So let's talk about this little anime known as Sk8 the Infinity. It currently has 12 episodes, an OVA special and a stage play production with another season on the way!
Now, I've never really been into sports anime or manga before Sk8. I have never watched Haikyuu. I only watched Yuri on Ice because I love ice skating. And Free! because I love swimming. I did read and love Harlem Beat, so there are obviously some exceptions. Either way I just never bothered with sports anime or manga
since I'm not a sports person in real life. However, this has changed since XD.
So what made Sk8 the Infinity so special you might ask? Well, for me it came to me when I was in a pretty dark place that I won't be getting into here. Anyway, someone in a discord I'm in was watching it as it was airig and ended up sharing some screenshots. They were of the character Miya, the youngest character in the cast who's considered a protege child. I found him absolute adorable and curious about the series as the person started showing other characters. One being Kaoru aka Cherry Blossom (refer to the character currently being used for the icon of this post) and I instantly fell in love with his design and just knew if I did end up watching it he was going to be my favorite.
I was 100 % right.
And so I ended up diving head first into this series about street skating. I started the series with the dub and I stand by the dub and sub being equally superiour to each other. You can just tell how much the english cast had with the series while working on the dub and I don't know considering it's about skating, the dub suits it. I highly recommend it. Sk8 has been a serious that I rewatch both dub and sub depending on my mood.
Now there's a lot of love about Sk8.
First there's the awesome opening by Rude-α called Paradise and I'm really sad that this is the only video I can actually find that has the actual anime opening T^T. It's one I rarely liked to skip and would happily play before every episode.
Then there's the characters. While the story clearly follows Reki and Langa, our red and blue haired MCs. We have 8 protags and they all kind of pair well with each other. Reki and Langa are the new buds with Reki introducing Langa to the world of skateboarding. Kaoru and Kojiro who are long time friends/rivals. Ainosuke and Tadashi who have some deep rooted history with each other, one point being Tadashi working for Ainosuke. And finally, Hiromi and Miya, who I guess we can say have older brother/younger brother vibes, but that can be said for Miya with everyone. They are sadly the duo who don't really have any really history. As far my favorite characters went Kaoru and Tadashi ended up being my favorite characters. Kojiro, Ainosuke, Miya and Langa weren't that far off either. Reki and Hiromi took a bit for me to warm up to.
As you can expect from a sports anime, there is so much damn yaoi subtext and I am 100% here for it. Kaoru/Kojiro instantly won me over. I love those ships that bicker and fight with each other but you just know that they are soft for each other. While those soft moments are far and between, I just ugh! They make me so happy (and will probably be getting their own post later on.)
Ainosuke/Tadashi have a wild relationship, which goes into spoiler territory so I'll avoid that. But listen...woof.
And there's just so many other fun combinations to do with the cast. This series ended up being one where while I did have my all time favorite ship, I just also shipped some many characters together. If I'm honest, Kaoru/Tadashi kind of trumps Kaoru/Kojiro for my top ship, but I rarely will say that because it's such a rarepair.
I don't really want to spoil the plot for any one who hasn't seen it. I will say I think the story is pretty heartwarming. There's a lot to learn about friendships and it really is a fun ride.
Please, don't mind the palm trees. They were the true enemy of the series.
I can wholeheartedly say Sk8 the Infinity is one of my comfort anime. I can't tell you how many times I've rewatched it or introduced someone to it. It makes me feel and I know I'll love it forever.
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] candy this year! Hehe, I'd love if you'd give offer up a recommendation of any kind (books, manga, anime, movie, game etc!) Also don't sweat it, you don't have to rec me anything! A nice little Trick or Treat will also do!
x15, 
x5, 
x5, 
x8, 
x5, 
x19,
x5
