Another: The Other - Inga

Well here it is folks, 'another' Another episode (no pun intended). From the series that gave us a reason to enjoy Mondays comes forth this OVA bundled with the 0th limited-edition volume of Kiyohara Hiro's manga adaptation of Ayatsuji Yukito's horror novel Another.

Now, you're probably expecting a lot of bloodshed and mind twists right? That would be most of the cases for us die-hard fans into the mystery, thriller, and horror theme that the original series bought us.

However, in this OVA, we see a more brighter side of Mei Misaki and her "other half". Talk about a splitting image.

We also get to see a ... bit more about her past as well as her "other half". But you're still probably asking yourself "should I watch this even if I've seen the original series?" Let me answer that with a 7-letter word:

Depends.

Why? Because this is a mini-prequel. In other words, this is not what happens after the series or an anime that will throw bloodshed at your screen every 5 minutes. (well, there was one thrown in).

The OP song remains the same and as for the music, it's a bit calm but still retains that darkening mood. The art remains beautiful just like the original series with some added bonus fan-service like a cherry on top. ~desu

As for the characters, there are only two. Yes, it's the ones you see in the promo poster. What did you expect? I told you this is a prequel OVA, not the entire series. It is however quite interesting to see the relationship of Mei and her other half bond as well as her more energetic, cute, outer self.

This is perhaps the trailer for what some fans may expect before the calm of the storm if you decide to watch it first rather than the original series. And that calm will soon turn into calamity as disaster strikes into the heart of Yomiyama.

So, all in all, this OVA is entertaining but not something I'll remember by for a long time; at least not like the death of you-know-who in the original series or that Nice Boat episode when the class went to the beach. But, is this OVA worth your time watching?

Well, that's for me to know and you to find out.

This episode partially fills the only flaw that i spotted in the real series - the lack of character development and understanding on a personal level.

This is a very heartfelt special addition to Another, and contrasting greatly with the original series, it progresses fairly slow. This really helped to enhance the feelings of intimacy conveyed throughout, and to allow us to connect more on a personal level, to Mei.

I have no doubt about it that by watching this prequel, you'll come to understand Mei's back story much more vividly. It seems as though this was the reason behind releasing an episode 0, and especially due ... to the inclusion of real scenes from episode 1 (of the main) - the story comes together beautifully.

I really found it nice to see Mei so happy for a change, during this episode. The show reflects some Slice Of Life-like elements, and it works well in bringing out the thoughts, feelings and emotions of Mei and her Sister, that were originally going to remain untold. However, contrary to this supposedly "dramatically less dramatic" feature, i can say however that the show retained its sense of uneasiness. Contrasting with what i've said about it being a chilled out piece, it still manages to incorporate some of the show's signature fear inducing, edge of the seat presentation tactics.

This is an essential piece for fans of the show to watch!

Anothers prequel is definatly only a piece that will appeal to those who loved the series, it moves at it's own pace showing a Misaki Mei and Yomiyama we haven't really seen in the main series, one unclouded by fear and death.

Note that while there are no major plot expositions to be found here, i would personally judge this prequel to be spoilerific enough that people who haven't yet watched the main series may want to watch that first.

Story-6
The events of this anime move somewhat slowly from the beginning, we are shown the relationship between the 2 Misakis, heavily interspersed with Fanservice(significantly more than the ... main series ever demonstrated and much less subtly). From the midpoint it picks up a little in pace, however ultimatly the most you will likely get out of this OVA is some small fanservice and a few tidbits of information that weren't properly explained in the original series

Art-8
The art remains as good as it does in the main series, there isn't anything special to really set it apart from it's parent

Sound-8
The sound is good, though the errie and oppresive ambient sounds and creepy music of it's parent are toned back here, especially early on in which the music is largely peaceful or missing altogether, it's towards the end that the creepiness of the music slowly starts to work it's way in nicely giving the effect of a change from a peaceful beginning transitioning in to the events of the main series

Character-7

There is some character development for both Misakis which fans will appreciate, however little more

Enjoyment- 6

As someone who enjoyed much of the original series greatly the best term I can give to describe this OVA would be "Sufficient". There was just enough little tidbits of information, fanservice and even a cheeky tease that I didn't find it unenjoyable.

Overall - 7

It's fair to say most fans millages with this will vary greaty, some will find it an abysmal waste of their time, or be greatly dissapointed with it's choice of content. Others may think it a fine add on to the main series. Ultimately on it's own this OVA fails to be satisfying however as with the background lore of a video game or the notes of an author that were never published if you're willing to set aside a little time to peruse it you'll find some small bits of information that might interest you.