Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka

In a world where magic and science intertwine, a new narrative that blends mystical and technological realms unfolds. Unveiling the secrets of arcane forces through scientific exploration, brilliant minds harness the power of both realms. Prepare to witness the extraordinary as the forces of magic and science collide in a harmonious dance, unlocking a realm of limitless possibilities with a bit of PTSD and violence thrown into the mix.

Hideyo Yamamoto and Liden Films are the creators of the anime series "Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka." Makoto Fukami and Norimitsu Kaihō wrote the scripts; Yoko Suzuki designed the characters; and R.O.N composed the music. Kadokawa produced the series, while Crunchyroll streamed it, with Funimation creating an English-dubbed version. It originally aired from the 12th of January until the 30th of March in 2019 on MBS and TBS, later airing on BS-TBS, AT-X, and CBC. This captivating anime consists of 12 episodes, each lasting 24 minutes.

This anime is based on a Japanese manga of the same name, combining the genres of action, drama, and fantasy. The key themes explored in the series include gore, magical girls, and the military. The target audience for this anime is Seinen, and it has an R-17+ rating due to its depiction of violence and profanity.

In February 2015, Square Enix's Monthly Big Gangan published the first issue of this magical girl manga series by Makoto Fukami and Seigo Tokiya. In January 2017, Seven Seas Entertainment obtained the license to publish the series in English. As of April 2021, fourteen tankōbon volumes have been released in Japan, while ten volumes have been published in English.

Three years ago, a ruthless race of interdimensional beings called the Disas appeared, wreaking havoc and causing destruction on ever-so-tempting-to-attack Earth. With conventional weapons proving ineffective, humanity's survival depended on individuals who transformed into magical girls by forging a pact with the Spirit Realm, which had pursued the Disas to Earth.

Following a fierce battle, the magical girls were victorious, and the surviving members were dubbed the "Magical Five." The Magical Five disbanded following the conflict with the Disas. Kurumi Mugen, Mia Cyrus, Tamara Volkova, and Lau Peipei pursued separate military careers, while their leader, Asuka Ootorii, retired and enrolled in high school.

However, Asuka's peaceful life is abruptly disrupted when it becomes apparent that some of their former enemies have survived. As magic can only be countered with magic, she is reluctantly drawn back into battle as an even more significant threat looms.

The initial episodes feature a flashback that sets the stage for the story while introducing the main characters. We are introduced to the main cast of characters, who get further explored later on. For example, Asuka, the protagonist, is a complex character with inconsistent tones, occasionally displaying violence, comfort, and explicit and sexual behavior all the same. These contrasting tones somehow come together cohesively to suit the overall story.

Asuka embodies various tropes, all while carrying past traumas. She exudes a unique charisma, appearing as a formidable warrior on the frontlines while maintaining a sense of normalcy as a regular person outside of battle. From the beginning, it becomes clear that she is striving to live an everyday life until a significant event forces her back into fighting. The series also explores her past trauma, which has resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and remains a lingering presence in her life. Despite her struggles, Asuka is kind and selfless, unafraid to take risks in pursuing justice.

Joining her is Kurumi Mugen, a combat nurse and her close friend. It is evident from the start that Kurumi harbors romantic feelings for Asuka, which become increasingly apparent, particularly in later episodes, thanks to some unsettling moments. However, it's important to note that this is not a romantic relationship focused on shoujo-ai themes. Kurumi plays a crucial role in the Magical Five, providing vital support during battles.

The other members of the group are Tamara, Lau, and Mia. Unfortunately, the series doesn't dedicate as much time to developing these characters as it does to Asuka and Kurumi. Their actions are shown rather than their personal growth. Nonetheless, the characters and dialogue are intriguing and attention-grabbing, and the world-building is detailed enough to keep you engaged.

The show also introduces the concept of illegal magical girls, who play an antagonistic role to the Magical Five. Characters like Abigail showcase the brutal and darker aspects of the magical girl genre. She excels at exhibiting psychopathic behavior, like using scissors to terrorize a hostage for her twisted enjoyment. So be prepared for graphic scenes of dismemberment and even a magical form of waterboarding, creating an edgy tone as well.

The show explores a variety of themes as a military drama, including terrorism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and its effects on both soldiers and civilians. The magical girls serve as representations of child soldiers. It also explores the consequences of a global war on the world's order, depicting political conflicts among competing military factions, the bonds formed on the battlefield, and other genre conventions.

One of the major highlights of the series is its appeal to modern military enthusiasts, fans of hard science fiction, and anyone who appreciates authors conducting thorough research. The show takes pride in having a dedicated military advisor, and it skillfully integrates magical elements into various aspects.

For instance, there is a magical creature mascot, which is a synthetic life-form with advanced artificial intelligence; the concept of a magic shield is presented as magic-infused explosive reactive armor; a magic truth serum is portrayed as a specially modified cocktail of barbiturates; and a magic memory wipe is depicted as a complex neurosurgical procedure that involves the use of a magical tomograph. These elements contribute to the series' blend of science fiction and exciting, exaggerated moments.

The series' visual style deserves special recognition as it successfully combines military and magical girl aesthetics, particularly evident in the design of the magical girls' costumes. As for the animation, which LIDENFILMS handled, it is decent, detailed, and consistently maintained throughout. The action scenes and accompanying soundtrack serve their purpose well. While the animation can occasionally be rigid, it still effectively brings the manga's story to life. In contrast, the manga's skillful and thrilling panel layouts help to compensate for any stiffness in the animation.

As “Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka” is an anime known for its intense violence and gore, it's no surprise that there is a significant amount of it, including graphic torture scenes. However, due to broadcasting regulations, some of the content is censored.

The series' battles are satisfactory, with the intense ballistic fight sequences and the distinctive character designs that set each magical girl apart in her own way, serving as standouts. LIDENFILMS, known for their ability to create dark and bloody anime, once again demonstrates their prowess, making the series' violent aspects even more pronounced.

The voice acting in “Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka” features several instances of actors taking on roles that differ from their usual type. For example, Aya Suzaki portrays a shy yet complex character who transforms into a total badass as Asuka. The same goes for Eriko Matsui and Ayana Taketatsu, who deliver captivating performances as multifaceted characters.

Overall, the show's voice cast is exceptional, with special recognition given to Aya Suzaki and Ayana Taketatsu. On the other hand, the series heavily incorporates techno music into its soundtrack, which enhances the overall experience. The background music is well done, and the opening and ending themes are particularly catchy. The opening theme, titled "Kodo," is performed by Nonoc, while the ending theme, "Rebel Flag," is sung by Garnidelia.

Asuka is an enjoyable series filled with silly and charming moments. While the unresolved plot may be disappointing, the show offers enough entertainment to enjoy while munching on snacks and having cherry soda on your sofa. It's important to note that this show is only suitable for some.

However, if you possess particular preferences, you might find it appealing. If you enjoy edgy content, are interested in "Yuri," are comfortable with mature content rated R-17+, and have an affinity for the combination of military science fiction and magical girl themes, this show may be right up your alley. If you’re a fan of the above, I recommend this show. If not, it’s better just to stay clear.