HAIKYU!!: VS Failing Marks

Released in 2015, this special episode serves as an original video animation (OVA) companion to the first season of the acclaimed anime series Haikyu!!. Produced by the renowned studio Production I.G, the story follows protagonists Hinata and Kageyama as they face the urgent threat of failing their end-of-term exams, which jeopardizes their ability to join the team for a crucial training camp in Tokyo. The episode maintains the studio's hallmark high-energy animation style, emphasizing the comedic chemistry between the characters that defined the series' early tone.

The character designs and animation direction align with the work of Takahiro Kishida, who adapted Haruichi Furudate’s original manga aesthetic for the screen. By blending the high-stakes world of competitive high school volleyball with the relatable, low-stakes frustration of academic struggles, the special was received warmly by the series' dedicated fanbase. It functions as a bridge between the intense sports action of the main arcs, focusing instead on character growth and the lighthearted, often chaotic camaraderie of the Karasuno High School volleyball team.