Robin Moon
Recently, my partner and I have had an anime resurgence by sharing our favourite series from when we were teenagers with one another. Puella Magi Madoka Magica was my partner’s first choice, and boy, did it set the bar high. I went in completely blind, which I often enjoy doing with any kind of media, however I do actually think some context is required for this 12-episode series.
Since I’d never seen any ‘magical girl’ anime, it took a few episodes for the penny to drop that Madoka Magica is a total subversion of the sub-genre. It takes the basic concept of middle school girls being granted magical abilities and adds bucket loads of depth and nuance. Protagonist Madoka and her best friend Sayaka come across a strange creature called Kyubey that offers to grant them a wish as part of a contract to transform them into magical girls. But there is a catch. Nothing is what it seems in the realm of magical girls, which Madoka and Sayaka gradually discover via a rather mysterious new girl at their school, Homura.
The actual magic system itself is a good balance of being simple enough to follow, but with significant stakes and complications that lead to huge moments. Every decision has a pay-off, and no action is free of consequences, which is rare in a show focused on teenagers / younger characters. Lore is sprinkled throughout and elaborated on when necessary and relevant to the plot, making explanations feel very natural and deftly avoiding heavy exposition. Visually, there is a fascinating animation style used for particular settings that I’ve never seen before. It elevates the story just that extra bit!
There are rather a few twists and turns along the way which I won’t spoil here, but the way in which the story unfolds and information reveals itself is incredibly well-paced. One aspect of Madoka Magica that blew me away was that every character has such a complete and satisfying arc in the short space of 12 episodes. The writing is truly impressive! Each characters’ dynamic and interactions with one another feels genuine and is so easy to get invested in. There is such intimacy and emotion weaved into every episode—not to mention the heavy sapphic vibes that have made it a fan favourite amongst the queer community.
Madoka Magica is a unique, touching, and gorgeous-looking anime that I’d highly recommend. It’s much more than your usual magical girl anime, and covers a lot of ground for a short series. Be warned: have a box of tissues at the ready—I sobbed through the last three episodes SO hard. Absolutely worth it!
