Umamusume Cinderella Gray [Season 1 Episode 1]

“Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray” Episode 1 Review – A Fresh Start for the Franchise?

The Uma Musume franchise has always been a unique blend of sports, idol culture, and anthropomorphic horse girls, but Cinderella Gray takes a slightly different approach. Episode 1, titled “Here I Am,” introduces us to Oguri Cap, a countryside-born Umamusume with an insatiable appetite and a raw talent for racing. Produced by CygamesPictures and based on the critically acclaimed manga by Masafumi Sugiura, this spin-off promises a grittier, more grounded take on the franchise—and fans are already buzzing about it.

A New Star Rises: Oguri Cap’s Underdog Story

From the first scene, Cinderella Gray sets itself apart from its predecessors. While the main Uma Musume series often leans into the idol-like glamour of its characters, this episode dives straight into the struggles of Oguri Cap. She’s not just another pretty face in the racing world; she’s a girl with a ravenous hunger (literally) and a determination to prove herself despite her humble beginnings.

Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit have pointed out how refreshing this shift feels. One user noted:

“The vibe is totally different from the main Uma Musume series, but in a really refreshing way. It feels more grounded, a bit grittier, and honestly, I’m loving the focus on Oguri Cap’s underdog story.”

The episode wastes no time establishing her character—whether it’s her deadpan reactions, her obsession with food, or her explosive speed on the track. Her first race, where she clocks an absurdly fast time despite a late start, has already become a talking point.

Animation and Sound: CygamesPictures Delivers

CygamesPictures, known for their work on Uma Musume: Pretty Derby and its subsequent films, brings their A-game here. The animation during the race sequences is fluid and dynamic, with camera angles that heighten the tension. One fan remarked:

“The production quality is VERY good. There actually seems to be some really interesting camerawork too, unlike what we saw in S3 or Road to the Top.”

The soundtrack, featuring an opening theme by Alexandros (who also did Ao Ashi’s OP), fits the energetic tone perfectly. Meanwhile, Oguri Cap’s ending theme is a quirky, lighthearted contrast to the intensity of the races.

Fan Reactions: Love at First Gallop

The Uma Musume fandom is notoriously passionate, and Cinderella Gray has already sparked lively discussions. Here’s what fans are saying:

1. For Newcomers:
   Some viewers are jumping into the franchise for the first time with this spin-off, and the consensus is that it’s a great entry point.

   “I’ve never watched the OG series, but figured I would give this one a shot. I really enjoyed the episode and look forward to seeing more.”

2. For Veterans:
   Longtime fans appreciate the fresh take while still recognizing the franchise’s core charm.

   “After seeing Cygames go crazy in the movie and Road to the Top, expectations were pretty high. And yeah, right off the bat with that first little race we saw there, it looks so much better than Kai’s.”

3. The Humor:
   Oguri Cap’s antics, especially her obsession with food, have already made her a fan favorite.

   “She had me laughing a bit when she treated the storeroom as something to celebrate. XD”

4. The Racing:
   The episode’s climax—a trial race where Oguri Cap’s raw talent shines—has fans excited for future competitions.

   “I got chills when Oguri started running. My expectations are really high for this.”

Final Thoughts: A Strong Start

Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray Episode 1 is a promising beginning to what could be the franchise’s most compelling story yet. It balances humor, heart, and high-stakes racing while introducing a protagonist who feels both relatable and extraordinary.

As one fan perfectly summed it up:

“Peak sports is back, and the gluttony that is Oguri Cap is our star this time.”

If the rest of the season maintains this momentum, Cinderella Gray might just gallop past its predecessors in popularity.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A must-watch for sports anime fans and Uma Musume enthusiasts alike.

What did you think of the episode? Let’s discuss in the comments! 🐎💨