks to its central characters and romantic conflict. Though it remains to be seen if Season 3 ever becomes a thing…