The Lenticulars [Season 1 Episodes 1-3]

Alright, let’s dive into The Lenticulars—Studio Trigger’s latest short-form ONA that’s been making waves (and sparking debates) since its YouTube debut. If you’re a fan of Trigger’s signature style—think Inferno Cop or SSSS.Gridman—you might recognize director Akira Amemiya’s quirky fingerprints all over this. But let’s be real: this isn’t your typical flashy anime. It’s short, sweet, and very low on animation—but that’s exactly why it’s worth talking about.

First off, let’s get the basics straight. The Lenticulars is a series of bite-sized episodes (we’re talking 2-3 minutes each) centered on high schoolers Sawaki and Rak-kun. The first episode, “Work Gloves Are Gloves,” kicks off with a relatable moment: Sawaki forgets her work gloves for class chores, and Rak-kun lends her his—even though he was using them as winter gloves. Later, she loses one and gifts him a brand-new pair of proper winter gloves. It’s a tiny, heartwarming exchange, and that’s the vibe of the whole show so far: quiet, everyday interactions that feel like a warm hug.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the animation. Or, as some fans are arguing, the lack of it. If you’ve seen the episodes, you’ll notice the characters move with minimal frames—talking is just a loop of closed/opened mouths, and actions are super simplified. On MyAnimeList forums, fans are split: some call it “crafty with a few frames” rather than actual animation, while others defend it by pointing out that similar shorts (like Inferno Cop, also by Trigger and Amemiya) are already on the platform. One user even joked, “It’s like they used a flipbook and called it a day!” But here’s the thing: Trigger has always played with animation styles. Inferno Cop was a deliberate choice to be chaotic and low-budget, and The Lenticulars feels like a spiritual successor—using limitations to its advantage.

What makes this work, though, is the charm. The characters are endearing in their simplicity. Sawaki’s awkwardness when she loses the glove, Rak-kun’s quiet kindness—these small moments hit harder because they’re so understated. Amemiya’s character designs are cute and expressive, even with minimal movement. And let’s not forget the music: Rikiya Okada (of 24chocolate) composes a soft, catchy theme song that fits the cozy mood perfectly. It’s like listening to a J-pop track you’d play on a lazy afternoon.

Another big talking point? It’s free on YouTube. Studio Trigger dropped the first three episodes there, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection. That’s a smart move—especially for a short series. It’s easy to binge between classes or during a coffee break. And honestly, in a world where anime can be 24 episodes long with complex plots, sometimes you just need a 2-minute dose of wholesome content.

But let’s circle back to the MAL debate. Is The Lenticulars “anime enough” to be listed? Fans are pointing out that other low-animation shorts (like Turning Girls or chibi previews) are already on the site. One user argued, “It’s about directing, not how many frames you use!” And they’re right. Amemiya’s direction turns those static frames into something meaningful. The pauses, the facial expressions (even if they’re just a few drawings), and the timing of the jokes—all of it feels intentional. It’s like watching a moving comic strip, and there’s a certain artistry in that.

So, who is this show for? If you love Trigger’s weirder side, or if you’re into slice-of-life stories that feel like a peek into someone’s diary, The Lenticulars is for you. It’s not for everyone—if you need high-octane action or fluid animation, you might be disappointed. But if you’re willing to embrace its limitations, you’ll find a lot to love.

In conclusion, The Lenticulars is a tiny gem. It’s not trying to be the next big thing; it’s just a fun, heartwarming series that reminds us that sometimes the best stories are the simplest ones. Whether it gets listed on MAL or not, it’s already won over fans who appreciate its charm. So grab your winter gloves, sit back, and give it a watch—you might just find yourself smiling by the end of the first episode.

P.S. Episode 3 just dropped, and it’s as cute as the first two. Go check it out on YouTube—you won’t regret it! 🧤✨