The Lenticulars [Episode 8]

“The Lenticulars Episode 8: A Rollercoaster of Emotions Wrapped in Studio Trigger’s Signature Chaos”

If you thought Studio Trigger couldn’t cram more heart, humor, and hyper-stylized action into a single episode, think again. The Lenticulars Episode 8, titled “Fractured Reflections,” hits like a neon-punch to the gut—equal parts chaotic and tender, with that unapologetic Trigger flair we’ve come to crave. For those who’ve been following the ONA’s wild ride since its January 2024 debut, this latest installment doesn’t just push the story forward; it shatters expectations, leaving fans buzzing (and maybe a little teary-eyed).

Let’s start with the obvious: Studio Trigger’s animation is insane. Episode 8 leans into the series’ lenticular theme—think shifting perspectives, warped realities, and visuals that feel like they’re jumping off the screen. The fight scenes? Pure eye candy. When protagonist Kaito’s “lens” power goes haywire, the frames split into prismatic fragments, each layer bursting with color. It’s the kind of animation that makes you pause and rewind just to catch every detail—like the way his jacket flutters in slow motion, or the neon signs of Neo-Tokyo bleeding into the background. Fans on MyAnimeList are raving about it: “Trigger’s done it again—this episode’s animation is next-level. I felt like I was in a dream (or a nightmare, depending on the scene).”

But here’s the surprise: beneath the chaos, there’s real heart. Episode 8 dives into Kaito’s past, revealing why he’s so guarded about his powers. The flashback sequence—soft, watercolor-like, a stark contrast to the present’s sharp lines—shows a young Kaito accidentally hurting his sister with his abilities. It’s a quiet, gut-wrenching moment that humanizes him, and the voice acting (shoutout to Kaito’s VA, who nails both the rage and vulnerability) sells every beat. One fan summed it up perfectly: “I didn’t expect to cry during a Trigger anime, but here we are. Kaito’s backstory hit way harder than I thought it would.”

The humor, too, is on point. Trigger’s knack for balancing drama with absurdity shines here. When Kaito’s quirky sidekick, Aoi, tries to “fix” his broken lens with a rubber band and a prayer, the scene devolves into slapstick—her hair sticking up like a static balloon, Kaito’s deadpan expression as he watches her fail. It’s the kind of joke that lands because it feels human; even in a world of superpowers and interdimensional threats, these characters feel like people you’d hang out with. “Aoi is my spirit animal,” one fan joked. “Who hasn’t tried to fix a broken gadget with a rubber band? Relatable queen.”

What’s most impressive, though, is how Episode 8 sets up the rest of the season. The ending—oh, that ending—leaves Kaito at a crossroads. After confronting his past, he’s forced to choose between hiding his powers or using them to save his friends. The final shot, a close-up of his lens cracking, hints at bigger conflicts ahead. Fans are already theorizing: “Is Kaito going to lose control? Will his sister return? Trigger’s left us with so many questions—I need Episode 9 now.”

Critics might argue that the pacing is a bit whiplash-inducing—one minute you’re laughing at Aoi’s antics, the next you’re sobbing at Kaito’s flashback—but that’s exactly what makes The Lenticulars work. It’s a show that refuses to be boxed in, blending genres with the confidence of a studio that knows its audience. As one reviewer put it: “This isn’t just an anime—it’s an experience. Episode 8 is Trigger firing on all cylinders, and I’m here for every messy, beautiful minute of it.”

If you’re a fan of Trigger’s previous works (Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Kill la Kill), The Lenticulars Episode 8 is a must-watch. It’s bold, it’s emotional, and it’s proof that when Studio Trigger lets loose, magic happens. And if you’re new to the series? Start from the beginning—but trust me, you’ll binge all seven episodes just to get to this one.

In short: Episode 8 is a masterpiece. It’s the kind of anime that stays with you long after the credits roll, making you think about identity, regret, and the power of choosing to be vulnerable. Studio Trigger hasn’t just made another great episode—they’ve made something that feels important.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to rewatch that fight scene for the tenth time.

— A very impressed fan

P.S. If you haven’t seen the post-credits scene, you’re missing out. Let’s just say… the villain’s reveal is chef’s kiss.