The world of anime marches ever on with energy, and the newest entry into the Umamusume: Pretty Derby franchise has just burst out of the starting gate. Umamusume: Cinderella Gray, a long-awaited spin-off, premiered today and delivers a fresh new take on the well-loved world of horse girls. With a creditless opening film and a strong new heroine, the anime is already generating buzz among fans and newcomers. In this blog, we will discuss all about the anime spotlight Umamusume: Cinderella Gray.
A New Star Rises to the Top: Introducing Oguri Cap
As opposed to the light and airy environment of earlier Umamusume games, Cinderella Gray plunges into a grittier and more realistic tale. At its center is Oguri Cap, a stubborn and gifted horse girl whose wild, erratic running style belies her love for racing. Her unorthodox racing methods frequently defy reason, earning her the moniker “monster” on the racecourse. Yet beneath that fiery nickname is an intense passion to be the best.
Oguri Cap trains at the Kasamatsu Training Center Academy, an institution that specializes in developing the racing abilities of horse girls. Her journey is one of overcoming runners, grueling training exercises, and the inner turmoil of pursuing greatness. This change in narrative provides a darker and more dramatic take on the Umamusume world, distinguishing Cinderella Gray from its predecessors.
A Stunning Beginning: Creditless Opening Movie Released
In honor of the anime’s release, the official Umamusume YouTube channel dropped a creditless opening movie. To the pulsating opening theme “Koeru” by Japanese rock band Alexandros, the animation is a treat for the eyes. It features energetic race action, poignant character moments, and breathtaking animation that captures the show’s high-octane feel.
The opening also teases more profound story aspects, depicting Oguri Cap’s development, perseverance, and times of hardship. Coupled with Alexandros’ intense music, it makes a lasting impact and establishes the tone for what audiences can anticipate from the series.
Behind the Scenes: The Team Driving Cinderella Gray
Umamusume: Cinderella Gray is produced by Cygames Pictures, the same company responsible for earlier titles in the series. The anime is directed by Yuki Ito, with Aki Kindaichi writing the series composition. Character designs are handled by Takuya Miyahara and Keisuke Sasaki, keeping the cast both true to the manga and lively in animated form.
The initial manga, released by Shueisha in Weekly Young Jump, was praised universally for its darker tone and dramatic character development. The anime adaptation promises to stay true to that vision while delivering top-notch animation and sound design.
A Franchise That Keeps Evolving
The Umamusume: Pretty Derby franchise originated as a mobile game and rapidly evolved into a multimedia sensation. The first anime series, the one about Special Week as she makes the switch to Tracen Academy, is found on Crunchyroll together with its hilarious mini spin-off UMAYON. Both programs led audiences to meet a universe in which horse girls with mythic names and unrivaled speed gallop into the fans’ hearts.
Cinderella Gray expands on this premise by introducing a more realistic and competitive aspect of horse-girl racing. It retains the fundamental idea of girls based on actual racehorses, but focuses more on individual struggle, competition, and the cost of competition.
Why You Should Watch Umamusume: Cinderella Gray
- Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the series or an inquisitive newcomer, Cinderella Gray has plenty of reasons to watch:
- A strong protagonist: Oguri Cap injects a new, energetic personality into the series.
- Dark and deep storytelling: This spin-off brings emotional complexity and reality to the fantastical world of horse girls.
- Gorgeous visuals and sound: From the creditless opening to in-race cutscenes, the quality of the production is top-notch.
- Increased universe: The anime introduces new characters and mythology into an already-established world.
- For fans of sports anime with passion, will, and thrilling action, Cinderella Gray is a series not to be missed this season.
Where to Watch
You can watch earlier installments of the Umamusume franchise, like Umamusume: Pretty Derby and UMAYON, on Crunchyroll streaming. Though Cinderella Gray is only getting started, all the buzz around its premiere and the distribution of the creditless opening is a good sign that this show will be one of the season’s top-performing hits.
Umamusume: Cinderella Gray doesn’t merely pick up where the Pretty Derby franchise left off—it reinvents it. With Oguri Cap leading the charge as a forceful new heroine, and a creative team committed to translating the manga’s drama into reality, the anime is ready to push the world of horse girls into the stratosphere. Don’t miss your opportunity to witness what happens when untapped potential, ruthless drive, and strong storytelling meet at full throttle.