Clive Bradley says one of the biggest quandaries of creating and writing the anime series "Castlevania: Nocturne" has been introducing a bevy of colorful characters, then giving them enough screen time.

The series, a spin-off of the successful Castlevania—itself based on Konami's eponymous Japanese video game series—returns for a second chapter that's angrier, bloodier, and more thrilling. This sophomore season marks a true step forward in pretty much every way that counts and will surely satisfy fans who have been waiting for the show to return.