This work boasts one of the most striking opening episodes of the season! Dogakobo didn’t disappoint with its expressive character animation, living up to its reputation as a leader in the CGDCT (Cute Girls Doing Cute Things) genre. But with Jellyfish, it’s not just about “cute things”—there’s a sprinkle of drama and some delightful interactions between Mahiru and Kano that elevate the experience.
Mahiru’s story might resonate with quite a few people out there. It’s about those who can’t openly share their talents or passions, forced to tuck them away because of others’ judgment. Digging deeper, it’s not just about talents or hobbies—it mirrors the silent struggles and efforts of individuals that go unnoticed, until they reach a point of exhaustion and want to give up. Then Kano steps in, a beacon piercing through the deep darkness, reigniting Mahiru’s love for painting with a single compliment. A compliment—seemingly simple—carries the weight of recognition, restoring confidence and encouraging someone to press on with their chosen path.
Jellyfish have transparent bodies, but when surrounded by different colors, they shimmer with dazzling hues. It’s a simple yet powerful message.
The direction in this episode is stellar, especially the camera work by director Takeshita. What stood out most to me were the shots that circled around the characters during dialogue scenes—angles that weren’t static but shifted subtly with their inner turmoil. Throughout the episode, there were cuts that left me in awe of their beauty! Part of that comes from the urban essence captured so brilliantly through the art direction—the vibrant, glowing colors of the city at night perfectly suit the work’s atmosphere. The animation itself is near flawless—fluid, smooth, and brimming with expressive nuances, a hallmark of Dogakobo’s style that breathes life into the characters. (I’ll admit, I’m a huge fan of Dogakobo’s animation—though, of course, it ranks just behind KyoAni for me.)
The opening episode is absolutely fantastic! In just one installment, it establishes an engaging and heartfelt connection between Mahiru and Kano. I’m eager to see what challenges await them. (Note: since it shares a director with Eromanga Sensei, expect a bit of fanservice—consider yourself warned!) Fun fact: Dogakobo has already completed all 12 episodes of Jellyfish 🤣. (The project faced internal delays, giving the staff extra time to refine it.) With weekly releases, they’ve got the breathing room to polish each episode, so no need to worry about quality.
