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

Prequels can be tricky—either they feel like unnecessary fluff or they drop game-changing clues that recontextualize the main series. Another: The Other – Inga Season 0 Episode 1 falls firmly into the latter camp, serving up 25 minutes of moody, character-driven storytelling that’s a must-watch for anyone who’s ever been hooked by the main Another series’ eerie charm.

Let’s start with the basics: this OVA is a prequel bundled with the limited-edition 0th volume of the manga adaptation. It centers on twin sisters Mei Misaki (the eye-patched enigma from the main series) and Misaki Fujioka in the sweltering summer days before the new semester at Yomiyama Middle School. The setting—Yomiyama City, draped in heat-induced lethargy—sets a slow-burning, almost suffocating tone that’s classic Another: even casual moments feel tinged with unspoken tension.

The episode dives into their secret meetings, which fans of the main series will recognize as the lead-up to the iconic hospital scene where Kouichi first encounters Mei. We see the twins roaming the town: splitting ice cream at a shopping center, wandering quiet alleyways, and hiding out in the hospital’s empty wings. These moments are small, intimate, and surprisingly tender—Fujioka teases Mei about her eye patch, Mei rolls her eyes but smiles, and their banter feels like real sibling chemistry. But beneath the surface, there’s a layer of mystery: why do they meet in secret? Why does Mei seem so distant from the world outside these moments?

What makes this OVA shine is how it humanizes Mei. In the main series, she’s often framed as a ghostly, detached figure—here, we get to see her laugh, pout, and show vulnerability. Her bond with Fujioka adds depth to her later isolation; you start to understand why she’s so guarded, and why the hospital becomes her safe space. For anyone who’s ever wondered about Mei’s backstory, this episode is a goldmine of subtle clues: the way she avoids talking about her family, the quiet sadness in her eyes when Fujioka mentions the upcoming semester, the hints of a curse lingering just out of frame.

The art style is pure P.A. Works magic—muted summer hues, long shadows, and a sense of stillness that makes every small sound (a distant bell, a creaky hospital door) feel ominous. The heat is almost tangible; you can practically smell the sweat and the faint scent of jasmine in the air. It’s the kind of atmosphere that sticks with you, even after the episode ends.

Fans on forums like MyAnimeList often praise this OVA for filling in gaps they didn’t know existed. It doesn’t spell out all the answers—this is Another, after all—but it gives you enough pieces to connect the dots. For example, the secret meetings hint at the family’s complicated history with Yomiyama’s curse, and the hospital scenes add weight to Kouichi’s first encounter with Mei. It’s the kind of prequel that makes you want to rewatch the main series immediately, just to catch all the little callbacks.

If you’re someone who skips OVAs because you think they’re irrelevant, think again. This episode isn’t just filler—it’s a crucial piece of the Another puzzle. It’s short enough to fit into a lunch break, but impactful enough to leave you thinking about the twins’ bond long after the credits roll. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer looking to dip your toes into the series’ spooky vibe, this OVA is worth your time.

In the end, Another: The Other – Inga Season 0 Episode 1 is a masterclass in how to do a prequel right. It adds depth to a beloved character, builds on the series’ signature mystery, and leaves you craving more. So grab your favorite snack, turn off the lights, and let this little gem pull you back into the haunting world of Yomiyama. You won’t regret it.