Wondering whether to watch the anime or dive straight into the manga? Here’s everything you need to know about Cinderella Gray’s two very different takes on Narita Top Road’s story.
๐ What Is Cinderella Gray in Uma Musume?
Cinderella Gray is a darker, more mature spinoff in the Uma Musume: Pretty Derby universe. Unlike the main anime series—which leans into cheerful idol-racer energy—Cinderella Gray follows Narita Top Road, a determined underdog horse girl, through a far more intense and realistic rise in the racing world.
Originally a manga series published in Weekly Young Jump, its growing popularity finally led to a 2025 anime adaptation, bringing the dramatic story to screens—but not without changes.
๐ Manga vs. Anime – Core Differences at a Glance
| Element | Cinderella Gray Manga | Cinderella Gray Anime (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Gritty, dramatic, intense character arcs | Slightly lighter tone to fit the anime’s pacing |
| Story Progression | More detailed with full arcs and rivalries | Condensed; some events are skipped or rearranged |
| Character Depth | Narita’s emotions, rivalries, and inner struggles are deeper | Some of these are hinted at, but not fully explored |
| Art Style | Stylized, serious artwork with raw race emotion | Clean animation, but slightly less intense emotionally |
| Pacing | Slower, more time per race | Quicker, 1–2 races per episode on average |
๐ Story Progression – How Much Is Covered?
If you’re starting fresh, know this:
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The manga is far ahead in both story and character development.
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The anime adaptation covers only the early arcs, focusing on Narita Top Road’s debut and rise through the regional races.
Notable arcs only found in the manga (so far):
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The full Kikka-shล (Autumn Classic) rivalry with T.M. Opera O and Admire Vega.
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Extended development of family pressure, self-doubt, and recovery after a loss.
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More depth on secondary characters like Winning Ticket and Ikuno Dictus.
๐จ Art Style and Presentation
The manga’s illustrations—especially during intense race moments—deliver an emotional punch with their sharp line work and impactful facial expressions. In comparison, the anime’s animation is solid, but tends to soften the drama to suit a broader audience.
If you want that "on-the-track adrenaline" and grit, the manga wins hands down.
๐ค Music, Voice Acting & Anime-Only Strengths
That said, the anime excels in sound.
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Voice acting breathes life into Narita’s anxiety and grit.
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Original soundtrack during racing scenes adds excitement.
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Animation captures race choreography with dynamic angles and movement.
If you want to emotionally connect through sound and movement, the anime gives the story new dimensions—especially if you’re already familiar with the manga.
๐ค Which Version Should You Start With?
Here’s the breakdown:
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Start with the Manga if...
You want full story depth, darker tone, and unfiltered rivalry arcs. Ideal for manga readers and fans looking for an emotionally satisfying journey. -
Start with the Anime if...
You’re new to Uma Musume or want a more digestible introduction. Great for players or anime-only viewers wanting visual flair and voice acting.
➡️ Best recommendation:
Watch the anime first, then continue the story in the manga for the full experience. The anime sets the tone, while the manga expands it beautifully.
๐ Where to Read & Watch
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Cinderella Gray Manga:
Currently available in Japanese via Young Jump Web and official manga apps. Some English fan translations exist online, but no official English release as of July 2025. -
Cinderella Gray Anime:
Streaming on Crunchyroll, Bilibili, and Aniplex+ in Japan. English subs available for international viewers.
๐ง Fan Reactions: Manga vs. Anime
“Manga hits way harder. You feel every loss, every win, every doubt in Narita’s eyes.” – Reddit user @keibofan
“Anime adaptation is clean and emotional but skips some good buildup moments.” – Twitter user @UmaDerbyHQ
“Start with anime, then go manga. That’s the ultimate Cinderella Gray experience.” – Discord mod from UmaMusume Global
๐♀️ FAQ
Q: Is the manga finished?
No, as of mid-2025, Cinderella Gray is still ongoing.
Q: Are the characters from the main Uma Musume anime in Cinderella Gray?
Some are, but most focus is on Narita’s generation. It's a more self-contained story.
Q: Do I need to watch the original Uma Musume anime first?
Not at all! Cinderella Gray stands on its own.
๐ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re here for the drama, the rivalries, or Narita Top Road’s unshakable will to win, Cinderella Gray delivers one of Uma Musume’s most compelling stories. The anime is a great starting point—but the manga is where the legend truly unfolds.
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