The official website for Azur Lane: Slow Ahead! 2! (Azur Lane Bisoku Zenshin! 2!), the highly anticipated second season of the short anime series adapting Hori’s four-panel manga, has launched a teaser promotional video, a captivating new visual, and revealed the core staff behind the production. Fans of the Azur Lane franchise can look forward to more lighthearted adventures with their favorite ship girls.
What to Expect in Season 2
Azur Lane: Slow Ahead! is a spin-off of the popular Azur Lane mobile game, focusing on the everyday lives of the ship girls in a more relaxed and comedic setting. The first season, which premiered in January 2021, was well-received for its charming animation and light-hearted stories. Season 2 promises to deliver even more of the same, with the same core cast returning.
New Visual
Along with the trailer, a new key visual has been revealed. It features the main characters Javelin, Ayanami, Laffey, and Z23 in a cheerful and inviting scene, hinting at the fun and friendship that will be at the heart of the new season.
The Team Behind the Anime
The production team for Azur Lane: Slow Ahead! 2! includes returning members as well as fresh talent, ensuring a blend of familiarity and innovation:
- Director: Shunji Maki will be at the helm, directing the new season at CANDY BOX.
- Scriptwriter: Yū Satō, known for their work on Kiratto Pri☆Chan and who also wrote the scripts for the first season, is returning to pen the scripts.
- Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Nana Mori, who served as an animation director in the first season, steps up as the character designer and chief animation director.
- Music Composer: Fūga Hatori, recognized for their work on My Wife is the Student Council President, will be composing the music, setting the tone for the series.
- Sound Director: Masanori Tsuchiya, who contributed to New Game!, reprises their role as sound director.
- Animation Studios: The anime is a collaborative effort between studio CANDY BOX and Yostar Pictures.
Cast
While there is no official confirmation about the cast, it is highly likely that the main voice cast from the first season will reprise their roles, including:
- Nozomi Yamane as Javelin
- Yō Taichi as Ayanami
- Maria Naganawa as Laffey
- Rika Abe as Z23
- Sumire Uesaka as Akashi
- Minami Takahashi as Baltimore
- Ayane Sakura as Prinz Eugen
Where it All Began: The Origins of Azur Lane: Slow Ahead!
Azur Lane: Slow Ahead! began as a Japanese yonkoma (four-panel) comic series written and illustrated by Hori. It’s based on the Azur Lane video game developed by Shanghai Manjuu and Xiamen Yongshi, which is a side-scrolling shoot ’em up. The manga has been published in Ichijinsha’s Manga 4-koma Palette magazine since March 2018.
What is Azur Lane?
Azur Lane is a mobile game where players collect and command anthropomorphic warship girls inspired by historical naval vessels. The game combines side-scrolling shooter gameplay with RPG elements, allowing players to build and customize their fleets. The game was first released in China in May 2017 and in Japan in September 2017. An English version started open beta in August 2018 and was formally released in May 2019.
Anime Adaptations
- Azur Lane (2019): The first anime series, animated by Bibury Animation Studios, presents a more serious and action-oriented adaptation of the game’s story. It aired from October 2019 to March 2020.
- Azur Lane: Slow Ahead! (2021): This spin-off series, produced by Candy Box and Yostar Pictures, offers a more light-hearted and comedic take on the franchise, focusing on the everyday lives of the ship girls.
- Azur Lane: Queen’s Orders (2023): This OVA adapts the Queen’s Orders manga, offering another unique perspective on the Azur Lane universe.
What Made the First Season Special
The first season of Azur Lane: Slow Ahead! was directed by Masato Jinbo, with Yū Satō writing the scripts. Yostar Pictures produced the season along with studio CANDY BOX, and Yokohama Animation Lab was credited with production cooperation. Hiromitsu Hagiwara served as the character designer, while Shade composed the music.
When Will Season 2 Premiere?
As of April 21, 2025, the release date for Azur Lane: Slow Ahead! Season 2 has not yet been revealed.
Azur Lane: Slow Ahead! is a delightful spin-off that brings a fresh and comedic perspective to the beloved franchise. With a talented team at the helm, a charming visual style, and a focus on the everyday lives of the ship girls, Season 2 promises to be a must-watch for fans of the series.
