【2026 Media Overview】First Media Overview in 2026

[michifugu]

Ok guys, it’s been a while since my last media overview thread back in December. After being busy with some IRL stuff, I’m finally able to write my 2026 media overview!

I’ve been engaging with a ton of different media lately, so let’s get into it. Also, sorry in advance if I don’t include images — I’m honestly too lazy lol.

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Anime

Watanare

I’m on episode 5 right now, and honestly I’m having so much fun. I *definitely* feel like Satsuki likes Mai though… #IKnowWhatYouAre.

I’m not totally satisfied with the conclusion so far, since I kind of wanted Renako to be a bit more upset with Mai after everything that happened, but oh well.....

Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray

Such a satisfying season. I’m so glad Umamusu continues to fill that girls’ supokon anime niche, because I love how much emphasis they put on the races.

And we’re finally entering one of my favorite arcs: Inari One’s debut! It’s one of my favorite parts of Cinderella Gray, especially because Inari has such strong underdog energy.

(I don’t know why Oguri doesn’t feel *as* underdog-ish in this series despite it supposedly being about her.)

I really hope we get Season 3 soon, and maybe we’ll even meet Folkqueen!

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Manga

Madan no Ichi

Oh boy, I have a lot of thoughts. This is probably the longest arc Ichi has had so far, and honestly, after Bakugami, it makes sense that the series is settling into longer arcs.

Even though it’s longer, it doesn’t feel like it’s dragging at all. Honestly it’s embarrassing how much I look forward to each new chapter every week (I’ve even tried checking leaks...).

Nishi is really messing with us right now. At first, I thought the death flag was for Minerva, but now it seems like it might be Chrono-kun?!

I don’t want either of them to die, poor the baby…

That last chapter completely floored me. Majik can’t die, so what’s going to happen? Please let Ichi acquire Chrono…

Kaze to Ki no Uta

Finally, I’ve started reading the OG BL — the *real* OG, the grandfather of all yaoi, the first BL.

It’s been on my backlog forever, but I finally picked it up! I’m only about 5 chapters in, but it’s so fascinating how you can feel its influence on modern BL: the tropes, the narrative, even the character designs.

Take Gilbert, for example: there are *so* many uke characters like him even today: the melancholic, slutty uke with tragedy behind him… like damn.

You can also really tell Keiko-sensei drew from classic European literature. The European boarding school vibes are incredibly strong.

It’s honestly funny how the first BL feels almost like a derivative of Class S, just set in an all-boys school.

And the paneling is absolutely gorgeous. Even though it’s almost 50 years old, the artwork has aged like fine wine, still as beautiful as many modern manga.

Kasane

Ok, I finally read this manga properly. I actually read parts of it back in college because my classmate owned the tankoubon, and I was completely hooked.

But then I forgot the title… and now I’ve finally found it again!

Man, I’m so invested in the whole entertainment industry atmosphere. I love how raw Kasane is, the mangaka really knows how to convey the ugliness, the desperation, and her intense passion to become beautiful so she can make her mom proud.

I’m currently at the part where Kasane impersonates Iku.

Kyou wa Kanojo ga Inai Kara

Man, I am so invested in this arc! It’s honestly kind of satisfying to see Fuuko finally get the short end of the stick and yeah, it’s a little funny watching her get cucked. I already love Mashiro, she somehow feels even more unhinged than Fuuko. I’m also hoping we get a proper Fuuko’s past soon. I really appreciate how the author fully commits to the infidelity and cheating themes instead of half-assing them.


Zenbu Kowashite Jigoku de Aishite

I owe Kyoukano an apology because I never expected Zenkowa to turn into shit. I’m genuinely annoyed. I don’t even understand what direction the author is trying to take the story in. Kyouka’s conflict feels extremely forced. I can see the potential—it could have been great—but the execution is just bad. I’m honestly considering dropping it.

It sucks because this had the potential to be Kitakawa 2.0, but instead the author keeps backtracking. And I really don’t like how Naoi suddenly became so weak and passive out of nowhere. at least Kokoro's conflict is fun because there's cuck element.

Utsushicha Dame-na Kao

Finally, Utsudame did a trope I love: Io running away from something and hiding out while living with Misa. I really enjoy the vibe, and as usual, the smut is great. Funny enough, I’m even more invested in Mane-san and Io’s mom’s affair storyline.

Medalist

I binge-read this while accompanying my mom at the hospital. Another fantastic girls’ sports series after Umamusu. I absolutely love the dynamic between Tsukasa-sensei and Inori—they’re adorable!!!! Honestly, I love pretty much every character in this series.

Medalist is what I wish Yuri on Ice could have been. I really enjoy the focus on figure skating, and the trainer–athlete relationship is handled much better here, in my opinion. Sure, Medalist has the advantage of being an ongoing manga with more development time, but even on it conveys the dynamic incredibly well. Also, I lowkey ship Iruka x Inori btw. that aside, Tsurumaikada is definitely Lolicon, I See You putting your subtle fetish there www.

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Games

Sweet Pool

“Sweet Pool fan plays Sweet Pool for the first time” moment. Jokes aside, I did play it once back in middle school, but I barely remember the story LOL. Since I loved Slow Damage, I feel like I should go through the entire Nitro+ Chiral catalog.

I’m still early in the game, but I’m aiming for Zenya’s route. So far, I really love the atmosphere. There’s this constant uncomfortable feeling that works really well. I’m currently at the part where Youji is being stalked by Kouhei.

Hundred Lines

I’m currently on the Slasher route. Surprisingly, I really enjoy the mystery elements in this route. Not much to say yet since I don’t think I’ve reached the good part.

Pokemon Moon

This is my first time playing Pokémon Sun/Moon. I chose the male avatar (he looks kind of shota-ish), and I’m planning to use the female avatar in USUM later.

The gameplay is easy, but they absolutely nailed the characters—I love all of them. The world-building is also fantastic. Honestly, I’d argue Alola is one of the best Pokémon regions so far. Maybe I’m biased, but it reminds me a lot of Southeast Asia in terms of vibe, even though it’s based on Hawaii. I also love that Kahunas function as Gym Leader equivalents and have cultural significance. I’m currently on my way to Acerola’s trial.

Bravely Default

Replaying it because I was in the mood for BD’s gameplay. I forgot how rough the early game feels before you unlock more job classes.

Clinical Trial

Started this because a friend recommended it. I’m still early in the game, but I really like the pixel visuals, and it’s interesting how it explores ADHD.

Spring Gothic

This VN was made by Prof. Lily. I’ve wanted to try a Kastel VN for a while since I enjoy their blog and have been following them for some time.

Spring Gothic is a yuri VN about a trans woman, Nika, meeting her internet girlfriend, Chung. The story is split into two sections, each told from one character’s POV. I really love the literary and film references throughout the game! I’m even making a list of the movies and books Chung mentions so I can check them out later.

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Videos

If not Bubble Why Bubble Shaped (By How Money Works) & The AI bubble is worse than you think (By 2 & 20)

Over the past few months, I’ve been watching a lot of videos about the AI bubble, especially after NVIDIA and other RAM companies prioritized selling to AI companies over consumers.

I honestly can’t stress enough how messed up this whole AI bubble situation feels. If it doesn’t burst, things will get worse. But even if it does burst, it’ll still be bad because of the insane amount of money poured into it. Still, I’d rather it pop. If that means RAM companies take a hit, so be it. I just hope China provide alternative soon....