If you are like me, saying the name “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” leaves an aura of cute girls and “Rule 34” hanging around. I mean honestly, if you type in the title of the anime in on Google, click images and then scroll down a few lines, unless you have “image guard” on your computer the results you will receive is staggeringly horrifying. I once heard a skeptic say, “”Puella Magi Madoka Magica” has given a bad reputation to Otaku’s.” Sadly, it is very hard to argue against that statement. It seems that the fan base cares less about the plot and themes of this anime and goes straight for the fan fictions and crossovers. I’ve seen what the fan base has done to this anime head on, which is one of the main reasons why I refused to watch it. I only decided to watch it one day because I was home sick with the flu. I’m sad to admit that I watched the whole series in a day, and hopefully this review will change the minds of the skeptics and remind the distorted fan base what this show was actually about.
“Puella Magi Madoka Magica“ is actually categorized as a “ Dark fantasy, magical girl, tragedy” anime. You wouldn’t think that at first judging by all the fan fictions and images used for the merchandise. There is a manga, movie and video game series for this anime. The first episode aired in 2011, so it is still a fairly new anime, but is quickly turning into a classic. It starts off like any other anime would. Fourteen-year old girl, Madoka Kaname is late for school, has no time for breakfasts and runs out the door with the classic “toast in mouth” cliché and heads to school with her best friend Sayaka Miki. In a strange turn of events, Madoka runs into this cat-like creature, which can talk and likes to offer contacts to desperate girls in exchange of having any wish granted. The catch? Those girls become magical girls, tasked with fighting against witches. Seems pretty decent right? Your wish comes true and you get cool fighting powers. Looks like a good trade, correct? Wrong. Not only are magical girls tasked with fighting against witches, they are also alienated from society due to the fact that those around them may be in danger. Madoka is tempted many times to become one of these magic girls by this strange creature who Madoka calls “Kyubey” but the new transfer student, Homura Akemi, is always there to stop her for some reason. The story is so intense it is very difficult to explain it without giving out major spoilers, so I leave you there with the summary. If you don’t want the series to be ruined, I suggest you do not look on Wikipedia. As for fan fictions, the fan base rarely writes about the show and more about the girls themselves in their own twisted way.
This anime is basically the definition of “don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” The amount of death in this anime is catastrophic. The drama and violence in each episode makes the cute little girl’s in the picture seem almost deceptive to those who don’t know anything about the anime. These “kawaii” little girls actually defy the laws of anime and destroy any prejudices put towards them. This anime is talked about so often that at times it really does seem difficult to watch. However, I cannot press enough how incredibly deceitful these girls are to observers! I challenge you to break away from the stereotype and at least try the first episode. You will be pleasantly surprised.
The art in this anime is incredible as well. During fight scenes with the witches, different drawing types and textures are used and are actually generally terrifying. The music is creepy and the characters are completely lovable, hate-able and terrifying as well. This whole anime is based on how deceitful first impressions are. It is so clever how the creators worked this theme into the very fabric of the anime. From the characters, to the character design, to story and conflict the theme is everywhere! It’s so disappointing how those few “perverted” fans of this anime totally ruined what it’s truly about.
Some things to be warned about are that there is slight cursing. During transformations there is some nudity, but it’s only shape and no actual anatomy is seen. One thing I do not understand is how people get lesbian innuendo out of the anime. I didn’t catch any at all. I feel like if you were really searching for it, you may find some, but I also feel like you have to be really immature in order to find them, since the writers didn’t intend there to be any. This anime focuses on good overcoming evil, friendship, and making you cry.
Despite my previous issues, “Puella Magi Madoka Magica“ has won me over and I hope this review will inspire you to at least give it a shot! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to comment below or send me an email! If there are any animes you want me to review feel free to ask! Happy watching mina!
~Lilatheen~
