Midori no Makibao: Owaranai Chоusen!!

Midori no Makibao: Owaranai Chousen!! was produced by Studio Pierrot in 2022 as a special installment revisiting the beloved horse racing franchise. The original series, which began as a manga by Tsunomaru in 1994, gained significant popularity for its unconventional protagonist—a small, donkey-like horse with incredible speed—and its unique blend of slapstick comedy and genuine sports drama. This 2022 revival was created to celebrate the enduring legacy of the character, appealing to long-time fans who grew up with the 1996 anime adaptation while introducing the series to a contemporary audience.

The visual direction for this special maintains the distinctive aesthetic established by the original studio, focusing on the character's expressive, albeit eccentric, design. Studio Pierrot aimed to capture the nostalgic energy of the 1990s source material while utilizing modern production techniques to smooth out the animation sequences. Upon its release, it was received as a heartfelt tribute to the series, successfully rekindling interest in the underdog story of Makibao and his quest to overcome his physical limitations to excel in the competitive world of horse racing.