Another: The Other – Inga [Season 0 Episode 1: Another: The Other – Inga]

If you’ve ever binged Another and wondered about Mei Misaki’s mysterious past—why she’s so quiet, why she carries that doll, or what her relationship with her twin sister was like—then let me introduce you to the hidden gem that is Another: The Other – Inga Season 0 Episode 1. This 24-minute OVA (original video animation) dropped back in May 2012, right as the main series wrapped up, and it’s packed with tiny details that make Mei’s character hit even harder.

First, let’s get the basics straight: this OVA is a prequel, set before the main series events. Made by P.A.Works (the same studio behind Another’s eerie, stunning art style), it blends slice-of-life summer vibes with the subtle horror the franchise is famous for. The plot follows Misaki Fujioka (Mei’s twin) visiting Mei in Yomiyama City just before the new semester starts. The two spend their days wandering the sweltering town—eating ice cream, browsing shops, and hanging out like any normal sisters would. But don’t let the sunny scenes fool you; there’s a quiet sadness lingering in every frame, hinting at the tragedy that’s about to unfold in the main series.

Now, what do fans think about this OVA? From MyAnimeList forums (where Another stans love to geek out), reactions are split but mostly positive. Some fans say it’s a must-watch because it humanizes Mei—we see her laugh, play, and open up to her sister, which makes her later isolation in the main series feel even more heartbreaking. One user wrote, “I never realized how lonely Mei was until I saw her with Fujioka. Their bond is so pure, but you can tell something’s off from the start.” Others gush about the art style: the way summer light filters through trees, the soft pastels of the town, and the contrast with Mei’s signature red eye (hidden behind her eyepatch) create tension even when nothing “scary” is happening.

But not everyone loved it. A few fans felt the slow pace was too much—since it’s mostly slice-of-life, there’s no big horror payoff like in the main series. One commenter said, “I was waiting for something spooky to happen, but it just ended with a quiet scene. Disappointed, but I guess it’s for character development.” But here’s the thing: that slow pace is exactly what makes this OVA work. It’s a calm before the storm. When you rewatch the main series, you’ll notice callbacks—like Mei’s doll (which she holds in the OVA) or the hospital scene where Kouichi first meets her (the OVA sets up why Mei was there in the first place).

Another fan-favorite moment? The twins’ visit to a doll shop. Mei picks up a doll that looks just like her, and Fujioka teases her about it. This scene is crucial because it ties into Mei’s obsession with dolls in the main series—they’re not just toys; they’re a way to hold onto her sister’s memory. Fans call this moment “chillingly sweet” because it’s full of innocence but foreshadows the loss Mei will face.

Is this OVA worth your time? If you’re a casual viewer who watched Another once and moved on, maybe not. But if you’re someone who obsesses over every detail of your favorite anime, then yes—100%. It adds layers to Mei’s character you won’t get from the main series alone. The blend of summer nostalgia and Yomiyama’s underlying horror is masterful, and P.A.Works’ art makes every frame feel like a painting (even the creepy ones).

In conclusion, Another: The Other – Inga Season 0 Episode 1 is a hidden treasure for Another fans. It’s not the scariest episode, but it’s the most heartfelt. It reminds us that even in the darkest stories, there are moments of light—and those moments make the darkness hit harder. So grab your popcorn, turn down the lights, and give this OVA a watch. You won’t regret getting to know the real Mei Misaki.