A preview screening of the first and second episodes of the second season of the TV anime "Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online (GGO)," based on a spinoff of Kawahara Reki's popular light novel "Sword Art Online (SAO)" (Dengeki Bunko), was held on September 29th at United Cinema Aquacity Odaiba (Minato Ward, Tokyo), with Tomori Kusunoki, who plays the protagonist Len, and others appearing. The second season is the first new work in about six years, and Kusunoki expressed his joy, saying, "Six years has been a long time, but I'm happy to be back after six years," and "When we all stood in front of the microphone, the wind of six years ago blew back."
Also appearing at the screening were Yoko Hikasa, who plays Pitohui, Kazuyuki Okitsu, who plays M, Chinatsu Akasaki, who plays Fukajiro, and ReoNa, who performs the opening theme. Akasaki said, "There's a sense of security that not only the characters, but we ourselves will remain unchanged," and Hikasa commented, "Hearing everyone's voices during the recording makes me feel like I'm back." Okitsu said, "Pitohui shines in the second season as well. I'm happy to see Pitohui moving so freely and vividly."
ReoNa said about the opening theme "GG," "I wrote the lyrics with a sense of speed, with themes of 'passion' and 'scream.'"
Finally, Kusunoki said, "Sorry to have kept you waiting for six years! The fans have been incredibly warm since back then! I hope you'll all bring along new friends this time, and we'll all work together to make the series even more exciting."
It was also announced at the screening that the audio program "SAO Alternative: Gun Gale Offline," which was streamed during the first season, will be revived. In addition to the personalities Kusunoki and Akasaki, Hikasa and Okitsu will appear as guests. It will be available for streaming from October 18th.
"GGO" is a light novel written by Sigsawa Keiichi, who also wrote "Kino's Journey," and illustrated by Kuroboshi Kouhaku, and is set in the game "Gun Gale Online," which also appeared in the second season of the "SAO" TV anime. It depicts female college student Kohiruimaki Karen as she fights in the game world as Ren, known as the "Pink Devil." The first season of the TV anime aired from April to July 2018. The second season will air from October 4th on TOKYO MX, BS11 and other stations.
