REVIEW: ‘Dr Stone Science Future’ Episode 2 — “Science Journey”

The longer the series has gone on, the easier it becomes to embrace some of the more abrasive aspects of Dr. Stone. The animation and character designs aren’t trying to be cute and can even seem garish compared to contemporaries that embrace a sleek and smooth aesthetic. Like the textured and crude world they’re working with, the characters, too, have idiosyncrasies that make them stand out. Dr Stone Science Future Episode 2 makes it all the more evident as it goes off-book to make time for hanging out with the characters before the next big story arc begins in America.

There’s an extended sequence during the beginning of the episode that highlights Francois’s endless repertoire as they create alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that suit the drinker. They’re all tailor-made, from Suika’s spin on apple juice to an adult soda for Gen. It’s a relatively forgettable sequence, but it’s made more so when you realize it’s filler.

Anime doesn’t have to strictly follow the manga storyline, and plenty of series create original stories when they reach the end of the existing manga. That said, there’s a countdown for Dr. Stone. The anime has just under 100 chapters left to adapt, with three hours to do so, making the filler surprising.

Luckily, the remainder of Dr Stone Science Future Episode 2 is strong, with one sequence in particular standing out. The series can be deliberately rough around the edges with Boichi’s art style, even if the animation and character designs have softened over time. But it’s never given up its exaggerated facial expressions and easy humor, making the emotional moments more striking in their contrast against the general tone. Dr. Stone is a tragedy dressed up as comedy, and it’s once again made clear through Matsukaze’s backstory.

Matsukaze’s backstory is the highlight of Dr Stone Science Future Episode 2.

While jokes bookend Matsukaze’s backstory, its heart soars. Dr Stone Science Future Episode 2 flashes back to the day his lord died. His lord is defiant in the face of death, wondering aloud about the creator of the petrification tool. His main objection is how easy it is for anyone to use, meaning that the creator believed that humankind would instantly turn on one another with such a powerful weapon. Matsukaze’s lord believes that it means the creator underestimated their ability for growth and compassion.

It’s a striking sequence in two ways. The first is simply because it’s gorgeous to look at. The animation and direction utilize samurai stories as references in Matsukaze’s fighting style and how the camera and art direction capture him as a lone figure against a blood-soaked landscape. The series has never been quite so bloody as his few moments fighting, and the visuals match that melancholy energy.

And secondly, the indignation in the face of denying humanity’s capability for growth speaks to the essence of Dr Stone. Senku’s plight from day one has been to demonstrate the immense possibilities of science and those who wield it. Any subtle moments of tragedy inherent to the series’ structure are quickly followed by hope. It helps provide depth to Matsukaze’s character and highlights the thematic throughline of the series—of which its expectations are constantly defied.

The Dr Stone ensemble continues to shine. 

Dr Stone Science Future Episode 2 finds those pockets of warmth almost immediately afterward. The fighters set to train after awaking former adversaries Hyoga, Moz, and Homura. Ginro, in yet another small personality evolution, first bemoans his brother Kinro’s rowdiness. Some deceptively emotional direction leads to another, more secluded part of the ship, where Ginro asks if they could train. It recalls their early days while also honoring that, while he often is the worst, Ginro went through substantial character growth in Season 3. Focusing on their faces until they’re lined up to train helps the moment land.

So many of the main crew members get strong moments to shine, highlighting how much there is to care for these characters. Chrome, too, gets a moment of triumph when he helps create their sunstone to help them navigate the sudden onslaught of storms. Gen Sato also shines as Chrome’s voice actor, giving a dynamic performance that highlights all aspects of the character. He and Senku’s voice actor Yusuke Kobayashi are both terrific, their ping-ponging vocals helping sell the more playful and serious moments.

Dr Stone Science Future Episode 2 ends on a note of triumph as the group seemingly arrives in America. It’s a shame there is so much padding at the start, but it levels itself out through strong character work and a superb flashback. The latest arc can finally begin with the initial trip out of the way.

Dr Stone Science Future Episode 2 is out now on Crunchyroll.