The Lenticulars [Season 1 Episode 8]

Alright, let’s dive into The Lenticulars Season 1 Episode 8. First off, if you haven’t heard of this show, it’s a quirky ONA (Original Net Animation) from Studio Trigger, the folks behind hits like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Kill la Kill. Directed by Akira Amemiya, who also did Inferno Cop, this series has a unique vibe—think slice-of-life with a dash of Trigger’s signature weirdness.

What’s the Deal with Episode 8?
From what I gathered, Episode 8 continues the story of our main characters, Sawaki and Rakkun. The previous episodes have been building up their relationship, with some drama involving Sawaki’s ex, Miike. Fans on MyAnimeList have been chatting about how the show balances lighthearted moments with teen angst. One user mentioned, “That was a cute skating date, sharing gloves, and holding hands (and falling together!). At least she told him about her prior relationship; I don’t think it will be a problem, but what’s next?”

Animation Style: Love It or Hate It?
Now, let’s talk about the animation. Trigger is known for over-the-top action, but The Lenticulars takes a different approach. It uses a digital cutout style, which some fans compare to Gokushufudou (The Way of the House Husband). However, there’s a debate: is it “animated enough”? One user argued, “It has roughly the same amount of animation as Gokushufudou, so mods are just playing favourites by refusing to add this.” Another countered, “Nah… Way of the House-Husband has MANY more frames of animation than Lenticulars does. Their CAT is more animated than any of the main characters in Lenticulars.”

Character Dynamics and Drama
The heart of the show is the relationship between Sawaki and Rakkun. Episode 8 seems to focus on resolving some of their tensions. A fan noted, “So the guys are back together; I’m guessing Rakkun will get over his issues with Sawaki next ep.” The “Genki is Life, Genki is Love” catchphrase keeps popping up in comments, which probably ties into the show’s upbeat message despite the drama.

Why Isn’t It on MAL?
A big topic in the community is why The Lenticulars doesn’t have a MyAnimeList entry yet. Some say it’s because of the minimal animation, while others think it’s a timing issue. One user pointed out, “Because it released just 1 hour ago,” but even weeks later, it’s still missing. Another suggested, “You can ask for it to be added in the forums,” but so far, no luck.

Soundtrack and Atmosphere
The music by Rikiya Okada of 24chocolate adds to the show’s charm. Fans have mentioned the ending theme, with one user noting, “Lenticular’s ED……” (they probably loved it!). The background effects, like the “funny chirping bird” in Episode 7, add a playful touch that keeps things light.

Final Thoughts
The Lenticulars Episode 8 is a mix of cute moments and teen drama, wrapped in a unique animation style. Whether you love the cutout art or find it lacking, there’s no denying it’s a fun watch. The community is divided on its MAL status, but that hasn’t stopped fans from enjoying it. As one user put it, “It may not be ‘MAL Approved’, but I like it just as it is.”

If you’re into slice-of-life with a Trigger twist, give The Lenticulars a shot. And hey, maybe by the time the season ends, MAL will finally add it to their database!

P.S. Keep an eye out for those Sondico sneakers in the credits—someone on the team must be a football fan! ⚽️

Rating: 7/10 (For the charm, even if the animation isn’t for everyone.)

Disclaimer: This review is based on fan discussions and available information. If you haven’t watched the episode yet, go check it out on Studio Trigger’s YouTube channel! 🎬