English Dub Season Review: Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon Season 2

Based on the light novel series written by Hirukuma and illustrated by Itsuwa Kato (original edition) and Yūki Hagure (revised edition), this second season picks up right after the events of Season One, diving straight back into its eccentric isekai world. The story wastes no time reestablishing Boxxo, the ever-resourceful vending machine hero, as it expands upon his quirky adventures and the imaginative universe he inhabits. With familiar faces returning and new challenges on the horizon, the series pushes its odd yet endearing premise to new heights, delivering the same inventive charm and unpredictable humor that made it such a refreshing standout in the genre.

On the technical side, the production retains much of the talented staff from Season One, ensuring consistency in tone and presentation. The series was produced by Slow Curve, animated by Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ, and originally directed by Noriaki Akitaya, with Masayuki Takahashi as assistant director, Tatsuya Takahashi handling series composition, and Takahiro Sakai adapting Yūki Hagure’s character designs for animation. Music was composed by Yuta Uraki and Keita Takahashi, whose work continues to enhance the show’s emotional core. For the new season, the staff and cast return with Takashi Yamamoto stepping in as director. The opening theme, “Future Cider” by BRADIO, and the ending theme, “A Horizon Only for Me” by Aina Aiba.

Season One of Reborn as a Vending Machine captivated audiences with its sheer absurdity and originality, transforming what seemed like a ridiculous premise into a surprisingly heartfelt adventure. Boxxo, a protagonist reborn as a literal vending machine, navigates the Clear Water Stratum with ingenuity and resourcefulness, forming meaningful bonds along the way. His connection with Lammis, alongside allies like Hulemy, highlighted themes of friendship, trust, and selflessness, all while maintaining the series’ eccentric sense of humor. That blend of inventive storytelling and emotional weight established a unique charm that set the show apart in a crowded isekai landscape.

Season two picks up immediately where the first left off, following Boxxo and his companions as they delve deeper into the labyrinthine stratums and confront the looming threat of the Demon Lord. New characters such as Hevee and Kikoyu inject fresh energy and comedic flair, complementing returning favorites like Lammis, Hulemy, and Mishuel. The series continues to balance quirky humor with lighthearted camaraderie while gradually expanding the world’s mythology, offering glimpses into the mysterious “Menagerie of Fool’s” past. However, beneath the charm, the narrative leans more on familiar fantasy tropes, following a predictable rhythm rather than the inventive absurdity that initially defined the series.

While the season maintains the warmth and humor of its predecessor, it suffers from reduced originality. Villains and antagonistic factions are underdeveloped, often serving merely as obstacles for Boxxo’s group, with little narrative weight or complexity. Repetitive dungeon conflicts, formulaic Demon Lord threats, and predictable plot progression replace the surprising creativity of season one. Even the emotional beats, such as Lammis’s growing feelings toward Boxxo, offer limited development, leaving much of the storytelling feeling like a retread.

Visually, Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ continue to deliver competent but uninspired animation. Action sequences, particularly Mishuel’s recurring sword techniques, often reuse the same frames, making the combat feel repetitive and mechanical. Character designs remain appealing, yet backgrounds and dungeon environments lack vibrancy and detail. The soundtrack follows a similar trajectory: BRADIO’s new opening lacks the energy of the first season, and Aina Aiba’s ending theme, while pleasant, is largely forgettable.

Overall, Reborn as a Vending Machine, Season Two is a competent but uneven continuation that entertains in bursts while falling short of the inventive charm that defined its debut. The addition of characters like Hevee and Kikoyu injects energy and humor, and the ongoing development of Boxxo’s relationships, particularly with Lammis, provides moments of genuine warmth, yet much of the season suffers from predictable plotting, shallow antagonists, and repetitive visuals that leave it feeling functional but uninspired. While the dungeon exploration and whimsical humor still offer enjoyment, the narrative often leans on filler, rehashed tropes, and mechanical storytelling, reducing the sense of novelty that initially made the series stand out. Visually, the animation is serviceable but frequently relies on repeated sequences, and the soundtrack lacks the impact needed to elevate the atmosphere, making the overall presentation feel safe rather than dynamic. With a third season already confirmed, the series remains watchable and occasionally endearing, but for now it occupies a middle ground: a follow-up that retains glimpses of its original heart while clearly struggling to recapture the creativity and freshness that once made it remarkable.