Category: Animation

SK8 the Infinity – Episode 1: “Snowfall on a Hot Night” – A Wild Ride from the Start

When SK8 the Infinity first dropped in January 2021, it was clear that Studio Bones wasn’t just delivering another sports anime—they were launching a full-throttle, neon-soaked love letter to skateboarding culture, friendship, and the thrill of underground competition. Directed by Hiroko Utsumi (Banana Fish, Free!), the series immediately grabbed attention with its vibrant animation, dynamic characters, and a premise that felt fresh yet nostalgic.

Episode 1, titled Snowfall on a Hot Night, introduces us to Reki Kyan, a high school sophomore whose life revolves around skateboarding, and Langa Hasegawa, a quiet transfer student from Canada who’s never stepped on a board. Their meeting is the spark that ignites the series, setting up a bromance that fans would later obsess over. But before we get to the heartwarming moments, the episode dives headfirst into the adrenaline-pumping world of “S”—an illegal, high-stakes skateboarding race held in an abandoned mine.

The Hook: “S” and the Underground Scene

From the opening scene, SK8 establishes its tone: fast, flashy, and unapologetically fun. The “S” races are the show’s beating heart, blending extreme sports with the rebellious energy of underground street culture. Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit couldn’t stop raving about how the series captures the raw excitement of skateboarding, with one user comparing it to Initial D but “with more neon and less tofu delivery.”

The first race we see is a perfect introduction to the madness: skaters hurtling down treacherous slopes, dodging obstacles, and pulling off gravity-defying tricks. The animation is fluid, the colors pop, and the soundtrack (courtesy of the band Kroi) amps up the intensity. It’s no wonder viewers were instantly hooked—this isn’t just a sports anime; it’s a spectacle.

Reki and Langa: The Dynamic Duo

Reki is the epitome of passion—loud, energetic, and endlessly enthusiastic about skateboarding. His introduction is pure chaos, as he drags Langa into the world of “S” without much explanation. Fans loved his infectious energy, with one Reddit commenter joking, “Reki is the human equivalent of a golden retriever who just discovered skateboards.”

Langa, on the other hand, is the polar opposite: reserved, awkward, and initially clueless about skating. But his background in snowboarding hints at untapped potential, and his deadpan reactions to Reki’s antics provide some of the episode’s funniest moments. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the fandom was quick to ship them (more on that later).

Fan Reactions: Bromance, Hype, and Memes

The online discourse around SK8’s first episode was a mix of excitement, humor, and—let’s be real—shipping wars. Here’s what stood out:

1. “This is Just Yuri on Ice But with Skateboards”
   Fans immediately noticed the Yuri!!! on Ice vibes, from the dynamic between Reki and Langa to the show’s willingness to embrace queer subtext. One MyAnimeList user wrote, “If you thought Viktor and Yuuri were subtle, wait till you see Reki and Langa’s ‘just bros’ energy.”

2. The Animation Praise
   Studio Bones flexed their skills hard in this episode, and fans took notice. Comments like “The way the wheels grind on the pavement is ASMR for my eyes” and “This is the best-looking sports anime since Haikyuu!!” flooded forums.

3. The “S” Hype
   The underground race concept resonated with viewers who love high-stakes competition. Comparisons to Redline and Air Gear were common, with one fan joking, “This is what happens when you mix Fast & Furious with a skatepark.”

4. The Memes
   Langa’s blank stare became an instant meme, with fans captioning it things like “Me when someone asks if I’ve done my homework.” Reki’s over-the-top reactions also spawned countless GIFs.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Start

SK8 the Infinity’s first episode does exactly what a pilot should: it grabs your attention, introduces compelling characters, and leaves you craving more. The blend of high-octane action, humor, and heartfelt moments makes it a standout in the sports anime genre.

As one fan perfectly summarized: “It’s like someone took the best parts of Free!, Initial D, and Yuri!!! on Ice, threw in a skateboard, and said, ‘Let’s make magic.’”

If you haven’t watched it yet, buckle up—this ride is just getting started.

Rating: 9/10 – A near-perfect debut that promises an unforgettable journey.

What did you think of Episode 1? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

SK8 the Infinity [Extra Part] – A Fun, Heartwarming Addition to the Franchise

If you’re a fan of SK8 the Infinity, you already know that this anime isn’t just about high-octane skateboarding races—it’s about friendship, passion, and the little moments that make life exciting. The Extra Part OVA, released in 2025, delivers exactly that: a collection of slice-of-life stories featuring our favorite characters, Reki, Langa, and Miya, in their everyday shenanigans. And let me tell you, it’s a blast.

What’s the OVA About?

Produced by Bones (the studio behind hits like My Hero Academia and Fullmetal Alchemist), SK8 the Infinity [Extra Part] is a 25-minute OVA that serves as a delightful extension of the original series. Instead of the adrenaline-pumping “S” races, this OVA focuses on quieter, more personal moments. The stories include:
– The Rain and a Cat: A sudden downpour forces the gang to take shelter, leading to some unexpected bonding.
– Soda Ice Cream from the Convenience Store: A simple trip to the store turns into a hilarious adventure.

Fans have been raving about how this OVA captures the essence of the characters outside of the competitive skateboarding scene. One MyAnimeList user put it perfectly: “It’s like hanging out with your best friends—no drama, just good vibes.”

Why Fans Love It

The Extra Part OVA doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it doubles down on what made the original series so beloved: the chemistry between the characters. Reki’s infectious enthusiasm, Langa’s deadpan humor, and Miya’s snarky yet endearing personality shine brighter than ever.

Here’s what the community is saying:
– “It’s the perfect comfort watch.” – Many fans appreciate how the OVA feels like a warm hug, especially after the intense finale of the main series.
– “The animation is still top-notch.” – Bones didn’t cut corners here. The fluid skateboarding sequences and expressive character animations are as stunning as ever.
– “More Langa and Reki moments, please!” – The dynamic between these two remains a fan favorite, and the OVA delivers plenty of wholesome interactions.

Is It Worth Watching?

Absolutely. If you’re craving more SK8 content while waiting for Season 2, this OVA is a must-watch. It’s lighthearted, funny, and packed with the kind of character-driven storytelling that made the original series so special. Plus, at just 25 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying watch.

Final Thoughts

SK8 the Infinity [Extra Part] might not have the high stakes of the main series, but that’s exactly why it works. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best moments in life are the small ones—like sharing ice cream with friends or laughing in the rain.

So grab your skateboard (or just a bag of chips), sit back, and enjoy this little gem. And hey, if you haven’t watched SK8 the Infinity yet, what are you waiting for? This OVA is just another reason to dive into one of the most fun anime in recent years.

Rating: 4.5/5 – A near-perfect addition to the SK8 universe. Now, bring on Season 2!