Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica

The Magical Girl subgenre had many iterations over the decades and is considered a classic of sorts, beloved by fans everywhere. While it may appeal more to a certain “cultured” faction of Anime fans than others, there’s so much to these stories than the Magic and Girls. Amidst the sparkling sorcery and cute girls, there are intense, well-woven and vibrant tales to be told with equally beautiful audio and video aspects. The characters that adorn these tales are just as pivotal as we see their world through their eyes, glittering and vibrant. But what if you’re searching for a series that will throw you off your feet under a clever and cute guise?

“Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica,” also known as “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” or “Magical Girl Madoka Magica,” is a 12 episode TV anime series that aired from the 7th of January until the 22nd of April in Winter 2011. It was produced by Aniplex, Mainichi Broadcasting System, Movic, Nitroplus, and Houbunsha, licensed by Aniplex of America, and brought to life by Studio Shaft.

The main staff behind it include Iwakami Atsuhiro as Producer, Mori Yasunori also as Producer, Ooshima Miku as Assistant Producer and Shinbou Akiyuki as Director. This anime features the genres of Drama and Suspense and the main theme of Psychological. The Rating it received was PG-13 for teenagers 13 years or older, but honestly, it's better suited for audiences above 16 years of age.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica is an Original series adapted from two main sources: the Manga and Light Novels of the same titles. The Manga spanned 3 volumes from the 12th of February until the 30th May, 2011. Author Magica Quartet and Artist Hanokage brought this Drama, Fantasy, Horror, and School series to life. The Light Novel (Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica NitroPlus, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: The Novel or Puella Magi Madoka★Magica: The Novel) by Author Ninomae Hajime which spanned 2 volumes, was published on the 14th of August 2011.

A single ONA titled “Mahou Shoujo Sonico★Magica” aired on the 1st of April 2011 as a Musical Parody. A 4-minute concept film titled “Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica: Concept Movie” aired on the 27th of November 2015. Alternative versions were released in the form of the “Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 1: Hajimari no Monogatari” and “Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 2: Eien no Monogatari” movies in October 2012, the currently airing “Magia Record: Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica Gaiden” Special series from 2016 and the “Magia Record: Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica Gaiden” TV series which aired in Winter 2020.

The sequel was released as a Movie titled “Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 3: Hangyaku no Monogatari” on the 26th of October 2013. The upcoming movie “Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 4: Walpurgis no Kaiten” will continue the series.

The series revolves around Protagonist Madoka Kaname and her friend Sayaka Miki, ordinary middle school girls living completely normal lives. Their daily lives take a sudden turn when they have a fateful encounter with Kyuubey, a cat-like magical familiar, and a girl named Homura Akemi, who happens to be the new transfer student.

The peculiar Kyuubey offers the two girls a seemingly delightful proposition: he will grant any one of their wishes, but they will each become a magical girl in exchange. It sounds like a pretty great deal, as becoming a Magical Girl will imbue them with enough power to fulfill their dreams. However, the magical girl Homura Akemi urges them not to accept the proposition, simply stating that everything is not what it seems to be. Thus begins a tale of hope, despair, and friendship, as all the difficulties of being a magical girl are addressed, as well as the dire price one must pay to make their dream come true indeed.

Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica is a series that received widespread critical acclaim despite outward appearances and first impressions. Numerous critics praised its brilliant writing, visuals, soundtrack, and most of all, its unique take on Magical Girls. Commercially a success as well, it sold over 50,000 copies of each BD volume.

It even won a number of awards in Japan, like the Television Award at the 16th Animation Kobe Awards, a total of 12 Newtype Anime Awards, the Grand Prize for Animation at the 2011 Japan Media Arts awards, the Inaugural Sugoi Japan Grand Prix and Japan's Nationwide vote for Manga, Anime, and Novels considered as Cultural Assets, with potential to be beloved globally from among all the works published since 2005.

Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica is a true masterpiece, nothing less. Most viewers start this series with little expectations, especially if they aren't Magical Girl fans. It starts off pretty well, with the first episode giving enough reason to watch the second. It is entertaining from the get-go and by the 3rd episode, dropping this series is almost impossible. In no time at all, viewers would find themselves at the finale, utterly blown away.

Kaname Madoka is a typical 8th grader. She is timid but happy and beloved by her family and friends just the way she is. Her life takes a big turn upon rescuing Kyuubei. She and the viewers are introduced to the spectacular World of Magic and Witches following the contract offered to her. To reveal more would be to ruin an absolutely brilliant story, so just be warned that this is not a typical Mahou Shoujo and is definitely not meant for kids.

It is probably one of the darkest anime out there, and the way it’s executed only serves to enhance its severity. The plot unveils perfectly with the series progression, and there is no lack of built-up tension, suspense, plot twists, drama, and heavy psychological aspects. This story will keep viewers at the edge of their seats; this much is for certain.

Is it wrong to hope? It can be so difficult to go up against the negative tide when so many people keep reaffirming it. So does that warrant giving up hope? The small and intricate cast of this series is so well written and executed.

All the important characters achieve significant development through the course of the series, they will grow and change exponentially in ways viewers would never expect. Some of the past and backgrounds are revealed in detail, giving significance to the reasons behind all their actions, mindsets, feelings, and emotions. Each of the characters are fleshed out and unique to this end and anime archetypes are non-existent.

Studio Shaft does an excellent job portraying Madoka Magica’s unique and peculiar style of Art and Animation. The character designs are simple with very light colors, nothing about this aspect really stands out. The Animation is extremely fluid, especially during the action scenes, making for a great watch. The urban backgrounds and sceneries, particularly the Buildings are very futuristic and cool. Its use of glass and decorations portrays a very peaceful world, soothing on the eyes.

The rural backgrounds and sceneries featuring more nature look pretty generic and normal. The contrast and mix between the greenery and the futuristic monochromatic urbanization is what creates a lasting effect. The best part of the Animation lies in the Realm of the Witches, though, which looks incredibly cool, intriguing, and unique. So much so that it is difficult to describe and varies from one Witch to another. Another praiseworthy aspect is the odd but weirdly perfect camera angles. This effect is spot on during dramatic scenes and adds to the overall chaotic atmosphere.

In the department of Sounds and Music, there’s nothing necessarily outstanding. The Opening theme is "Connect" by ClariS, it is nothing special, but it suits the Magical Girl subgenre well. The Ending themes are "Mata Ashita" by Aoi Yuuki, "Magia" by Kalafina and "and I'm home" by Ai Nonaka and Eri Kitamura. “Magia” feels like the true Ending theme overall, though, as it beautifully represents the dark nature of the series. The OSTs don’t stand out much either, but they fit well into the scenes, adding to each moment's intensity or drama.

Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica shows us that with kindness comes naïveté, courage becomes foolhardiness and dedication has no reward in the realm of a magical girl. They must accept this bitter truth to push forward down their path. This is one of the best Anime ever to exist, and the way it tricks us into thinking that this is just another Magical Girl anime is absolutely brilliant.

The story is incredible, the characters are intriguing, the Art and Animation keep you hooked, and the Music enhances the overall experience. The plot twists, drama, suspense, heartbreaking moments, and heartwarming scenes all converge into an excellent story that concludes with a solid ending. Highly recommended, this series is a must-watch. The only difficulty lies in the initiation; just dont judge this Anime before you've watched it!